Work

Posidonia oceanica beach casts revalorization through high-boiling point organosolv solvents

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The accumulation of marine plants like Posidonia oceanica on beaches poses ecological challenges but also represents a renewable biomass resource. This study explores the potential of Posidonia oceanica as an alternative source of cellulose and lignin through an organosolv process, using high-boiling point solvents such as ethyleneglycol, diethyleneglycol, ethanolamine and diethanolamine. Three operating conditions were tested: minimum (60% solvent concentration, 160°C), medium (70% solvent concentration, 170°C), and maximum (80% solvent concentration, 180°C). The leaves treated with amine-based solvents under maximum conditions exhibited high cellulose purity, viscosity, and delignification, while glycolic solvents produced pulps with higher residual lignin, suitable for high-strength applications like corrugated cardboard. Compared to other raw materials, Posidonia oceanica pulps displayed superior viscosity and Kappa number values, positioning it as a competitive cellulose source. The amino organosolv treatment effectively fractionated the biomass into a cellulose-rich pulp and a lignin-rich black liquor, demonstrating the feasibility of utilizing Posidonia oceanica in a biorefinery process. The study highlights the ecological and economic advantages of utilizing marine biomass in a circular economy, reducing reliance on wood-based resources and mitigating deforestation, while providing value-added products like cellulose and lignin.

Source: Environmental Technology & Innovation

DOI: 10.1016/j.eti.2025.104102

Authors: Valeria Greyer, Ana Moral

Institution: Universidad Pablo de Olavide

Language: English

Topic: Lignin and Wood Chemistry

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,930