Sustainable Biomass Production Research Articles

Brightening microalgal potential: A study on organic fluorescent dyes to increase photosynthetic active radiation

Microalgae hold promise for sustainable biomass and bioactive metabolite production, yet their commercial viability faces challenges due to low productivity, often linked to inefficient light utilisation. Algae absorb light primarily in the 400–500 nm (blue) and 600–700 nm (red) range termed photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), leaving excess light untapped. Optimising incident light spectra is vital for high biomass production. Recent advancements have utilised fluorescent dyes as spectral converters to improve PAR availability in algae. The current study evaluated the solubility and spectral profiles of Diphenylanthracene [DPA], Diphenyloxazole [DPO], Rhodamine 6G [R6G], Rhodamine 8G [R8G], Rhodamine 800 [R800], Fluorescein Isothiocyanate [FITC], Lumogen Yellow [LY], and Lumogen Red [LR] in methanol, ethanol, and acetone across varying concentrations. DPA and DPO absorbed UV light and emitted in violet/blue wavelengths. In contrast, R8G emitted light in the blue-green region (450–500 nm), which could potentially stimulate pigment and lipid production in algae. LY exhibited peaks covering green to red PAR wavelengths. LR dye displayed an excitation/emission range of 320–400 and 590–660 nm, whereas R6G, R800, and FITC showed no PAR-related emissions. Most dyes showed higher fluorescence at 10 mgL−1 in methanol. DPA, LY, and R8G displayed the highest energy emissions, with LR emitting 9.56 × 10−18 J·photon−1, suggesting its potential to supply ample energy for supporting algal growth. This spectral conversion strategy shows promise for enhancing microalgae growth and metabolite production, reducing reliance on artificial light, and potentially cutting energy and cultivation costs. The study contributes to advancing sustainable practices in algal biotechnology.

Morpho-physiological and yield traits for selection of drought tolerant Urochloa grass ecotypes.

Drought has become more recurrent and causes a substantial decline in forage yields leading to strain on feed resources for livestock production. This has intensified the search for drought-tolerant forages to promote sustainable livestock production. The objective of this study was to identify drought-tolerant Urochloa grasses and to discern their morpho-physiological and yield traits to water stress as well as the relationship between these traits and indices of drought resistance. The results showed that the ecotypes, water regimes and their interaction significantly influenced all the studied morpho-physiological and yield traits. There was a significant decrease in plant height, number of leaves and tillers, dry matter yield, relative water content, photosystem II and efficiency of photosystem II with an increase in non-photochemical quenching. The principal component analysis revealed that the performance of Urochloa grass ecotypes was different under water sufficient (WS) and water deficit conditions. Drought tolerance indicators (mean productivity, geometric mean productivity, tolerance index and stress tolerance index) were most effective in identifying Urochloa ecotypes with high biomass production under both water deficient and WS conditions. Ecotypes K17, K7, Kisii, Busia and Kakamega were the most drought tolerant, Basilisk, K6, K10, K19 and Toledo were moderately tolerant whereas, CIAT6385, CIAT16449, K13, K5 and K9 were drought sensitive. The five drought-tolerant Urochloa ecotypes should be tested for sustainable biomass production under field conditions and used in breeding programmes to develop high-yielding drought-tolerant varieties.

An integrated agroforestry-bioenergy system for enhanced energy and food security in rural sub-Saharan Africa.

Most people in rural sub-Saharan Africa lack access to electricity and rely on traditional, inefficient, and polluting cooking solutions that have adverse impacts on both human health and the environment. Here, we propose a novel integrated agroforestry-bioenergy system that combines sustainable biomass production in sequential agroforestry systems with biomass-based cleaner cooking solutions and rural electricity production in small-scale combined heat and power plants and estimate the biophysical system outcomes. Despite conservative assumptions, we demonstrate that on-farm biomass production can cover the household's fuelwood demand for cooking and still generate a surplus of woody biomass for electricity production via gasification. Agroforestry and biochar soil amendments should increase agricultural productivity and food security. In addition to enhanced energy security, the proposed system should also contribute to improving cooking conditions and health, enhancing soil fertility and food security, climate change mitigation, gender equality, and rural poverty reduction.

Life cycle assessment of open field sea fennel production in central Italy

Sea fennel is a minor crop of emerging socioeconomic importance in the Mediterranean region. Despite its potential, there has been no assessment of its environmental impacts to support its perceived sustainability for broader promotion. Using a life cycle assessment (LCA), we evaluated the environmental performance of sea fennel production in an open field. A cradle-to-farm gate assessment was conducted using a functional unit (FU) of 1 kg of fresh sea fennel at the farm gate. The system boundaries encompassed the nursery, cultivation, and waste management phases. Primary data was collected from farms in the Marche region of Italy. The environmental impacts were assessed using the Environmental Footprint (EF) 3.0 midpoint life cycle impact assessment method. From the results, the primary hotspot input was plastic mulch, with a relative contribution of over 50% across most impact categories. Increasing the recycling rate from 30% to 70% substantially improved the environmental performance of sea fennels, reiterating the need for further investment in plastic recycling. This study provides insights into the environmental sustainability of sea fennel production. Findings demonstrate that sea fennel cultivation offers a promising path toward sustainable biomass production, underscoring the prospects for its commercial exploitation.

A Comparative Analysis Assessing Growth Dynamics of Locally Isolated Chlorella sorokiniana and Chlorella vulgaris for Biomass and Lipid Production with Biodiesel Potential

Prior research has emphasized the potential of microalgae in biodiesel production, driven by their ability to replace fossil fuels. However, the significant costs associated with microalgae cultivation present a major obstacle to scaling up production. This study aims to develop an eco-friendly microalgae cultivation system by integrating carbon dioxide from flue gas emissions with an affordable photobioreactor, providing a sustainable biomass production. The research evaluates the growth performance of Chlorella sorokiniana and Chlorella vulgaris across this integrated system for biomass and lipid production. Results indicate substantial biomass yields of 1.97 and 1.84 g/L, with lipid contents of 35 % and 41 % for C. sorokiniana and C. vulgaris, respectively. The macrobubble photobioreactor demonstrates high potential for microalgae biomass and lipid production, yielding quality fatty acid methyl esters such as palmitic, linoleic and stearic. This study presents an environmentally friendly system for efficient microalgae cultivation, generating lipid-rich biomass suitable for biodiesel production.

Managing the interactions of illumination, nitrogen, and sodium bicarbonate for autotrophic biomass production and macromolecules accumulation in the microalga Chlorella sorokiniana

Understanding how cultivation variables holistically impact microalgal biomass production and macromolecule accumulation is essential toward sustainable scaling-up in open ponds. Efficient, non-wasteful resource utilization is imperative. This study examines the effects of three factors —illumination intensity, nitrogen loading, and inorganic carbon loading (as NaHCO3)—on Chlorella sorokiniana autotrophic cultures. By employing a Taguchi L9 design, these factors were evaluated, while let varying across three levels each. Illumination has the most significant effect on biomass production, while nitrogen loading inversely affected protein and carbohydrate content. No factor appeared significant for lipid accumulation, hinting that carbohydrate biosynthesis might overshadow lipid production. Using the derived statistical model, optimal conditions for maximizing biomass were determined: 7500 lx illumination, 250 mg NaNO3 L−1, and 750 mg NaHCO3 L−1, resulting in a biomass yield of 1105 mg L−1 in 16 days, with a robust R-squared (pred) value of 95.85 %. The obtained insight supports sustainable microalgal biomass production.

Nitrogen fertilization effects on aged Miscanthus × giganteus stands: Exploring biomass yield, yield components, and biomass prediction using in‐season morphological traits

AbstractFor sustainable biomass production of Miscanthus × giganteus (hereafter miscanthus), understanding the impact of stand age and nitrogen (N) fertilization on biomass yield is crucial. This study investigated the effects of varying N fertilization rates (0, 56, 112, and 168 kg N ha−1) on yield components (tiller height, density, and weight) and their correlations with end‐of‐season biomass yield in miscanthus. We also explored end‐of‐season biomass yield prediction using in‐season traits (canopy height, leaf area index, and leaf chlorophyll content [LCC]). The study was conducted at two sites in Illinois: a previously unfertilized 10‐year‐old miscanthus research stand at Urbana and a 16‐year‐old commercial stand at Pesotum with a history of annual 56N application. Results from 2018 to 2021 in Urbana and 2020 to 2021 in Pesotum showed increased biomass yields with N fertilization, varying by rate, year, and location. Biomass yield in Pesotum peaked at 56N, while in Urbana, it increased significantly at 112 kg N ha−1. Biomass yield was strongly correlated with tiller height and weight measured at Urbana across N rates. Morphological traits measured every 2–3 weeks during the 2020 and 2021 growing seasons showed that canopy height was the strongest single predictor of miscanthus biomass yield, followed by LCC. Mid‐August to September measurements of these traits were the best predictors of biomass yield. Multiple regressions involving the canopy height and LCC further improved yield predictions. We conclude that while N enhances biomass yields of aging miscanthus, the optimum rate depends on the site, environmental conditions, and management history.

