Study of microalgae cultivation systems based on integrated analytic hierarchy process–life cycle optimization

Optimization of sustainable process plant configurations requires the use of systematic assessment methods based on the usage of natural resources, release of pollutants and generation of environmental impact. This paper presents an integrated life cycle optimization framework for the synthesis of microalgae cultivation systems, using a multiple objective linear program formulation; in the model, individual objective functions are aggregated and weighted using the analytic hierarchy process. Four different cultivation alternatives were used as case study to demonstrate the capability of this formulated integrated model. The model takes into account three main environmental criteria in assessing different cultivation alternatives, namely energy, water (direct and indirect water) and carbon footprints. It is determined in the case study that the open pond cultivation system is preferred compared to other alternatives.