Life cycle assessment of an innovative rotating biofilm technology for microalgae production: An eco-design approach

Microalgae are recognized as a high-nutritional quality non-conventional feed resource which can contribute to address the increasing food demand. This study focuses on breakthrough microalgal production system, based rotating biofilm, with objective of assessing and reducing its environmental impact for two microalgae-based products: algal biomass protein concentrate (algae meal). The methodology is Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) an eco-design approach. approach dedicated emerging technologies low technology readiness level. Eco-design parameters were identified from process modelling assessment through iterative sensitivity analysis. results algae meal compared soymeal fishmeal benchmarked alternative technologies. NH3 emission factor, fabric support properties (lifespan composition) electricity consumption (power rotor blower) turned out be crucial parameters. Impact reduction ranging 25% 88.3% obtained by eco-designing this new technology. Environmental footprint biofilms outperformed other scenarios. Algae eco-designed biofilm has reduced at least 70.8% in comparison conventional aquafeeds (fishmeal soymeal).