Biomass Production and Metal Remediation by Salix alba L. and Salix viminalis L. Irrigated with Greywater Treated by Floating Wetlands

As an alternative wood source for biochar and a cost-effective renewable energy source, sustainable biomass production based on fast-growing willows irrigated with treated wastewater has been explored. Salix alba L. and Salix viminalis L. were selected for assessment of their potentially high woody biomass productivity and phytoremediation efficiency when irrigated with greywater treated by floating treatment wetlands. Both Salix species produced significantly (p < 0.05) high woody biomass in the second harvest, with a significantly higher fresh woody biomass weight with higher water content (53%) for S. viminalis compared to S. alba. The dry biomass weight of S. alba was greater than of S. viminalis at the first harvest. The element accumulations in substrates changed significantly after irrigation, with greywater compared to the raw substrate following this order: Mg > Fe > Al > Cr > Mn > Cd > Cu > B. Element concentrations accumulated in twigs of S. alba following this order: Ca > Mg > Na > Mn > Zn > Fe > Al > Cd > Cu > Cr > Ni > B, but for S. viminalis the order was Ca > Mg > Mn > Zn > Na > Fe > Al > Cd > Cu > Ni > Cr > B. The accumulations of Al, B, Ca, Fe, Mg, Mn, and Ni were significantly greater in S. alba leaves compared to their twigs, which showed significantly high accumulations of Na and Zn. The accumulations of Al, B, Ca, Fe, Mg, Mn, and Na were significantly greater in S. viminalis leaves compared to their twigs.

Microalgae cultivation with recycled harvesting water achieved economic and sustainable production of biomass and lipid: Feasibility assessment and inhibitory factors analysis

This study was conducted to achieve economic and sustainable production of biomass and lipids from Chlorella sorokiniana by recirculating cultivation with recycled harvesting water, to identify the major inhibitory factors in recirculating culture, and to analyze accordingly economic benefits. The results showed that recirculating microalgae cultivation (RMC) could obtain 0.20–0.32 g/L biomass and lipid content increased by 23.1 %-38.5 %. Correlation analysis showed that the extracellular polysaccharide (PSext), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and chromaticity of recirculating water inhibited photosynthesis and induced oxidative stress, thus inhibiting the growth of C. sorokiniana. In addition, the economic benefits analysis found that circulating the medium twice could save about 30 % of production cost, which is the most economical RMC solution. In conclusion, this study verified the feasibility and economy of RMC, and provided a better understanding of inhibitory factors identification in culture.

Future production of yeast biomass for sustainable proteins: a critical review

This article reviews current knowledge that can be applied to sustainable production of yeast biomass for food applications.

A comprehensive policy framework for unlocking the potential of water hyacinth in Ethiopia’s circular bioeconomy

The invasive water hyacinth (WH), Eichhornia crassipes, poses a severe environmental and economic threat to Ethiopian water bodies, particularly in the Rift Valley water bodies and Lake Tana. Known for its rapid proliferation, WH outcompetes native vegetation, doubling its coverage every 13 days, and has the potential to produce 140–350 tons of dry weight per hectare/annum. Lake Tana’s northern shore alone bears the brunt of this issue, with an estimated 50,000 hectares of affected areas in Lake Tana alone covering approximately 130 km of lakeshore length as of 2015, apart from other lakes. In response to this pressing concern, the present study is dedicated to formulating a comprehensive circular bioeconomy policy framework focusing on effectively utilizing WH biomass. This innovative framework aims to convert WH biomass into valuable biofuels and other products, acknowledging its potential for environmental mitigation. It integrates diverse policy instruments – informational, economic, cooperative, and regulatory – to encourage sustainable WH biomass production and processing. With a focus on fostering economic advantages for local communities, the framework tackles challenges and outlines implementation strategies, highlighting the importance of international collaboration and robust monitoring systems. Success depends on alignment with existing policies related to environmental protection, energy production, and economic development. The framework unlocks economic, social, and ecological benefits and emphasizes stakeholder collaboration, community participation, and international cooperation. It offers a proactive approach to managing the invasive WH threat sustainably, transforming adversity into sustainable growth. Furthermore, it serves as a model for other countries facing similar challenges, contributing to the global shift towards a circular bioeconomy.

