Seaweed for climate mitigation, wastewater treatment, bioenergy, bioplastic, biochar, food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics: a review

Farghali, Mohamed; Mohamed, Israa M.A.; Osman, Ahmed I.; Rooney, David

doi:10.1007/s10311-022-01520-y

Cited by 115 publications

(56 citation statements)

References 364 publications

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“…Biodegradable plastics, known as bioplastics, offer a promising solution for replacing conventional microplastics in various applications (Farghali et al 2022b, Dhaka et al 2022). These plastics have already been used in food and pharmaceutical packaging materials, such as polyhydroxyalkanoates, and in agriculture and horticulture as mulching films for soil and crop protection (Filiciotto and Rothenberg 2021;Zhang et al 2020).…”

Section: Using Biodegradable Plasticsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Microplastic sources, formation, toxicity and remediation: a review

et al. 2023

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Microplastic pollution is becoming a major issue for human health due to the recent discovery of microplastics in most ecosystems. Here, we review the sources, formation, occurrence, toxicity and remediation methods of microplastics. We distinguish ocean-based and land-based sources of microplastics. Microplastics have been found in biological samples such as faeces, sputum, saliva, blood and placenta. Cancer, intestinal, pulmonary, cardiovascular, infectious and inflammatory diseases are induced or mediated by microplastics. Microplastic exposure during pregnancy and maternal period is also discussed. Remediation methods include coagulation, membrane bioreactors, sand filtration, adsorption, photocatalytic degradation, electrocoagulation and magnetic separation. Control strategies comprise reducing plastic usage, behavioural change, and using biodegradable plastics. Global plastic production has risen dramatically over the past 70 years to reach 359 million tonnes. China is the world's top producer, contributing 17.5% to global production, while Turkey generates the most plastic waste in the Mediterranean region, at 144 tonnes per day. Microplastics comprise 75% of marine waste, with land-based sources responsible for 80–90% of pollution, while ocean-based sources account for only 10–20%. Microplastics induce toxic effects on humans and animals, such as cytotoxicity, immune response, oxidative stress, barrier attributes, and genotoxicity, even at minimal dosages of 10 μg/mL. Ingestion of microplastics by marine animals results in alterations in gastrointestinal tract physiology, immune system depression, oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, differential gene expression, and growth inhibition. Furthermore, bioaccumulation of microplastics in the tissues of aquatic organisms can have adverse effects on the aquatic ecosystem, with potential transmission of microplastics to humans and birds. Changing individual behaviours and governmental actions, such as implementing bans, taxes, or pricing on plastic carrier bags, has significantly reduced plastic consumption to 8–85% in various countries worldwide. The microplastic minimisation approach follows an upside-down pyramid, starting with prevention, followed by reducing, reusing, recycling, recovering, and ending with disposal as the least preferable option.

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Section: Using Biodegradable Plasticsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Microplastic sources, formation, toxicity and remediation: a review

et al. 2023

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“…Bioplastics are innovative bio-based plastic polymers (Farghali et al 2022). Bioplastics are divided into three main types, (1) biodegradable and bio-based materials represented by starch-based polymers; (2) biodegradable and petroleumderived materials; (3) non-biodegradable bio-based materials (Abraham et al 2021).…”

Section: Bioplasticmentioning

confidence: 99%

Green construction for low-carbon cities: a review

et al. 2023

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The construction industry is a major user of non-renewable energy and contributor to emission of greenhouse gases, thus requiring to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Indeed, construction activities account for 36% of global energy consumption and 39% of global carbon dioxide emissions. Reducing carbon emissions requires adapted government policies, carbon emission analysis and calculation models, and sustainable materials. Here, we review green construction with focus on history, carbon emissions, policies, models, life cycle assessment, and sustainable materials such as biochar, bioplastic, agricultural waste, animal wool, fly ash and self-healing concrete. Analysis of carbon emissions over the building life cycle shows that the construction phase accounts for 20–50% of total carbon emissions. The average ratio of construction phase annual emissions to operation phase emissions is 0.62. We present national policy frameworks and technology roadmaps from the United States of America, Japan, China, and the European Union, highlighting plans to achieve carbon neutrality in the building sector.

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“…A 2022 state of the art review reported on a wide range of utilisations and discussed bene ts across 'climate change mitigation and environmental sustainability, food consumption, animal feed additives, sh diets, bioplastic production, biofertilisers, biochar production, carbon sequestration tools, crop enhancers, antimicrobials, anti-in ammatory, anticancer, contraceptive, cosmetics, and skin care agents' (Farghali et al, 2022). Whilst presenting a comprehensive academic overview, there is both a notable absence and lack of enquiry into the potential uses of seaweeds in construction.…”

Section: Gaps and Opportunitiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Biomasonry products from macroalgae: a design driven approach to developing biomaterials for carbon storage

Scardifield

McLean

Kuzhiumparambil

et al. 2023

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Lowering the embodied carbon of building materials requires a transition away from fossil derived products towards bio-based alternatives, alongside the design and development of new clean tech biomaterials that can function as carbon sinks. This paper explores gaps and opportunities for the development of seaweed-based construction materials that can support atmospheric carbon removal through algal photosynthesis and provide carbon storage solutions within the built environment. Utilising a biorefinery framework our research aims to valorise residual seaweed biomass where it’s being grown for waste-water management and to identify value-added opportunities for this seaweed by-product. We present as a case study the design of seaweed ‘biobricks’ and the construction of a 1:1 scale prototype, demonstrating what biomasonry products from macroalgae can look like. Our paper highlights the value of interdisciplinary methodologies that combine materials science with design research, and the role of design prototypes in showcasing novel biomaterials and new sustainable forms of biodesign.

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Seaweed for climate mitigation, wastewater treatment, bioenergy, bioplastic, biochar, food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics: a review

Cited by 115 publications

References 364 publications

Microplastic sources, formation, toxicity and remediation: a review

Microplastic sources, formation, toxicity and remediation: a review

Green construction for low-carbon cities: a review

Biomasonry products from macroalgae: a design driven approach to developing biomaterials for carbon storage

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