Sustainable Biomass Production Research Articles

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.

Issues of intensification of aquaculture production and new approaches to the development of the salmon industry

The article deals with the issue of providing the world population with food. Data on the consumption and impact of food products from aquatic biological resources on food security in general and on the level of consumption of animal protein are presented. It is shown that in order to achieve sustainable development of the fish processing industry, it is necessary to constantly increase production volumes and expand the raw material base. The possibilities of increasing the volume of aquaculture production in various regions of the world and the problems associated with this are considered. It is indicated that a further increase in aquaculture production is possible due to pasture aquaculture and intensification of production due to feeding. For the successful implementation of the first option, it is necessary to involve new water areas and optimize the species composition, and for the second it is important to ensure an acceptable environmental load and the fullest possible use of feed. The method of intensification due to feeding is more in demand, however, the production and use of feed with a high protein content have a significant impact on the environment. It is noted that the largest amount of such feed is used in the production of salmon species. As a measure to smooth out the negative effects of salmon production, modern approaches to increasing the productivity of marine aquaculture are considered. One of the measures indicated is the possibility of growing coho (Oncorhynchus kisutch Walbaum) as part of the implementation of the concept of integrated multi-trophic aquaculture, where the natural food chain is simulated. The target species in the process of vital activity creates conditions for the production of food of another species, with this approach, the energy introduced into the artificial system is most fully used, and the principle of sustainable biomass production is implemented.

Suspension Cell Culture of Polyscias fruticosa (L.) Harms in Bubble-Type Bioreactors-Growth Characteristics, Triterpene Glycosides Accumulation and Biological Activity.

Polyscias fruticosa (L.) Harms, or Ming aralia, is a medicinal plant of the Araliaceae family, which is highly valued for its antitoxic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antibacterial, anti-asthmatic, adaptogenic, and other properties. The plant can be potentially used to treat diabetes and its complications, ischemic brain damage, and Parkinson's disease. Triterpene glycosides of the oleanane type, such as 3-O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-glucuronopyranosyl] oleanolic acid 28-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl ester (PFS), ladyginoside A, and polysciosides A-H, are mainly responsible for biological activities of this species. In this study, cultivation of the cell suspension of P. fruticosa in 20 L bubble-type bioreactors was attempted as a sustainable method for cell biomass production of this valuable species and an alternative to overexploitation of wild plant resources. Cell suspension cultivated in bioreactors under a semi-continuous regime demonstrated satisfactory growth with a specific growth rate of 0.11 day-1, productivity of 0.32 g (L · day)-1, and an economic coefficient of 0.16 but slightly lower maximum biomass accumulation (~6.8 g L-1) compared to flask culture (~8.2 g L-1). Triterpene glycosides PFS (0.91 mg gDW-1) and ladyginoside A (0.77 mg gDW-1) were detected in bioreactor-produced cell biomass in higher concentrations compared to cells grown in flasks (0.50 and 0.22 mg gDW-1, respectively). In antibacterial tests, the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of cell biomass extracts against the most common pathogens Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant strain MRSA, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli varied within 250-2000 µg mL-1 which was higher compared to extracts of greenhouse plant leaves (MIC = 4000 µg mL-1). Cell biomass extracts also exhibited antioxidant activity, as confirmed by DPPH and TEAC assays. Our results suggest that bioreactor cultivation of P. fruticosa suspension cell culture may be a perspective method for the sustainable biomass production of this species.

Assessment of the marine microalga Chrysochromulina rotalis as bioactive feedstock cultured in an easy-to-deploy light-emitting-diode-based tubular photobioreactor

Marine microalgae have potential to be low-cost raw materials. This depends on the exploitation of different biomass fractions for high-value products, including unique compounds. Chrysochromulina rotalis, an under-explored haptophyte with promising properties, was the focus of this study. For the first time, C. rotalis was successfully cultivated in an 80 L tubular photobioreactor, illuminated by an easy-to-use light-emitting-diode-based system. C. rotalis grew without certain trace elements and showed adaptability to different phosphorus sources, allowing a significant reduction in the N:P ratio without compromising biomass yield and productivity. The design features of the photobioreactor provided a protective environment that ensured consistent biomass production from this shear-sensitive microalgae. Carotenoid analysis showed fucoxanthin and its derivatives as major components, with essential fatty acids making up a significant proportion of the total. The study emphasizes the tubular photobioreactor's role in sustainable biomass production for biorefineries, with C. rotalis as a valuable bioactive feedstock.

