Utilization of macro-algae for enhanced CO2 fixation and biofuels production:: Development of a computing software for an LCA study

A Life Cycle Assessment study was carried out for evaluating the potential of utilizing marine biomass for energy production. Macro-algae obtained from the Adriatic and Jonian seas have been selected and tested for our initial case. Different techniques (supercritical CO2, organic solvents, and pyrolysis) were utilized in this study for the extraction of biofuel. Supercritical CO2 appears to be the most effective. A computing software has been developed which allows to evaluate various options and can be used with either aquatic or terrestrial biomass. It has been used in our studies to make an energetic evaluation of selected marine macro-algae. The results of the energetic assessment are presented here. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.