Fermentation study on Saccharina latissima for bioethanol production considering variable pre-treatments

Abstract

Adams, J. M., Gallagher, J. A., Donnison, I. S. (2009). Fermentation study on Saccharina latissima for bioethanol production considering variable pre-treatments. Journal of Applied Phycology. Proceedings 3rd Congress of the International Society of Applied Phycology, Galway, Ireland, Beardall, J.Belay, A.Kraan, S. 21, (5), 569-57. Proceedings 3rd Congress of the International Society of Applied Phycology, Galway, Ireland, Beardall, J.Belay, A.Kraan, S. (eds) IMPF: 01.02 Sponsorship: EPSRC; BBSRC RONO: BBS/E/W/00003134B; BBS/E/W/00003134EClimate change, fuel security and economics are creating a requirement for alternative, renewable fuels. Bioethanol is currently produced from land-based crops but in future marine biomass could be used as an alternative biomass source for bioethanol production. Macroalgae such as Laminaria spp. grow in abundance around the United Kingdom, reaching >4 m in length and containing up to 55% dry weight of the carbohydrates laminarin and mannitol. Using enzymes, these can be hydrolysed and converted to glucose and fructose, which in turn can be utilised by yeasts to produce ethanol. In previous studies on ethanol production from macroalgae, pre-treatment was at 65?C, pH 2 for 1 h prior to fermentation. This paper shows that these pre-treatments are not required for the fermentations conducted, with higher ethanol yields being achieved in untreated fermentations than in those with altered pH or temperature pre-treatments. This result was seen in fresh and defrosted macroalgae samples using Saccharomyces cerevisiae and 1 U kg?1 laminarinase.Peer reviewe

Emerging Contaminants Such as Perfluorinated Compounds: Toxicity and Oxidative Stress

“…Due to their unique properties, mainly given by the strong C-F bond, they have been used in a wide variety of technological and industrial application, such as surfactants in fluoropolymer production, metal plating, aqueous film-forming foams, paper, textile, and household products [1]. PFASs are highly stable and difficult to degrade in the environment [2].…”

“…PFASs are highly stable and difficult to degrade in the environment [2]. They also have the capability for longrange transport through the atmosphere and water [1]. Their presence in soils raised concerns over their potential ecological risks in terrestrial food chain [2].…”

“…This low bioaccumulation potential may be driven by the short perfluorocarbon chain length and particular functional group [1]. Unlike most other persistent and bioaccumulative organic toxicants, PFOA is water-soluble and does not bind well to soil, allowing for easy transportation through and contamination of human drinking water [3].…”

An Overview of Algae Biofuel Production and Potential Environmental Impact

“…Depending on the species and growing conditions, algae can yield a wide array of byproducts such as lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins. 15 Lipids are long carbon chain molecules that serve as a structural component of the algal cell membrane. The increased lipid content decreases the specific gravity, making the algal cell buoyant.…”

“…Forms of macroalgae are commonly used for human consumption, while microalgal preparations are marketed as health food, cosmetics, and animal feed. 15,16,29 Algae production can also yield additional secondary benefits such as the generation of hydrogen or methane, which can be used for transportation fuels. Other benefits of algae production can be gained from the removal of nitrogen and phosphorus from the treatment of municipal, agricultural, and industrial wastewater; the absorption of carbon dioxide from industrial flue gas; the production of protein for human or animal consumption; and the production of compounds for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and aquaculture purposes.…”