Conceptual design of a novel route for microalgae biorefinery associating tannery wastewater treatment with the production of biofuels and carbon dots

Biofuels Bioproducts and Biorefining 2026 Open access

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Authors: Aline C. Campos Pena, Caroline Borges Agustini, Alexsandro G. Souza Gonçalves, Luciane Ferreira Trierweiler, Mariliz Gutterres
DOI: 10.1002/bbb.70129
Cited by: 1
References: 101

Abstract

Abstract This study proposes a microalgae biorefinery integrated with tannery wastewater treatment. Each step of the route is analyzed, together with its yields, using data from the literature. The process begins with tannery wastewater treatment, followed by biomass recovery and pyrolysis. The three pyrolysis products – bio‐oil, biochar, and gas – are evaluated, and potential applications are suggested based on the yields achievable with current processing technologies. The results indicate that 1000 m 3 of tannery wastewater can produce 11.58 t of dry microalgae biomass, yielding 109.6 L of diesel, 184.3 L of gasoline, and 68.79 kg of carbon dots.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Algal biology and biofuel production Thermochemical Biomass Conversion Processes Subcritical and Supercritical Water Processes

Publication details

Journal / source
Biofuels Bioproducts and Biorefining
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
20
Issue
2
Pages
1211–1225
Publication date
16 February 2026
Language
EN