Journal Article

FZJ-2022-02778

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Environmental impacts of biosurfactant production based on substrates from the sugar industry

Schonhoff, A. (Corresponding author)FZJ* ; Ihling, N. ; Schreiber, A.FZJ* ; Zapp, P.FZJ*

2022
ACS Publ. Washington, DC

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Please use a persistent id in citations: http://hdl.handle.net/2128/31677  doi:10.1021/acssuschemeng.2c01256

Abstract: Regarding the omnipresent topic of climate change, establishing a bio-economy appears reasonable, but requires critical analysis of its products. This project-specific study (project Bio²) presents previously unknown environmental impacts caused by the novel production of biosurfactants (rhamnolipids (RL) and mannosylerythritol lipids (MEL)) based on substrates from sugar industry (molasses and sugar beet pulp) using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). Identifying critical impacts and processes (e.g., extraction agent production) reveals optimization potentials for the considered forward-looking process designs. Based on surfactants’ specific cleaning performance, environmental impacts vary substantially for RL and MEL. Primary causes of MEL productions’ lower environmental impacts are advantageous microbial properties and process designs. Substrate choice does not play an essential role. An analysis of realistic yield changes and comparisons with conventional surfactants sharpens the view on the development position of the chosen surfactants. In particular MEL shows environmental benefits compared to today’s oleo-/petrochemical produced surfactants. Identified optimization options (e.g., increased agent recycling) and yield increases could strengthen especially the advantages of MEL. Summarizing, the results show advantages of MEL compared to RL to some degree, indicate weak points of current processes and highlight favorable options for future design of RL and MEL production, regarding their environmental impact.

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Systemforschung und Technologische Entwicklung (IEK-STE)

Research Program(s):

1. 1112 - Societally Feasible Transformation Pathways (POF4-111) (POF4-111)
2. BioSC - Bioeconomy Science Center (BioSC) (BioSC)

Appears in the scientific report 2022

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Database coverage:
; ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Engineering, Computing and Technology ; Current Contents - Physical, Chemical and Earth Sciences ; Essential Science Indicators ; IF >= 5 ; JCR ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection

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