Management of Agri-Food Waste Based on Thermochemical Processes towards a Circular Bioeconomy Concept: The Case Study of the Portuguese Industry

Sustainable biomass production has a significant potential for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, providing an alternative to produce eco-friendly biofuels, biochemicals, and carbonaceous materials for biological, energetic, and environmental applications. Biomass from agroforestry and agricultural wastes is the richest natural carbon source and a sustainable option for woody biomass from a circular economic perspective. The European Union (EU) is estimated to produce 1.3 billion tons of agri-food waste annually. Portugal has a large supply of residual biomass, as well as other byproducts and wastes from forestry, agriculture, and the food industry, and has a high availability of residual biomass. By using biomass waste to create high-value products, Portugal envisages an improvement in its economic performance, while reducing its dependence on energy imports and fossil fuel use. This review explores the potential of agri-food waste obtained from Portuguese industries through thermochemical conversion technologies as a promising sustainable substitute for wood-based biomass for the development of eco-friendly biofuels, biochemicals, and high-value carbonaceous materials, and their applications. This strategy, based on the circular bioeconomy concept, can help reduce reliance on fossil fuels, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, fulfil the needs of the growing population, and offer a sustainable waste management solution.

Cyanobacteria Mediated CO2 Segregation: A Promising Alternative Method for Sustainable Bioremediation and Biomass Production

Aims: The purpose of this study was to examine the CO2 absorbent (NaOH) affected Spirulina sp. medium culture to verify growth rate, CO2 fixation ability and biomass production from S. platensis using the Zarrouk medium.
 Methodology: Cyanobacterium Spirulina sp. was cultured with Zarrouk’s medium at 30±2°C, pH 9 which was obtained from the Applied Botany Section of BCSIR. Besides, to prevent precipitation, the medium without the carbon source was autoclaved for 30 min at 121°C and then the carbon source and NaOH were added. Furthermore, every 6-day intervals, the biomass c content, pH, and alkalinity were measured. The samples were obtained for the same analyses when the biomass concentration reached the blend concentration (0.5 g L-1).
 Results: The first concentration was used 0.5 g/L. 47g/L (1.64 mmol/L) of absorbent. The mean increase of 2.45% for biomass generated by the assay using control (2.09 ± 0.11 g) when compared to the NaOH (2.04 ± 0.25 g) was due to the larger number of growth cycles. Besides, a larger number of growth cycles 35.4% for CO2 fixation rate increase compared to the control. The final protein (28.2 ± 4.5 % ww-1) and carbohydrate (19 ± 2.5 % ww-1) content in the biomass cultivated using NaOH was lower than normally found in the control assay (43.4 ± 2.9 % ww-1) and (11.5 ±1.2 % ww-1).
 Conclusion: Recent advances in CO2 fixation and biomass production utilizing microalgae were compiled and analyzed, with an emphasis on how adding the CO2 absorbent affected the growth kinetics and biomass composition of Spirulina sp. When compared to the chemical absorbent assay, the control assay's high growth and CO2-fixation rates provide several advantages.

Light intensity and spectral quality modulation for improved growth kinetics and biochemical composition of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.

Effective strategies to optimize algal growth and lipid productivity are critical for the sustainable production of biomass for various applications. Light management has emerged as a promising approach, but the intricate relationship between light intensity, spectral quality, and algal responses remains poorly understood. This study investigated the effects of different light qualities (blue, red-orange, and white-yellow) and intensities (45-305 μmol/m2·s) on Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Red-orange light exhibited the highest promotion of biomass growth and lipid productivity, with specific growth rates of 1.968 (d-1) and biomass productivity of 0.284 (g/L/d) at 155 μmol/m2·s and 205 μmol/m2·s, respectively. Within the intensity range of 205 μmol/m2·s to 305 μmol/m2·s, lipid mass fractions ranged from 10.5% w/w to 11.0% w/w, accompanied by lipid concentrations ranging from 68.6mg/L to 74.9mg/L. Red-orange light positively influenced carbohydrate accumulation, while blue light promoted protein synthesis. These findings highlight the importance of optimizing light quality and intensity to enhance algal biomass productivity and manipulate biochemical composition. Understanding the complex relationship between light parameters and algal physiology will contribute to sustainable algal cultivation practices and the use of microalgae as a valuable bioresource.

Soil organic carbon stock change following perennialization: a meta-analysis

Perennial crops replacing annual crops are drawing global attention because they harbor potential for sustainable biomass production and climate change mitigation through soil carbon sequestration. At present, it remains unclear how long perennial crops can sequester carbon in the soil and how soil carbon stock dynamics are influenced by climate, soil, and plant properties across the globe. This study presents a meta-analysis synthesizing 51 publications (351 observations at 77 sites) distributed over different pedo-climatic conditions to scrutinize the effect of perennialization on organic carbon accumulation in soil compared with two annual benchmark systems (i.e., monoculture and crop rotation). Results showed that perennial crops significantly increased soil organic carbon stock by 16.6% and 23.1% at 0–30 cm depth compared with monoculture and crop rotation, respectively. Shortly after establishment (< 5 years), perennial crops revealed a negative impact on soil organic carbon stock; however, long duration (> 10 years) of perennialization had a significant positive effect on soil organic carbon stock by 30% and 36.4% at 0–30 cm depth compared with monoculture and crop rotation, respectively. Compared with both annual systems, perennial crops significantly increased soil organic carbon stock regardless of their functional photosynthetic types (C3, C4, or C3-C4 intermediates) and vegetation type (woody or herbaceous). Among other factors, pH had a significant impact on soil organic carbon; however, the effect of soil textures showed no significant impact, possibly due to a lack of observations from each textural class and mixed pedoclimatic effects. Results also showed that time effect of perennialization revealed a sigmoidal increase of soil organic carbon stock until about 20 years; thereafter, the soil carbon stocks advanced towards a steady-state level. In conclusion, perennial crops increased soil organic carbon stock compared with annual systems; however, the time since conversion from annual to perennial system decisively impacted soil organic carbon stock changes.

Comparing forest and grassland drought responses inferred from eddy covariance and Earth observation

Temperate forests and grasslands have different drought response strategies. Trees often control their stomatal opening to reduce water loss to prevent hydraulic failure and ensure the sustainable above-ground biomass production. In contrast, grasses generally have a less strong stomatal control and maintain high photosynthesis and transpiration until the soil moisture gets depleted. That is when their leaves wilt and the grasslands reduce their aboveground green biomass. Both the increased stomatal control and the reduction in aboveground biomass decrease the canopy-surface conductance and decrease the exchange of water and carbon between the leaves and the atmosphere. Here, we study to which extent remote sensing data reflect the drought-induced reduction in canopy-surface conductance for forests and grasslands. We use eddy covariance observations over 63 sites across the northern hemisphere to infer the conductance. We identify severe droughts from low soil moisture content and reduced canopy-surface conductance. We further analysed how the drought response is reflected in thermal and optical data derived from MODIS satellite data. The results show that the land surface temperature increases with drought-induced reductions in canopy-surface conductance for both forests and grasslands. By contrast, the optical indices (e.g., the normalized difference vegetation index) show a much stronger response for grasslands as compared to the forests. We conclude that the different canopy-level drought response strategies of trees and grasses are widespread and that these different responses are reflected in remote sensing data. Hence, a combination of thermal and optical satellite data should be used to monitor and study vegetation drought responses of forests and grasslands to ensure accurate inference on the implications on water, energy, and carbon fluxes.

