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Recent Advances in Seaweed Biorefineries and Assessment of Their Potential for Carbon Capture and Storage

Author

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  • Katherine G. Johnston

    (School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, King’s Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3FF, UK)

  • Abdelfatah Abomohra

    (Aquatic Ecophysiology and Phycology, Institute of Plant Science and Microbiology, University of Hamburg, 22609 Hamburg, Germany)

  • Christopher E. French

    (School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, King’s Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3FF, UK
    Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Joint Research Centre for Engineering Biology, International Campus, Zhejiang University, Haining 314400, China)

  • Abdelrahman S. Zaky

    (School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, King’s Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3FF, UK)

Abstract

Seaweeds are among the most important biomass feedstocks for the production of third-generation biofuels. They are also efficient in carbon sequestration during growth and produce a variety of high-value chemicals. Given these characteristics together with the relatively high carbohydrate content, seaweeds have been discussed as an ideal means for CO 2 capture and biofuel production. Though third-generation biofuels have emerged as some of the best alternatives to fossil fuels, there is currently no large-scale production or mainstream use of such liquid fuels due to the many technical challenges and high production costs. The present study describes the concept of coastal marine biorefineries as the most cost-effective and sustainable approach for biofuel production from seaweeds, as well as atmospheric carbon capture and storage (CCS). The suggested refinery system makes use of marine resources, namely seawater, seaweed, and marine microorganisms. Firstly, extensive screening of the current literature was performed to determine which technologies would enable the emergence of such a novel biorefinery system and its merits over conventional refineries. Secondly, the study investigates various scenarios assessing the potential of seaweeds as a means of carbon sequestration. We demonstrate that the removal of 100 Gigatons of excess CO 2 using seaweed farms can be achieved in around 4 months to less than 12 years depending on the area under cultivation and the seaweed species. The total bioethanol that could be generated from the harvested biomass is around 8 trillion litres. In addition, high-value chemicals (HVC) that could potentially be recovered from the process represent a considerable opportunity with multi-billion-dollar commercial value. Overall, coastal marine biorefineries have strong potential for a sustainable green economy and represent a rapid approach to climate change mitigation.

Suggested Citation

  • Katherine G. Johnston & Abdelfatah Abomohra & Christopher E. French & Abdelrahman S. Zaky, 2023. "Recent Advances in Seaweed Biorefineries and Assessment of Their Potential for Carbon Capture and Storage," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(17), pages 1-32, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:17:p:13193-:d:1231455
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Damiano Spagnuolo & Antonio Di Martino & Vincenzo Zammuto & Simona Armeli Minicante & Antonio Spanò & Antonio Manghisi & Concetta Gugliandolo & Marina Morabito & Giuseppa Genovese, 2022. "Conventional vs. Innovative Protocols for the Extraction of Polysaccharides from Macroalgae," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-15, May.
    4. Zhang, Quanguo & Nurhayati, & Cheng, Chieh-Lun & Nagarajan, Dillirani & Chang, Jo-Shu & Hu, Jianjun & Lee, Duu-Jong, 2017. "Carbon capture and utilization of fermentation CO2: Integrated ethanol fermentation and succinic acid production as an efficient platform," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 206(C), pages 364-371.
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    Cited by:

    1. Reiko Omoto & Masato Uehara & Daigo Seki & Masaru Kinjo, 2024. "Supply Chain-Based Coral Conservation: The Case of Mozuku Seaweed Farming in Onna Village, Okinawa," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(7), pages 1-23, March.

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