Evaluation of the Life Cycle Emissions for Biodiesel Manufacture From Algae

The manufacture of biodiesel from algae has been evaluated from a life cycle perspective.  Biodiesel derived from algae is considered a sustainable fuel, but the proper design is necessary in order to minimize the environmental impact associated with this process.  Directly comparing life cycle assessments of the possible methods of algae-based biodiesel production will provide a more transparent choice in considering greener process pathways.  An analysis of the life cycle emissions from the manufacturing operation has been performed.  The study examines the process pathways to grow the algae biomass, harvest the algae, extract the lipids, transform them to fatty acid methyl esters, and final purification.  These various operations and their relative environmental impacts are described.  Methodology used to apply life cycle analysis to biofuel manufacturing is described.