Rafael Borja

By Bárbara Rincón and Rafael Borja

Part of the book: Biogas

By Álvaro Torres, Fernando G. Fermoso, Bárbara Rincón, Jan Bartacek, Rafael Borja and David Jeison

Part of the book: Biodegradation

By Bárbara Rincón, María José Fernández-Rodríguez, David de la Lama-Calvente and Rafael Borja

Growth microalgae could be used as co-substrates in anaerobic digestion processes to produce biogas of a high-calorific value, which could be expended as heat or electricity in cogeneration engines. Lignocellulosic and high-carbon content wastes, due to their characteristics, hinder anaerobic digestion processes. The use of microalgae as a co-substrate with high-carbon content residues can adjust the C/N ratio and thereby obtain, in some cases, a higher biogas production and greater biodegradability of wastes during anaerobic digestion than without co-digestion options. In addition, microalgae and cyanobacteria are photosynthetic microorganisms that can produce oxygen and oxidize the organic matter and NH4+ contained in wastewaters. The growth of microalgae in industrial effluents and wastewaters can considerably reduce the organic matter contained in them and their pollutant load. This growth can take advantage of the nutrients that still remain in industrial effluents, avoiding the use of clean water for the growth of biomass. The chapter will focus on an overview of microalgae anaerobic co-digestion with different wastes and the benefits of this option.

Part of the book: Microalgal Biotechnology

By Juan Cubero-Cardoso, Antonio Serrano, Ángeles Trujillo-Reyes, Denys K. Villa-Gómez, Rafael Borja and Fernando G. Fermoso

This review summarizes and critically analyzes the different types of potential valorization options for strawberry extrudate in order to have a broader overview of the potential management of this waste. Animal feed is commonly used as a management option for the strawberry extrudate; however, most of the strawberry extrudate is disposed in landfills. Strawberry extrudate contains different bioactive compounds that encourage the use of an alternative management approach than landfilled. The present review offers a complete comparative, including the advantages and drawbacks of each reviewed technique, to facilitate the selection of the most suitable technology for the different valorization scenarios. This review has been structured in three sections: 1. Composition of the strawberry extrudate and strawberry especially focused on their content in bioactive compounds. 2. The different techniques of extraction and purification of bioactive compounds. 3. The handling and management of the resulting biomass after the extraction process of bioactive compounds.

Part of the book: Innovation in the Food Sector Through the Valorization of Food and Agro-Food By-Products