Sustainability considerations about microalgae for biodiesel production

• Type: Chapter or Part of a Book
• Date: 2013

Authors

Teresa M. Mata (Author) FEUP; Martins, AA (Author) Other; Sikdar, SK (Author) Other; Costa, CAV (Author) Other; Nídia de Sá Caetano (Author) FEUP

Book

Title: Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts

Pages: 745-757

ISBN: 9781461433484; 1461433479; 9781461433477

Electronic ISBN: 978-1-4614-3348-4

Indexing

Scopus - 8 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00G-557

DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-3348-4_31

Abstract (EN): This chapter describes how to perform a sustainability evaluation of microalgae biodiesel through its supply chain. A framework for selecting sustainability indicators that take into account all three dimensions of sustainability: economic, societal and environmental, is presented. Special attention is given to a useful definition of the boundary for the system and to the identification of the relevant impacts associated with the biodiesel supply chain stages. A set of sustainability indicators is proposed for quantitative sustainability assessment, based on the impacts deemed relevant for each supply chain stage. Some qualitative arguments are also presented to support the evaluation. Although microalgae appear to be superior in some respects to other currently used feedstocks, the development of large-scale microalgae production systems still needs further research.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific