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Utilization of macromolecules from macroalgal biomass: identification, characterization, and potential applications

Author

Listed:
  • Quanxin Li

    (Lanzhou University)

  • Mohammed Jalalah

    (Najran University
    Najran University
    Najran University)

  • Saeed A. Alsareii

    (Najran University
    Najran University
    Najran University)

  • Farid A. Harraz

    (Najran University
    Najran University
    Najran University)

  • Abdulrhman A. Almadiy

    (Najran University)

  • Yang Yang

    (Lanzhou University)

  • El-Sayed Salama

    (Lanzhou University)

Abstract

Seaweeds (SWs) are marine primitive non-flowering photosynthetic macroalgae that occur in tidal regions of seas and oceans. SWs contain various macromolecules (including carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids) which can be used for different applications. In this study, SWs species (Chondrus sp. GEEL-19 and B. gelatinae GEEL-20) were collected from the marine environment for identification based on their morphology and molecular markers, followed by proximate, ultimate, and macromolecule analyses to recognize their use. The carbohydrate content was the highest in the biomass of Chondrus sp. GEEL-19 accounting for 49.98% but 37.61% of the biomass of B. gelatinae GEEL-20, indicating their potential use for bioactive compounds or ethanol generation. In this case, the leftover biomass was lipid (7.42–10.38%) and protein (4.09–10.44%), which limits the SWs application. However, high VS (75.01–82.56%), carbon content (31.56–38.95%), functional groups (COOH, OH, N–H), and TGA/DTG (30.55–52.71%) showed that the whole content of SWs biomass can be used to obtain bio-oil via pyrolysis, biogas through anaerobic digestion (AD), or bioelectricity from microbial fuel cells (MFCs). These results demonstrated that SWs could be a potential feedstock for human health and environmental applications. Graphical abstract

Suggested Citation

  • Quanxin Li & Mohammed Jalalah & Saeed A. Alsareii & Farid A. Harraz & Abdulrhman A. Almadiy & Yang Yang & El-Sayed Salama, 2025. "Utilization of macromolecules from macroalgal biomass: identification, characterization, and potential applications," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 27(4), pages 8383-8401, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:endesu:v:27:y:2025:i:4:d:10.1007_s10668-023-04237-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s10668-023-04237-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Rizzo, Andrea Maria & Prussi, Matteo & Bettucci, Lorenzo & Libelli, Ilaria Marsili & Chiaramonti, David, 2013. "Characterization of microalga Chlorella as a fuel and its thermogravimetric behavior," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 102(C), pages 24-31.
    2. Arif, Muhammad & Li, Yuxi & El-Dalatony, Marwa M. & Zhang, Chunjiang & Li, Xiangkai & Salama, El-Sayed, 2021. "A complete characterization of microalgal biomass through FTIR/TGA/CHNS analysis: An approach for biofuel generation and nutrients removal," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 163(C), pages 1973-1982.
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