Fertilisation of permanent grasslands with digestate and its effect on soil properties and sustainable biomass production

BackgroundDigestate may be used instead of mineral fertilisers for both arable soil or pastures and grasslands. Broadcast or splash spreading of digestate on soil surface may decrease utilisation efficiency of nutrients – available forms of nitrogen (e.g. ammonia) – due to losses by emission. This research aimed to evaluate if the novel approach of split application of digestate deeper into the soil profile of permanent grassland by injection improves multiple soil and plant quality indicators. MethodsBetween 2019 and 2021, a small-scale-plot field experiment on permanent grassland with three experimental treatments: (1) control (unamended), (2) injector (20 m3·ha-1 of digestate, applied to the soil by injection after the first and the second cut), and (3) hose (20 m3·ha-1 of digestate, applied to the soil by hose spreading device after the first and the second cut). Cumulative plant biomass yield and quality were determined throughout the experiment. In October 2021, soil samples were obtained and analysed. ResultsThe injector application of digestate to soil improved long-termed total carbon sequestration, respirations induced by L-alanine and N-acetyl-β-D-glucosamine, nitrate content and urease activity. Compared to the control, soil pH was significantly decreased due to both approaches of digestate application. Although total nitrogen content did not vary significantly between experimental treatments, the nitrification rate was assumed as moderate in the injector experimental treatment and primarily high in the hose experimental treatment. This led to increased acidification; despite high ammonium content, it hindered further nitrification and lowered urease activity at suboptimal pH. The digestate amendment improved grass biomass yield and its nutritional value, contributing to the increased theoretical methane yield from the grass feedstock of the injector experimental treatment. This is the first report to benefit from this possible agriculture management practice for digestate-based fertilisation of permanent grassland.

Improved functional properties of the potential probiotic Lacticaseibacillus paracasei ItalPN16 growing in cheese whey.

The production of probiotic bacteria requires specific and expensive culture media for maintain their viability and metabolic response during gastro-intestinal transit and cell adhesion process. The aim of this study was to compare the ability of the potential probiotic Laticaseibacillus paracasei ItalPN16 to grow in plain sweet whey (SW) and acid whey (AW), evaluating changes in some probiotic properties related to the culture media. Pasteurized SW and AW were suitable media for L. paracasei growth, since counts above 9 Log CFU/ml were achieved using <50% of the total sugars in both whey samples after 48h at 37°C. The L. paracasei cells obtained from AW or SW cultures showed increased resistance to pH 2.5 and 3.5, higher autoaggregation, and lower cell hydrophobicity, as compared with the control of MRS. SW also improved the biofilm formation ability and cell adhesion capability to Caco-2 cells. Our results indicate that the L. paracasei adaptation to the SW conditions, inducing metabolic changes that improved its stability to acid stress, biofilm formation, autoaggregation, and cell adhesion properties, which are important functional probiotic properties. Overall, the SW could be considered as low-cost culture medium for sustainable biomass production of L. paracasei ItalPN16.

Biomass Production and Quality of Twelve Fast-Growing Tree Taxa in Short Rotation under Mediterranean Climate

Sustainable production of lignocellulosic biomass for energy use can contribute to climate change mitigation. This work aims to compare the biomass production of twelve fast-growing woody taxa belonging to the Eucalyptus, Casuarina, Populus and Paulownia genera, the quality of their biomass for energy use and its valorizing through transformation into pellets, as well as the effect of the crop on the soil. Over the course of two rotations, plant growth and biomass production were assessed. The yield of aboveground dry biomass ranged from 9 to 61 Mg ha−1 year−1 (equivalent to 137–867 GJ ha−1 year−1). The highest yields were obtained for Eucalyptus clones (51–61 Mg ha−1 year−1). The N-fixing species Casuarina equisetifolia and two Populus × euramericana clones (‘Adige’ and ‘AF2’) also achieved high yields (28–33 Mg ha−1 year−1), though significantly smaller than those of the eucalypts. Due to its low wood density, Paulownia fortunei was not very productive in terms of biomass (18 Mg ha−1 year−1), despite its good growth in diameter and height. However, some management practices, such as not removing nutrient-rich and poor-quality biomass fractions for energy use (leaves and thin branches) from the harvested crop, as well as the use of N-fixing species and by taking into account all nutrient inputs and outputs, can ensure the sustainability of the cultivation systems and improve degraded soils.

