Life cycle assessment of heterotrophic algae omega-3

Fish oil has traditionally been the primary source of long chain omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential nutrients for human diets as well many aquaculture and animal feeds. The demand fish is growing rapidly, due to an expanding sector rising in pet livestock feeds, while availability from wild caught leveled off over past decade. not easily replaced alternative sources required meet global demand. One most promising alternatives microalgae - original omega-3s. To understand environmental impacts omega-3s produced by heterotrophic algae, a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), assessing six impact categories, was conducted two algae DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) products, powder liquid suspension formats. These products manufactured at industrial scale using sugarcane both feedstock renewable energy source. life cycle assessment results indicate that cultivation largest contribution categories. A sensitivity analysis revealed yield, sugar were relevant parameters, choice allocation methodology did have strong influence on results. comparison with oil, data publicly available LCA databases, indicated formats commercial product offer about 30–40% lower climate change than oil. • Comprehensive 6 categories Omega-3 Sugarcane Most sensitive parameters conversion yield yield. choices do significantly affect overall impacts.