An attributional life cycle assessment of microbial protein production: A case study on using hydrogen-oxidizing bacteria

Novel food production technologies are being developed to address the challenges of securing sustainable and healthy nutrition for growing global population. This study assessed environmental impacts microbial protein (MP) produced by autotrophic hydrogen-oxidizing bacteria (HOB). Data was collected from a company currently producing MP using HOB (hereafter simply referred as MP) on small-scale. Earlier studies have performed an assessment theoretical basis but no yet has used empirical data. An attributional life cycle (LCA) with cradle-to-gate approach quantify warming potential (GWP), land use, freshwater marine eutrophication potential, water scarcity, human (non-)carcinogenic toxicity, cumulative energy demand (CED) in Finland. A Monte Carlo analysis assess uncertainties while sensitivity explore alternative options locations. The results were compared animal- plant-based sources consumption well feed. Electricity had highest contribution impacts. Therefore, source substantial impact results. hydropower yielded 87.5% lower GWP average Finnish electricity mix. In comparison animal-based production, 53–100% depending reference product assumed production. When use requirements, reduced only if low-emission used. Compared feed often resulted (FHE), acidification generally caused high scarcity required more energy.