Defining a New Business Model for Sustainable Biomass Production from Forestry Residues in Türkiye by Using TRIZ

Global Energy demand is growing steadily. However, the world’s primary energy resources are fossil fuel based, and they are finite. Furthermore, it causes irreparable damage to the precious environment. Therefore, energy resources need to shift towards renewables, which can deliver sustainable growth and a climate-neutral outcome. While Türkiye has been quickly adopting renewable energy sources for power generation, it has yet to see opportunities for biomass generated from forestry residues readily available in abundant supply with an estimated quantity of about 5 million tons. However, most of this residue is left untouched in the forest due to a perceived lack of demand for this resource. This study aims to define a new business model for sustainable biomass production from forestry residues that will overcome this false perception. The new model was defined by using a creative problem-solving method, known as the Theoria Resheneyva Isobretatelskehuh Zadach (TRIZ). Through the semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions, the authors analyzed the responses by qualitative data content analysis (QDCA) to serve the rules of TRIZ. The new business model requires employing a small business unit (SBU) approach. It contains the involvement of forest villagers (FVs) engaged in a self-employment structure and regulated by the authorities.

Mechanisms Underlying the C3–CAM Photosynthetic Shift in Facultative CAM Plants

Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM), one of three kinds of photosynthesis, is a water-use efficient adaptation to an arid environment. CAM is characterized by CO2 uptake via open stomata during the nighttime and refixation CO2 via the Calvin cycle during the daytime. Facultative CAM plants can shift the photosynthesis from C3 to CAM and exhibit greater plasticity in CAM expression under different environments. Though leaf thickness is an important anatomical feature of CAM plants, there may be no anatomical feature changes during the C3–CAM transition for all facultative CAM plants. The shift from C3 photosynthesis to CAM in facultative CAM plants is accompanied by significant changes in physiology including stomata opening, CO2 gas exchange and organic acid fluxes; the activities of many decarboxylating enzymes increase during the shift from C3 to CAM; the molecular changes occur during the photosynthesis C3–CAM shift involved DNA hypermethylation, transcriptional regulation, post-transcriptional regulation and protein level regulation. Recently, omics approaches were used to discover more proceedings underling the C3–CAM transition. However, there are few reviews on the mechanisms involved in this photosynthetic shift in facultative CAM plants. In this paper, we summarize the progress in the comparative analysis of anatomical, physiological, metabolic and molecular properties of facultative CAM plants between C3 and CAM photosynthesis. Facultative CAM plants also show the potential for sustainable food crop and biomass production. We also discuss the implications of the photosynthesis transition from C3 to CAM on horticultural crops and address future directions for research.

Using Landfill Sites and Marginal Lands for Socio-Economically Sustainable Biomass Production through Cultivation of Non-Food Energy Crops: An Analysis Focused on South Asia and Europe

