Eco-design of microbial electrochemical technologies for the production of waste-based succinic acid thanks to a life cycle assessment

To face up abiotic resource depletion and other environmental issues as climate change due to usual fossil-based chemical production technologies, some alternative strategies have been developed using renewable resources. To produce such bio-based chemicals, renewable raw materials such as cereal crops or vegetables are currently used. To promote an environmental responsible practice, organic waste could be a relevant alternative to these dedicated crops. BIORARE technology is an innovative concept based on coupling an anaerobic digestion plant processing with bioelectrosynthesis in order to produce a range of chemicals from organic waste. Even if bioelectrosynthesis processes are not yet technologically mature; it is appropriate to consider the credibility of this emerging technology in environmental terms thanks to an eco-design approach. This eco-design approach is based on the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. A LCA of biosuccinic acid production thanks to BIORARE technology has been carried out and has been combined with sensitivity analysis. The aim of this strategy is to ensure that sensitive parameters are identified and adjusted in order to make the technology the more eco-friendly possible whilst maintaining good economy efficiency. The present study describes the identification and optimisation of key parameters of the BIORARE technology applied for succinic acid production. These key parameters and their range of variation are chosen according to a realistic strategy allowing the control of the BIORARE technology on an industrial scale. The results show that the current density applied during the bioelectrosynthesis and the hydrolysis yield during the pre-treatment of the waste stream are key variables in the optimisation between production efficiency and the environmental footprint. The environmental efficiency of the process was studied by applying the eco-efficiency ratio. When the production of biosuccinic acid using the BIORARE technology was compared to a reference scenario, better overall eco-efficiency was shown despite some environmental penalties. In parallel, when the same study was performed for bioethanol production a low efficiency was revealed without environmental penalties. [Display omitted] •Environmental biorefinery can produce bio-succinic acid from organic wastes.•Eco-design through life cycle assessment helps identifying sensitive parameters.•Trade-offs exist between production efficiency and environmental burdens.