Third step: Thus, with the interpretation of the results, it was possible to conclude the process in question; microalgae are potential raw materials for obtaining
biodiesel through solvent extraction. Therefore, a positive NER of 4.36 was
obtained for biodiesel generation. However, if we followed the biorefinery process
and opted to obtain the pigments extracted from the defatted biomass together with
the biodiesel, we would obtain negative NER of 0.034. In this way, in addition to
continuing with positive net energy, we could increase the profits of sales of this
chemical by up to 30%. On the other hand, to get microalgae meal, the energy
expenditure would have decreased, resulting in a NER of 0.066. As for water
distribution, the process resulted in an expense of 551.1 m
3 and remains unchanged
before this biorefinery system. In addition, the atmospheric emissions were quantified in relation to the fossil energy required for the operation of the system and
those emitted by the equipment, resulting in a value of 19,332.92 kg CO 2eq , yet the
CO 2 absorption required for the growth of microalgae was disregarded.
5 Final Considerations
The life cycle assessment can be used in the most diverse industrial segments, but it
has become a key tool as a critical parameter in relation to microalgal biofuels
reports.
Moreover, to take advantage of the benefits that the LCA provides, its application involves a series of steps established by the ISO that was developed with the
objective of guaranteeing great results, but they need the time, resources, and
qualified human resources to be executed.
Finally, even with its application complexity, LCA is an excellent option for the
monitoring of environmental issues related to biofuels and can contribute to sustainable development, thereby providing an overview of the environmental aspects
and impacts associated with the product and providing subsidies that enable the
implementation of improvements throughout its life cycle.
References
Adesanya, V. O., Cadena, E., Scott, S. A., & Smith, A. G. (2014). Life cycle assessment on
microalgal biodiesel production using a hybrid cultivation system. Bioresource Technology,
163, 343–355.
Bicalho, T., Sauer, I., Rambaud, A., & Altukhova, Y. (2017). LCA data quality: A management
science perspective. Journal of Cleaner Production, 156, 888–898.
Blanchard, R., Kumschick, S., & Richardson, D. M. (2017). Biofuel plants as potential invasive
species: Environmental concerns and progress towards objective risk assessment. In Roadmap
for sustainable biofuels in southern Africa (pp. 47–60). Nomos Verlagsgesellschaft mbH &
Co. KG.
152
M. C. Deprá et al.
biodiesel through solvent extraction. Therefore, a positive NER of 4.36 was
obtained for biodiesel generation. However, if we followed the biorefinery process
and opted to obtain the pigments extracted from the defatted biomass together with
the biodiesel, we would obtain negative NER of 0.034. In this way, in addition to
continuing with positive net energy, we could increase the profits of sales of this
chemical by up to 30%. On the other hand, to get microalgae meal, the energy
expenditure would have decreased, resulting in a NER of 0.066. As for water
distribution, the process resulted in an expense of 551.1 m
3 and remains unchanged
before this biorefinery system. In addition, the atmospheric emissions were quantified in relation to the fossil energy required for the operation of the system and
those emitted by the equipment, resulting in a value of 19,332.92 kg CO 2eq , yet the
CO 2 absorption required for the growth of microalgae was disregarded.
5 Final Considerations
The life cycle assessment can be used in the most diverse industrial segments, but it
has become a key tool as a critical parameter in relation to microalgal biofuels
reports.
Moreover, to take advantage of the benefits that the LCA provides, its application involves a series of steps established by the ISO that was developed with the
objective of guaranteeing great results, but they need the time, resources, and
qualified human resources to be executed.
Finally, even with its application complexity, LCA is an excellent option for the
monitoring of environmental issues related to biofuels and can contribute to sustainable development, thereby providing an overview of the environmental aspects
and impacts associated with the product and providing subsidies that enable the
implementation of improvements throughout its life cycle.
References
Adesanya, V. O., Cadena, E., Scott, S. A., & Smith, A. G. (2014). Life cycle assessment on
microalgal biodiesel production using a hybrid cultivation system. Bioresource Technology,
163, 343–355.
Bicalho, T., Sauer, I., Rambaud, A., & Altukhova, Y. (2017). LCA data quality: A management
science perspective. Journal of Cleaner Production, 156, 888–898.
Blanchard, R., Kumschick, S., & Richardson, D. M. (2017). Biofuel plants as potential invasive
species: Environmental concerns and progress towards objective risk assessment. In Roadmap
for sustainable biofuels in southern Africa (pp. 47–60). Nomos Verlagsgesellschaft mbH &
Co. KG.
152
M. C. Deprá et al.