Turning an invasive alien species into a valuable biomass: Anaerobic digestion of Rugulopteryx okamurae after thermal and new developed low-cost mechanical pretreatments

Microwave-Assisted Hydrothermal Processing of Rugulopteryx okamurae

“…The presence of small crystalline precipitates from the extraction treatment in those processed in the presence of sea water was also observed. The creation of surface micro-pores and small pieces of debris on the surface suggesting the structural damage has also been reported for milder temperatures (120 °C), enough to enhance the methane production [ 7 ].…”

“…[ 15 ] and the future impact of such tides could be quite different if they become regarded as potential crops rather than harmful weeds [ 16 ]. The biomass valorization has been proposed to lower the expansion of this invasive species; De la Lama-Calvente et al (2021) proposed an anaerobic co-digestion of R. okamurae biomass with olive mill solid waste to enhance both the methane yield and biodegradability of both substrates [ 15 ] and De la Lama Calvente et al (2023) proposed a new mechanical pretreatment with zeolite and a thermal pretreatment at 120 °C for 45 min to improve the process [ 7 ]. A microwave irradiation pretreatment before enzyme hydrolysis for obtaining reducing sugars was successful to produce volatile fatty acids in dark fermentation [ 17 ].…”

“…The Strait of Gibraltar is an area exposed to multiple environmental changes including other invasive seaweed species, but in this area R. okamurae has displaced the local biota and substantial amounts of beach coast material, generating a great ecological impact and also affecting human and economic activities [3]. The urgent need to implement management measures has been highlighted [6], and solutions integrated into a circular economy model are preferred [7].…”