Performance comparison of precipitation strategies for recovering succinic acid from carob pod-based fermentation broths

POCI-01-0145-FEDER - 007265Experiments were performed for comparing and selecting the most appropriate precipitation strategy for succinic acid (SA) recovery from carob pod extract fermentation broths. The performances of three downstream options – employing calcium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide or ammonia – were investigated and compared from operational, techno-economical and sustainability viewpoints. The highest SA recovery (84.3%) was obtained with ammonia, whereas the calcium-based treatment proved inadequate. Sustainability indicators favoured magnesium-based treatment, closely followed by the ammonia-based one. A preliminary economic analysis favours magnesium-based treatment, which appears to be the most feasible option. However, materials recycling and possible by-products commercialization could well position also ammonia-based treatment.publishersversionpublishe