Life cycle assessment of microalgal cultivation medium: biomass, glycerol, and beta-carotene production by Dunaliella salina and Dunaliella tertiolecta

Abstract Purpose Dunaliella is a halophilic genus of microalgae with high potential in the global food market. The microalgal cultivation process contributes to not only economic impact but also environmental impact, especially regarding artificial medium composition. In this context, life cycle assessment was carried out analyze impacts associated components modified Johnson (MJM) and predict best scenarios cultivate tertiolecta salina for biomass, glycerol, beta-carotene production. Method Two chains were analyzed separately: (1) (strain DF 15) cultivated 8 combining different nitrogen (0.1 1.0 g L −1 KNO 3 ) magnesium (1.1–2.3 MgCl 2 .6H O) concentrations produce (2) CCAP 19/30) 5 salt (116.9–175.4 sea salt) biomass glycerol. addition, we evaluated cultivating these species reduce carbon footprint proposed scenarios. Results discussion For D. , S (1 1.1 had lowest damage (74.2 mPt) glycerol production (0.95 Pt) 1.9 (3.88 Pt). T 4 116.9 (74 (0.49 “Respiratory inorganics,” “Non-renewable energy,” “Global warming” most impacted categories. “Human health,” “Climate change,” “Resources” highest share all All presented negative emission after proposing using brine as alternative source: scenario (− 157.5 kg CO -eq) 213.6 -eq). Conclusion LCA proved its importance accurately predicting optimal MJM composition bioproducts, confirmed by Monte Carlo simulation. Although absolute values productivity cannot be directly compared large-scale cultivation, validity results at scale remains intact. Productivity gains could outweigh “surplus” components. Our study showcased capture, leading more environmentally friendly system reduced footprint.