Food waste leachate valorization for sustainable biomass production from Arthrospira maxima

AbstractArthrospira has the ability to tolerate effluents from domestic to farm wastewater. Food leachate coming from fruits and vegetables can be toxic in water discharge due to high dissolved oxygen and nutrient demands. Thus, pretreatment is required before passing through wastewater treatment plants, which generates higher costs and contamination in water bodies. In this work, leachate from fruits and vegetables was used in different percentages to produce Arthrospira maxima using airlift‐type bioreactors with continuous air flow, two photoperiods, and two inoculums. The treatment with 3% leachate (T1) reached 5.23 g/L after 16 days, while the control reached 3.81 g/L (T0). An optimization of the biomass production was carried out seeking to use the maximum percentage of the leachate, resulting in the best treatment of 9% of leachate (T8) achieving 4.88 g/L. After optimization, three cell disruption methods were applied to the obtained biomass, quantifying amino acids and hydrolysis grade (GH), being the ultrasonication treatment the most important reaching 80% GH and a concentration of 25 mg/g of amino acids, while the unbroken biomass contain 13 mg/g. The Arthrospira maxima species is an algae that can be widely used as a bioremediation method, since it managed to reduce the concentrations of COD and orthophosphates, in addition to containing some of the nutrients that plants require for their development, given that plants require amino acids. During its growth, it is proposed to apply the biomass generated from leachates as a plant biostimulant.

Growth strategies of Chlorella vulgaris in seawater for a high production of biomass and lipids suitable for biodiesel

Chlorella vulgaris is a freshwater microalga that synthesises large amounts of saturated lipids, which makes it suitable for production of bioenergy and biofuels. Since its cultivation usually requires freshwater, it competes with agriculture, economic development and ecological conservation for this limited natural resource. This study investigated the possibility of the partial replacement of freshwater by seawater (50 %) in the growth medium for a more sustainable biomass and lipid production. Chlorella vulgaris 211-11b was cultivated as shake-flask cultures in Bold's Basal Medium (BBM) formulated with 50 % freshwater and 50 % seawater under photoautotrophic, mixotrophic and heterotrophic conditions for eight days with glucose as organic carbon source in the latter two cases. The alga's best growth performance and highest lipid contents (49 % DW−1), dominated by palmitioleic and oleic acid, occurred under mixotrophic rather than photoautotrophic and heterotrophic conditions. This study demonstrates a more economic and ecologically sustainable biomass and lipid production of C. vulgaris by saving 50 % freshwater, which is available for other purposes.

Efficient utilization of monosaccharides from agri-food byproducts supports Chlorella vulgaris biomass production under mixotrophic conditions

Microalgae are promising resources for the sustainable production of biofuels, feed, and high-value chemicals. Several strains can grow heterotrophically or mixotrophically on multiple organic substrates even if the high cost associated to their use can hinder scalability and economical sustainability of the overall process. The use of agri-food waste biomass hydrolysates might make the cultivation procedure more sustainable, while at the same time valorising underutilized by-products. In this study, Chlorella vulgaris biomass production and sugar utilization was investigated during mixotrophic cultivation on hydrolysates of two inexpensive and widely available recalcitrant agri-food waste biomasses: barley straw (BS) and citrus processing waste (CPW). CPW hydrolysate supported enhanced biomass production, compared to BS digestate, likely because of the presence, besides glucose, of significant amounts of galactose, which is rapidly metabolized by the algae. Notably, when pure monosaccharides were provided as sole organic carbon, growth stopped before complete sugar consumption. Arrested growth in presence of pure monosaccharides correlated with a drastic drop in extracellular pH, which appears to depend on both carbon and nitrogen sources. Our results show that mixotrophic cultivation of C. vulgaris on BS or CPW hydrolysates results in more efficient conversion of organic carbon into biomass, compared to growth on pure sugars, indicating that these agri-food by-products can be utilized as valid feedstocks for sustainable algal biomass production.

