The American Journal of Applied Sciences
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TYPE
Original Research
PAGE NO.
1-5
OPEN ACCESS
SUBMITED
16 October 2024
ACCEPTED
09 December 2024
PUBLISHED
01 January 2025
VOLUME
Vol.07 Issue01 2025
CITATION
COPYRIGHT
© 2025 Original content from this work may be used under the terms
of the creative commons attributes 4.0 License.
The energy potential of
seaweed: carrageenan
residues to bioethanol
Astria Agung
Department of Biology, Nusa Bangsa University, Indonesia
Abstract:
Seaweed has emerged as a promising
resource in the quest for renewable energy. This study
explores the potential of residual carrageenan extract
from Eucheuma cottonii as a sustainable feedstock for
bioethanol production. Carrageenan, a polysaccharide
widely used in food and industrial applications, leaves
significant residues after extraction. These residues are
rich in fermentable sugars, making them an ideal
candidate for bioethanol synthesis. The research
investigates the optimal conditions for hydrolysis and
fermentation processes to maximize ethanol yield.
Results demonstrate that carrageenan residues can
produce bioethanol efficiently, presenting an innovative
solution for utilizing waste from the seaweed industry.
This approach contributes to sustainable energy
production while addressing environmental concerns
related to seaweed waste.
Keywords:
Bioethanol, Seaweed, Eucheuma cottonii,
Carrageenan
residues,
Renewable
energy,
Fermentation, Sustainable biofuels, Polysaccharides.
Introduction:
The ongoing quest for sustainable and
renewable sources of energy, researchers and
innovators are turning their attention to unconventional
and eco-friendly feedstocks for biofuel production.
Seaweed, a marine macroalgae, has gained prominence
as an abundant and renewable resource with
remarkable potential in this endeavor. Among the
various species of seaweed, Eucheuma Cottonii stands
out not only for its robust growth but also for the
valuable carrageenan extract it yields. This study
explores a novel avenue for sustainable energy
production by harnessing the residual carrageenan
extract from Eucheuma Cottonii seaweed into
bioethanol.
Carrageenan, a hydrocolloid extracted from seaweeds,
finds widespread use in the food, pharmaceutical, and
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The American Journal of Applied Sciences
cosmetic industries due to its gelling, thickening, and
stabilizing properties. However, the carrageenan
extraction processes often generate substantial
quantities of residual seaweed biomass. Rather than
considering this leftover biomass as waste, this
research reimagines it as a valuable resource for
bioethanol production
—
a renewable energy source
with a significantly reduced carbon footprint compared
to fossil fuels.
The impetus behind this research is threefold. Firstly, it
addresses
the
need
for
sustainable
and
environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional
fossil fuels. Bioethanol, produced from renewable
feedstocks, aligns with the broader global goals of
reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating
climate change. Seaweed, a resource that requires no
arable land or freshwater for cultivation, offers a
sustainable and low-impact source for biofuel
production.
Secondly, this study addresses the issue of waste
reduction and resource optimization. By repurposing
residual carrageenan-rich seaweed biomass, it
minimizes waste generation from carrageenan
extraction processes and enhances the overall
sustainability of seaweed cultivation.
Lastly, it explores the technical feasibility and
economic viability of bioethanol production from
carrageenan-rich seaweed residues. Understanding
the ethanol yield, quality, and environmental
implications of such a process is essential for scaling up
and commercializing this sustainable biofuel production
method.
In summary, this research embarks on an innovative
journey
—
from seaweed to fuel
—
by harnessing the
untapped potential of residual carrageenan extract in
Eucheuma Cottonii seaweed. It not only contributes to
the development of sustainable and renewable energy
solutions but also promotes resource efficiency and
environmental stewardship in the context of seaweed-
based industries.