Food security and energy transition are among the current major global environmental challenges. Although these issues individually are significant in their own right, they are connected to each other in a nexus with different interrelationships and dependencies. In the quest for non-fossil alternatives for energy, cultivation of bioenergy crops has become an important part of the energy policy in many countries. In this regard, the use of fertile agricultural land for growing crops for energy production rather than for food supply affects the global food security. Recent conflicts and the geopolitical crisis in Europe, leading to increased food, fuel, and fertiliser prices, the existing climate crisis, and the crisis caused due to the COVID-19 pandemic, have further reinforced the understanding of this nexus, with certain countries mulling limiting biofuel production from agricultural land and others banning food grain exports to safeguard food supply. The idea of growing non-food energy crops on marginal lands in general and closed landfill sites in particular is hence ever more relevant, to avoid land-use concurrence between food needs and energy needs. Landfilling has been the dominant waste management strategy until recently in European countries and is still the dominant mode of waste management in low-income regions like South Asia. This paper provides a review of the economic as well as environmental benefits of growing Ricinus communis L., Jatropha curcas L., and Populus deltoides as energy crops on closed landfill sites in the South Asian context. While as the cultivation of Miscanthus X Giganteus, Silphium perfoliatum L., and Panicum virgatum (Switchgrass) is reviewed in the European context. The cultivation of non-food energy crops like these on closed landfill sites and marginal lands is presented as a potential component of an integrated food-energy policy, with an increased relevance in the current times. In the current times of multiple crises, this measure is of increasing relevance as a part of the overall strategy to achieve resilience and environmental sustainability.

Prospecting the biofuel potential of new microalgae isolates

The continued search and urgent need for renewable fuel sources have necessitated the exploration of microalgae to identify relevant species for making biofuels. The aim of the study was bioprospecting and screening native microalgae strains from freshwater habitats of the Almaty region, Kazakhstan, to assess the potential for producing biofuel. The studied strains demonstrated simultaneous biomass productivity, lipid productivity, suitable fatty acid composition, and biodiesel properties. The sequence analysis of the ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer partial region and ribulose-bisphosphate carboxylase gene (rbcL) led to the identification of five microalgae: Monoraphidium griffithii ZBD-01, Nephrochlamys subsolitaria ZBD-02, Ankistrodesmus falcatus ZBD-03, Parachlorella kessleri ZBD-04, and Desmodesmus pannonicus ZBD-05. P. kessleri had the highest biomass production (1.42 ± 0.08 g L−1 day−1), lipid productivity (29 ± 1.2 g L−1day−1), and C16–C18 fatty acid contents (90%), followed by A. falcatus and M. griffithi. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis indicated that the dominant fatty acids in these strains were palmitic, stearic, and oleic acids. The calculated biodiesel properties of P. kessleri and A. falcatus based on fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) profiles showed relatively good fuel properties (cetane numbers - 48 and 50; iodine and saponification values - 83.4 and 103.6 g I₂/100 g oil, 260.8 and 199.5 mg KOH g−1), which correlate well with. Our results suggest that P. kessleri and A. falcatus are promising strains for biodiesel production due to their high lipid productivity, fatty acid profile with relatively high content of oleic acid, and suitable biodiesel properties. The isolated native species of microalgae from natural freshwater bodies of the Almaty region present opportunities for further exploitation for the sustainable production of biomass and biodiesel.

Towards an integrated decision‐making support framework for the sustainable production and use of biomass

The decision-making landscape to maximize the use of sustainable biomass resources, and achieve long-term environmental and socioeconomic benefits, is complex with a high level of uncertainty in biomass supply and logistics, technical and economic performance of the biorefinery routes, lifecycle performance of the finished products, and other sustainability criteria. Numerous decision-making support models have been developed but these models usually assess only a few specific aspects of technology, regulations, economic, environment, and society. Decision-making support models with a limited capability to capture environmental and socioeconomic performance of the biorefining pathways are not able to identify the best available biorefining routes. This study reviews and discusses recent progress on the harmonization, standardization, and integration of the existing decision-making support models that aim to improve the comparability of the results of these models when different pathways are being assessed and align the decisions made at the strategic, tactical and operational levels. With the growing number of climate-change policies and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets, national and international efforts to harmonize the input databases, the model assumptions and system boundaries, and the integration of the existing models have been increasing. However, the deployment of the integrated frameworks among the bioeconomy stakeholders that are capable of evaluating and identifying the promising biorefining routes with significant economic, social and environmental benefits is still not a common practice. This study proposes an integrated decision-making support framework to identify cost-competitive, low-carbon fuel production pathways that are technically viable and can potentially provide maximum GHG emission reduction.