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Simultaneous production of bio-ethanol and bleached pulp from red algae
Min Ho Yoon1, Yoon Woo Lee, Chun Han Lee
1Dept. of Bio Environmental Chemistry, Chungnam National University, Daejun 305 764, Yousung-Gu, Gung-Dong, 220, Republic of Korea. mhyoon@cnu.ac.kr
Bioresource Technology
|October 18, 2012
Summary
Red algae, Gelidium corneum, can be processed for papermaking pulp and ethanol production. Optimal conditions using sodium thiosulfate yield both strong pulp and high ethanol, suggesting algae as a sustainable alternative.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biotechnology
- Biorefinery Processes
- Sustainable Materials
Background:
- Traditional pulp and ethanol production rely on forestry and starch crops.
- Exploring alternative, sustainable feedstocks is crucial for reducing environmental impact.
- Red algae present a potential, underutilized biomass resource.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the feasibility of using red algae (Gelidium corneum) for co-producing bleached pulp and ethanol.
- To optimize extraction and processing conditions for maximizing yields of both products.
- To evaluate the potential of algae as a sustainable alternative to conventional sources.
Main Methods:
- Aqueous extraction of Gelidium corneum at 100-140 °C.
- Saccharification, purification, fermentation, and distillation for ethanol production.
- Bleaching of residual solids with chlorine dioxide and peroxide for pulp production.
- Optimization of extraction using sulfuric acid and sodium thiosulfate.
Main Results:
- Incorporating 5% sodium thiosulfate (dry weight) optimized conditions for both pulp and ethanol production.
- High yields of strong pulp and significant ethanol recovery were achieved.
- The process demonstrated effective de-polymerization and high extract yield.
Conclusions:
- Gelidium corneum is a viable source for co-producing bleached pulp and ethanol.
- Algae can serve as a sustainable alternative feedstock for biorefineries, replacing trees and starch.
- This approach offers a promising pathway towards a circular bioeconomy.
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