Algae Biomass: Characteristics and Applications

146 Pages·2018·5.14 MB·English

by  Katarzyna Chojnacka

Developments in Applied Phycology 8
Katarzyna Chojnacka · Piotr Pawel Wieczorek 
Grzegorz Schroeder · Izabela Michalak Editors
Algae Biomass:
Characteristics
and Applications
Towards Algae-based Products
Developments in Applied Phycology 8
Series editor
Michael A. Borowitzka, Algae R&D Centre, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences,
Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
Aims and Scope
Applied Phycology, the practical use of algae, encompasses a diverse range of fields including
algal culture and seaweed farming, the use of algae to produce commercial products such as
hydrocolloids, carotenoids and pharmaceuticals, algae as biofertilizers and soil conditioners,
the application of algae in wastewater treatment, renewable energy production, algae as
environmental indicators, environmental bioremediation and the management of algal blooms.
The commercial production of seaweeds and microalgae and products derived there from is a
large and well established industry and new algal species, products and processes are being
continuously developed.
The aim of this book series, Developments in Applied Phycology, is to present state-of-the-
art syntheses of research and development in the field. Volumes of the series will consist of
reference books, subject-specific monographs, peer reviewed contributions from conferences,
comprehensive evaluations of large-scale projects, and other book-length contributions to the
science and practice of applied phycology.
Prospective authors and/or editors should consult the Series Editor or Publishing Editor for
more details. Series Editor: Michael A.  Borowitzka  - [email protected]
Publishing Editor: Alexandrine Cheronet - [email protected]
More information about this series at http://www.springer.com/series/7591
Katarzyna Chojnacka • Piotr Pawel Wieczorek
Grzegorz Schroeder • Izabela Michalak
Editors
Algae Biomass: Characteristics
and Applications
Towards Algae-based Products
Editors
Katarzyna Chojnacka Piotr Pawel Wieczorek
Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Advanced Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Analytical
Material Technologies and Ecological Chemistry
Wrocław University of Science and Technology Opole University
Wrocław, Poland Opole, Poland
Grzegorz Schroeder Izabela Michalak
Faculty of Chemistry Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Advanced
Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan Material Technologies
Poznan, Poland Wrocław University of Science and Technology
Wrocław, Poland
Developments in Applied Phycology
ISBN 978-3-319-74702-6 ISBN 978-3-319-74703-3 (eBook)
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-74703-3
Library of Congress Control Number: 2018944284
© Springer International Publishing AG, part of Springer Nature 2018
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Preface
The chemical industry surrounding algae products has grown enormously in the last 50 years.
Today, algae biomass is not merely a food ingredient or an animal feed additive but a rich
source of bioactive chemical compounds. These natural products, which can be isolated from
algae biomass, have attracted the attention of biologists and chemists around the world. The
demand for and popularity of these products has grown significantly among ecologically aware
consumers, as the chemical compounds of which they are comprised originated from natural
sources and were not created as a result of chemical synthesis. Consumers’ requirements and
expectations are increasing, as they yearn for their products or materials to be “bio,” “natural,”
and “organic.” Recently, novel technologies have been developed that can convert algae
biomass into valuable products and allow for the extraction of biologically active compounds
from algae in an efficient and environmentally friendly manner. The development of an algae
industry centered on the industrial application of naturally grown algae biomass contributes to
sustainable development, as it preserves the given environment so it can be later used for active
recreation and leisure purposes. Algae biomass and natural products obtained from algae
biomass have played a very large part in the world’s history, and the trade in natural products
is an increasingly significant part of the world’s economy.
An interdisciplinary 24-person team of biologists, pharmacists, and agricultural professionals
present their monographs on the development of algae biomass in the European climate zone.
The aim of this book is the presentation of knowledge about the possible use of algae biomass
in various branches of industry and agriculture.
The 12 chapters of the book expose the reader to various aspects of key issues surrounding
the industrial and agricultural application of algae biomass. In Chaps. 1 and 2, the authors
present the environmental benefits of the algae biomass industry. Algae are considered a
potential feedstock for many products, such as food, feed, biofuels, biofertilizers, and
cosmetics. Additionally, the product of atmospheric carbon dioxide and sunlight conversion,
i.e., biomass, can be transferred via various chemical processes into valuable materials. The
biologists in Chap. 3 describe cosmopolitan taxa of freshwater macroalgae occurring en masse
in inland waters with respect to their biology and the factors influencing the fluctuations of
macroalgal populations (e.g., Cladophora, Oedogonium). Chapter 4 is composed of four short
parts, two of which illustrate algae as a source of valuable selected chemicals (phycobiliproteins,
polyphenols), while the other two are dedicated to the biocatalytic abilities of those organisms
that allow them to protect ecosystems against organic pollutants and transitional metal ions.
Chapter 5 was prepared by specialists in industrial technology. Dealing with biomass processing
by extraction on a daily basis, they discuss how to obtain and extract algae for potential
industrial use. In food and animal feed, algae biomass can be employed in different forms –
whole seaweed meal, powder, extract, homogenate, or fermented. In Chaps. 6 and 7, the
advantages (e.g., nutritional value, accessibility, etc.) and disadvantages (e.g., toxic metals,
sensory perception, etc.) of the application of seaweeds as a component of food are discussed.
Close attention was paid to their application in cereals, dairy, and meat products. Chapter 8 is
devoted to the issues behind using freshwater algae biomass in the cosmetics industry. It shows
that the presence of bioactive substances in their thalli determines the potential use of freshwater
algae biomass in the production of cosmetics. The use of algae and algae extracts in agriculture
v
vi Preface
is presented in Chaps. 9, 10, and 11. Agricultural formulations containing algae extracts
stimulate the growth and yield of plants in a very efficient way, because of their efficacy at low
concentrations. Concentration of phytohormones depends mostly on the botanical origin of the
obtained biomass, time and place of its collection, and the method of extraction of the active
compounds. Currently, legislation restricts the use of mineral fertilizers and pesticides and thus
forces new approaches for reducing the use of chemical products, either by parallel application
or partial replacement with enhanced formulations. Among natural materials of such capability,
there are algae that contain a variety of biologically active compounds verified to have a
beneficial influence on plants. Depending on their formulation, algae-based products may
show the functionality of organic fertilizers or components of organo-mineral fertilizers, soil
amendments (improvers), (bio)stimulants, and pesticides. Consumers expect that with the
increase in food products, their quality will also improve. This is especially evident in the
livestock sector, as the demand for animal protein is systematically increasing. This situation
led to a search for innovative products of natural origin that could be used in animal husbandry
and breeding. That product could be algae, which contain such ingredients in its biomass that
have a positive impact on animal and human organisms. Not only can algae-based feed
additives improve production parameters and animal health, but they can also affect the quality
of animal products. In Chap. 12, the authors present the use of biomass, as well as extracts
derived from said biomass, from the economic and life cycle assessment perspectives. The
economic aspects of obtaining algae biomass in the product life cycle are discussed with regard
to the bioproducts industry.
Processing algae biomass begins in the environment, is dictated by the variability of species,
and ends with the use of the product, whether it is biodiesel, algae cream, growth stimulant, or
animal feed ingredient.
We hope this book will be useful for academia, industry, and agriculture, as well as for those
who work in sustainable development and ecology and are responsible for shaping the
environment for recreation and leisure. The economic and environmental aspects of the
processing of algae biomass should be of interest not only to scientists but also to politicians,
environmentalists, and business representatives.
Wrocław, Poland Katarzyna Chojnacka
Opole, Poland Piotr Pawel Wieczorek
Poznan, Poland Grzegorz Schroeder
Wrocław, Poland Izabela Michalak
Contents
1 Introduction: Toward Algae-Based Products ......................................................... 1
Izabela Michalak and Katarzyna Chojnacka
2 The Environmental Benefits Arising from the Use of Algae
Biomass in Industry .................................................................................................. 7
Małgorzata Mironiuk and Katarzyna Chojnacka
3 Biology of Freshwater Macroalgae and Their Distribution .................................. 17
Beata Messyasz, Marta Pikosz, and Ewa Treska
4 Algae in Biotechnological Processes ........................................................................ 33
Emilia Niemczyk, Beata Żyszka-Haberecht, Damian Drzyzga,
Monika Lenartowicz, and Jacek Lipok
5 The Methods of Algal Biomass Extraction: Toward the Application................... 49
Agnieszka Dmytryk, Katarzyna Chojnacka, and Edward Rój
6 Seaweeds As a Component of the Human Diet ...................................................... 57
Izabela Michalak and Katarzyna Chojnacka
7 Algae and Their Extracts in Medical Treatment ................................................... 73
Karolina Korzeniowska, Bogusława Górka, Jacek Lipok, and
Piotr P. Wieczorek
8 Application of Algae Biomass and Algae Extracts in Cosmetic
Formulations.............................................................................................................. 89
Bogusława Łęska, Beata Messyasz, and Grzegorz Schroeder
9 The Biomass of Algae and Algal Extracts in Agricultural Production ................ 103
Bogusława Górka, Karolina Korzeniowska, Jacek Lipok, and
Piotr P. Wieczorek
10 Algae As Fertilizers, Biostimulants, and Regulators of Plant Growth ................. 115
Agnieszka Dmytryk and Katarzyna Chojnacka
11 Algae Biomass in Animal Production ..................................................................... 123
Damian Konkol, Wanda Górniak, Marita Świniarska, and Mariusz Korczyński
12 Economic Aspects of Algae Biomass Harvesting for Industrial
Purposes. The Life- Cycle Assessment of the Product ............................................ 131
Grzegorz Schroeder, Beata Messyasz, and Bogusława Łęska
vii
Introduction: Toward Algae-Based 1
Products
Izabela Michalak and Katarzyna Chojnacka
Abstract 1.1 Introduction
This book provides an overview of the importance of dif-
ferent forms of algae (microalgae, as well as marine and
Consumers have developed great interest in algal biomass
freshwater macroalgae) in different applications. Algae as
and its applications in many algae-based products. The ongo-
a renewable biomass can be used as a component in the
ing research on the cultivation, harvesting, characterization,
production of a wide array of products, including food,
processing, and applications of algal biomass in many
pharmaceuticals, health-related products, nutraceuticals,
branches of industry has led to the popularization of algae-
cosmetics, fine chemicals (dyes and colorants), feed com-
based products worldwide (e.g., Priyadarshani and Rath
ponents, feed additives, aquaculture products, and agri-
2012; Enzing et al. 2014; Kim and Chojnacka 2015; Ruiz
culture products (fertilizers, biostimulants for plant
et al. 2016; Bux and Chisti 2016). Some species of algae are
growth). Recently, novel and emerging technologies have
edible and can be consumed by humans. They also constitute
been developed to convert algal biomass into valuable
an ingredient in animal feed and can be converted into
products and extract biologically active compounds from
organic fertilizers. Extraction of biologically active com-
algae in an efficient and environmentally friendly manner.
pounds from algae offers a new range of products, which can
This book describes the characteristic features of algae
be used in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and agricul-
cultivation, identification, and production, as well as its
tural industries (Fig. 1.1).
subsequent applications. Algae-based products may play
The interest in algae is continuously increasing, due to
an important role in a sustainable future. The develop-
their unique composition. They are known to be a rich source
ment of an algal sector in industry could help to solve
of biologically active compounds, such as oils, fats, polyun-
many of the problems that modern society is currently
saturated fatty acids, proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, anti-
facing, including the security of energy and water, food
oxidants (e.g., polyphenols, vitamin C, tocopherols,
supplies, and climate protection.
mycosporine-like amino acids), and pigments (Borowitzka
1995; Michalak and Chojnacka 2015).
Keywords As photoautotrophic organisms, algae play the role of pri-
Algae-based products · Extraction · Bioactive com- mary producers in the biosphere (Bellinger and Sigee 2015).
pounds · Utilitarian properties Since algae synthesize their biomass in the process of photo-
synthesis, they could become a promising, cheap raw mate-
rial for industry, as well as a renewable source of energy.
Algae are characterized by quick growth and a relatively
high ability to fix carbon dioxide. This book covers both
freshwater and marine macroalgae, as well as microalgae.
Their wide range of tolerance is based on efficient adaptation
to biochemical processes, as well as their specific cellular
I. Michalak (*) · K. Chojnacka structure, which predisposes these biota to growth and devel-
Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Advanced Material
opment under laboratory and industrial conditions (e.g.,
Technologies, Wrocław University of Science and Technology,
Andersen 2005; Demirbas and Demirbas 2010; Enzing et al.
Wrocław, Poland
e-mail: [email protected] 2014; Kim and Chojnacka 2015; Bux and Chisti 2016 etc.).
© Springer International Publishing AG, part of Springer Nature 2018 1
K. Chojnacka et al. (eds.), Algae Biomass: Characteristics and Applications, Developments in Applied Phycology 8,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-74703-3_1
2 I. Michalak and K. Chojnacka
The chapters in this book present current aspects of vari- In the literature, less attention is paid to freshwater algae
ous applications of algal biomass derived from natural and than to marine seaweeds and microalgae. A survey of fila-
artificial environments. This book is intended for a wide mentous freshwater macroalgae, their growth forms, mor-
audience interested in new methods of conversion of algal phology, and competitive interactions is presented in Chap. 3
biomass into valuable products and in a variety of goods “Biology of Freshwater Macroalgae and Their Distribution.”
based on bioactive substances extracted from algal biomass. This chapter describes cosmopolitan taxa of freshwater mac-
roalgae (e.g., Cladophora, Oedogonium) that occur in
masses in inland waters with respect to their biology. This
1.2 Algae Biomass: Characteristics abundant occurrence of algae is caused by an increase in
and Applications water fertility, which itself is caused by the biogenic com-
pounds of phosphorus and nitrogen, stagnant waters with
Many environmental benefits stemming from the use of algal low flow rate, good light conditions, etc. (Smith 2003).
biomass in different branches of industry (Chap. 2 “The Knowledge concerning the factors that influence the fluctua-
Environmental Benefits Arising from the Algae Biomass tions of macroalgal populations and their metabolism and
Industry”) have arisen. The replacement of nonrenewable raw composition can inform us about the possibilities for their
materials with renewables is a strategy that has gained much use in various branches of industry (Smith 2003; Bellinger
attention, due to high energy consumption and increasing and Sigee 2015; Kim and Chojnacka 2015).
CO emissions. Algae are considered potential feedstock can- The natural and unique characteristics of algae have
2
didates, not only for the production of biofuels but also for opened the door wide for their multidirectional biotechno-
other products, such as food, feed, biofertilizers, etc., in a bio- logical use, examples of which are described in Chap. 4
refinery system (e.g., Demirbas and Demirbas 2010; Das “Algae in Biotechnological Processes.” Among the variety of
2015). High value-added products obtained from algal bio- examples, there are two main areas of activity in which algae
mass are considered sustainable, renewable, and environmen- are involved. The first involves the use of intact algal bio-
tally friendly. Due to the photosynthesis performed by algae, mass or manufactured algal extracts that are a rich source of
oxygen and high-energy carbonaceous compounds (biomass) biological substances of required quality (e.g., phycobilipro-
are produced and may be processed into valuable products. teins, polyphenols). The second area involves the biochemi-
Another advantage of algae is the possibility of their cul- cal metabolism of algae that are able to produce, de novo, a
tivation locally, on nonarable lands and at higher productiv- vast array of organic compounds but that are also able to
ity rates than for terrestrial biomass. Additionally, transform existing compounds. This approach allows us to
wastewaters and wastes rich in organic and inorganic nutri- use algae as effective biocatalysts. These properties of algae
ents may be used for their cultivation. In this way, water and help to protect ecosystems against organic pollutants and
nutrients are preserved and wastewater is treated (Ruiz et al. toxic metal ions. Some other examples of the biotechnologi-
2016; Enzing et al. 2014; Das 2015). cal potential of algae have been described in previous books,
Fig. 1.1 Valorization of algae
into high value-added
products