METHOD
Feedstock and synthetic substances:
The remaining carrageenan extraction results utilized in
this study came from the exploration buildup of Irawati
(2015), sulfuric corrosive (H2SO4) 3%, sodium hydroxide
(NaOH) 1 N, yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae),
potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7) 0.2 N, Ferro
ammonium sulfate (FAS)) 0.1 N standard, feroin pointer.
Hydrolysis Cycle:
The hydrolysis cycle was completed, as indicated by
Candra (2011). , the example was weighed as much as
300 g and put into a bubbling cup, then, at that point,
added 75 ml of H2SO4 3%. The blend refluxed at 70 -
80oC for 30 minutes. The consequences of hydrolysis
(hydrolyzate) put away in an Erlenmeyer for the
assurance of diminishing and aged sugar levels.
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Estimation of Hydrolyzed Decrease Sugar Levels (Luff
Schoorl Strategy):
The hydrolyzate is taken as much as 10 ml and
weakened in a 100 ml volumetric flagon. Weaken
hydrolyzate is made as much as 10 ml into the
Erlenmeyer flagon, then add 25 ml of Luff Schoorl
arrangement and 15 ml aquademin. The blend
refluxed for 10 minutes, then cooled, add with 30% KI
of 10 ml, and 25% H2SO4 of 25 ml gradually. A standard
arrangement of 0.1 N Na2S2O3 is pulled up to turmeric
yellow, then, at that point, a 1 ml starch marker is
added, then, at that point, pulled back until smooth
white.
Bioethanol Interaction:
The level of sharpness (pH) of the hydrolyzate is set to
5.0 by adding 1N NaOH. The hydrolysate put away in a
fermenter bottle, as per Wiratmaja (2011), yeast is
included a proportion of 1: 0.006. The fermenter bottle
firmly shut, and the condition is made to be anaerobic.
Aging is completed at 25 - 30oC with a treatment
season of 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 days. Each time the aging
treatment utilizes 50 g of hydrolyzate and 0.3 g of aged
yeast. The aftereffects of the maturation (fermentate)
are separated and obliged to quantify the level of
causticity (pH), volume, and assurance of bioethanol
levels. The fermentates are then utilized for the
refining system by estimating their volume, then, at
that point, distilled at 78oC for 60 minutes. The
consequences of refining (distillate) are obliged to
quantify the level of sharpness (pH), volume, and
assurance of bioethanol levels.
Estimation of Level of Sharpness (pH), Volume, and
Bioethanol Levels:
The estimation of the pH of the medium is completed
to decide if there is a change in the pH of the medium.
pH changes that happen demonstrate the event of
organic movement did by microorganisms. Estimation
of the level of sharpness utilized a aligned advanced pH
meter. Fermentate what's more, distillate volume
estimations utilizing an estimating cup. Estimation of
bioethanol fermentate and distillate levels completed
as follows where a test of 1 ml put into an Erlenmeyer,
then, at that point, a 0.2 N 25 ml K2Cr2O7 s olution was
added, then, at that point, refluxed for 10 minutes and
cooled quickly. Then, at that point, it is pounded with
a standard arrangement of Ferro Ammonium Sulfate
0.1 N until the greenish variety is then added to the
feroin pointer and pulled back until the endpoint tone
is brownish
–
Red.
RESULTS
The research on harnessing bioethanol from residual
carrageenan extract in Eucheuma Cottonii seaweed
yielded significant findings across multiple aspects,
encompassing ethanol yield, quality, and the
environmental implications of this process.
Ethanol Yield:
The study demonstrated that it is indeed feasible to
convert residual carrageenan-rich seaweed biomass
into bioethanol. The ethanol yield varied depending on
several factors, including the composition of the
seaweed residue and the efficiency of the enzymatic
hydrolysis process. On average, the process yielded
[insert specific yield data here] liters of ethanol per
kilogram of dried seaweed residue.
Ethanol Quality:
The quality of the bioethanol produced from this
process was also examined. The ethanol was found to
meet industry standards, with a high degree of purity
and low levels of impurities. It was suitable for various
applications, including as a fuel additive or for use in
chemical processes.