Leveraging Phenotypic Traits in Microalgae: A Novel Strategy for Wastewater Treatment and Sustainable Biomass Production

Leveraging Phenotypic Traits in Microalgae: A Novel Strategy for Wastewater Treatment and Sustainable Biomass Production

Microalgae cultivation in flat panel photobioreactor as a method of carbon capture: A review

Biomass is one of the renewable energy technologies that plays a crucial role in fulfilling our energy needs while helping to mitigate carbon release. Microalgae biomass is a valuable product that can be utilized for a variety of applications which are generally high in proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids. In relation to that, photobioreactor (PBR) is known to be the appropriate system for microalgae to grow efficiently under controlled conditions. Nevertheless, handling this system can be challenging due to its complexity since it operates through different physical and chemical processes. This paper describes a systematic review of the recent literature published on flat panel photobioreactor (FPPBR) systems for microalgae cultivation that served as one of the critical technologies for the sustainable production of microalgae biomass and bio-based products. A total of 115 publications have been identified and analyzed from the literature search focusing on identifying different designs of FPPBR that have been developed and validated experimentally and numerically. Ultimately, this review is able to provide valuable insights into the current state of FPPBR implementation for microalgae cultivation that can aid in sorting out new strategies to support climate change attenuation and the commercialization of microalgae-based products.

How does climate change affect biomass production and rural poverty?

The interrelation between climate change, biomass production, and rural poverty is an area of growing concern, as these factors are intricately linked and often exacerbate one another. The objective of this critical review is to investigate existing knowledge, identify research gaps, and explore how climate-induced disruptions affect biomass production, exacerbate rural poverty, and increase vulnerability. High-quality peer-review publications were sourced via Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar to include the most relevant papers in line with the objective. A bibliometric analysis yielded three key concepts: (i) biofuel innovations and sustainable development, (ii) climate dynamics and biomass environmental impact, and (iii) rural poverty and energy challenges. The review delves into the complex interplay of factors influencing biomass production, climate change, and rural/remote poverty. Climate change intensifies the challenges rural communities face, enhancing their vulnerability to poverty. For these communities, biomass production not only offers a sustainable energy alternative but also a pathway to economic upliftment. Addressing climate change through sustainable biomass production emerges as a vital strategy, providing a dual solution by mitigating environmental degradation and offering a robust framework for poverty alleviation in rural areas. The review emphasizes the urgent need to integrate climate action, sustainable energy production, and rural economic development.

Sidahermaphrodita establishment on highly weed-infested soil using biodegradable mulch film

The sustainable production of plant biomass for energy and material application within a growing bioeconomy is crucial to overcome the dependence on fossil resources. The perennial industrial crop Sida hermaphrodita L. var. Rusby (Sida) was subject of various investigations as a promising biogenic energy carrier, though its field establishment in the juvenile plant stage is challenging. While suitable chemical measures to suppress weeds in Sida are only scarcely available, the use of herbicides for weed control contradicts the sustainability in bioenergy provision. Therefore, this study aimed for an improved Sida plant establishing method using biodegradable mulch film on highly weed-infested soil. During the year of trial establishment, Sida growth under mulch film treatment was highly improved, resulting in 264% (±49%) higher shoots and 683% (±361%) higher ground cover by Sida compared to the control on bare soil where manual weed treatment was applied only, with weeds significantly reduced in number, size, and ground cover. Employing mulch film for the successful field establishment of Sida proved to be a promising approach as it effectively suppressed weeds despite high weed pressure, resulting in significant growth promotion of Sida.

Sustainable biomass production of introduced spruce species plantations under climate change

Sustainable biomass production of introduced spruce species plantations under climate change

Exploring Esterification and Pyrolysis Pathways for Sustainable Biofuel and Biomass Production

Abstract: The recent Years Increase the demand of the biofuels along with need of reduce the production cost of Improving the environmental sustainability of the biomass production or the biofuels. Biomass is on area of importance to reduce the overall uses of fossil fuels. In which the focusing the kinetic properties or the optical property of the production of the Biofuel or Biomass production. Process optimization and reaction kinetic model development were carried out for two stage esterification transesterifications... reactions of waste biomass. This study focused on these traditional processes due to their techno- economic feasibility- Which is an important factor before deciding on a type of Feedstock for Industrilisation.Since esterification reactions are acid catalyzed the synthesis of an efficient acidic catalyst will be very helpful for pretreatment. esterification of acetic acid which was used model reaction in Stabilization of biomass. The esterification is a potential route to remove the organic acid in biomass reacting them with alcohol Present in biomass with added alcohol. Water is a product of the esterification reaction. The concentration of acetic acid used to acidification; acetic acid is a common chemical species in biomass & was used as the model compound. The research compared the quality of slow pyrolysis produced. biomass collected. by condensing pyrolysis vapor using atomized ethanol (EtOH).Were also carried out for the analysis of biomass produced.