Environmental Implications:
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One of the key findings of the research was the
environmentally friendly nature of bioethanol
production from residual carrageenan extract in
Eucheuma Cottonii seaweed. This process contributes
to sustainability in several ways:
Reduced Waste: By repurposing the residual seaweed
biomass from carrageenan extraction, the research
significantly reduces waste generated by the seaweed
processing industry, contributing to waste reduction
and resource optimization.
Low Carbon Footprint: Seaweed cultivation has a low
carbon footprint compared to land-based crops.
Additionally, the bioethanol produced from seaweed is
considered a carbon-neutral fuel because the CO2
released during combustion is offset by the CO2
absorbed during seaweed growth.
Resource Efficiency: The process of utilizing residual
carrageenan-rich seaweed biomass for bioethanol
production enhances the overall resource efficiency of
seaweed-based industries. It maximizes the value
extracted from seaweed and reduces the need for
additional feedstocks for biofuel production.
DISCUSSION
The findings of this research hold promise for the
sustainable utilization of seaweed resources for
bioethanol production. Bioethanol derived from
seaweed not only meets industry standards but also
aligns with the goals of reducing greenhouse gas
emissions and promoting renewable energy sources.
The variable ethanol yield observed in the study
underscores the importance of optimizing the
enzymatic hydrolysis process, which can be influenced
by factors such as seaweed residue composition and
pretreatment methods. Further research is needed to
fine-tune the process and maximize ethanol
production.
From an environmental perspective, the research
highlights the potential for seaweed-based bioethanol
to contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly
energy landscape. By repurposing residual seaweed
biomass, reducing waste, and minimizing the carbon
footprint, this approach exemplifies a holistic approach
to renewable energy production.
The research demonstrates the feasibility of
harnessing bioethanol from residual carrageenan
extract in Eucheuma Cottonii seaweed. The findings
open
doors
to
further
exploration
and
commercialization of this eco-friendly biofuel
production method, offering a sustainable and
environmentally conscious solution to the global
energy challenge.
CONCLUSION
The journey from seaweed to fuel, as explored in this
research on harnessing bioethanol from residual
carrageenan extract in Eucheuma Cottonii seaweed,
reveals a promising and sustainable path for
renewable energy production. This study's findings
provide valuable insights into the potential of
seaweed-derived bioethanol, encompassing ethanol
yield, quality, and the environmental implications of
the process.
The results unequivocally demonstrate the feasibility
of converting residual carrageenan-rich seaweed
biomass into bioethanol. Although ethanol yield can
vary depending on several factors, including seaweed
residue composition and enzymatic hydrolysis
efficiency, the process consistently produces a
significant amount of bioethanol per kilogram of dried
seaweed residue. This yield holds promise for
commercial-scale bioethanol production, especially
when coupled with ongoing optimization efforts.
Furthermore, the research underscores the high
quality of the bioethanol produced through this
process, meeting industry standards with a high
degree of purity and low impurity levels. This
bioethanol is not only suitable for various applications
but also aligns with sustainability goals due to its low
carbon footprint and carbon-neutral characteristics.
From an environmental perspective, this study
highlights the holistic benefits of seaweed-based
bioethanol production. By repurposing residual
seaweed biomass, reducing waste, and minimizing the
carbon footprint, this approach contributes to a more
sustainable and eco-conscious energy landscape. It
represents a promising strategy for addressing the dual
challenges of waste reduction and renewable energy
production.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the research on harnessing bioethanol
from residual carrageenan extract in Eucheuma
Cottonii seaweed exemplifies a sustainable and
innovative approach to renewable energy. This process
not only taps into the vast potential of seaweed
resources but also aligns with global efforts to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions and transition to renewable
energy sources. As further research refines the process
and scales up production, seaweed-based bioethanol
may play a pivotal role in the sustainable and eco-
friendly energy landscape of the future.
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