Aquatic Resource Biorefineries

Aquatic Resource Biorefinery provides the first comprehensive, multidisciplinary treatment of the utilization of aquatic biomass within the biorefinery framework. Recognizing aquatic systems as rich yet underexploited sources of renewable materials, this book integrates biological, chemical, engineering, environmental and economic perspectives to establish a coherent foundation for sustainable aquatic bioresource valorization. Structured across four interconnected sections, the book moves from conceptual fundamentals to process-specific applications and assessments. It explores a wide range of feedstocks, algae, aquatic plants, crustacean shells, wastewater, and microbial resources, and their transformation into high value bioproducts such as chitin, chitosan, carotenoids, proteins, polyhydroxyalkanoates, and biohydrogen. Subsequent chapters examine cutting-edge technologies for biomass recovery, biological conversion, and downstream refinement, culminating in techno-economic, environmental, and market analyses that illuminate the feasibility and scalability of aquatic biorefineries. Written by leading experts and enriched with case studies, industrial data, and quantitative analyses, Aquatic Resource Biorefinery bridges the gap between theory and application. It serves not only as a university textbook for students across different disciplines but also as a definitive reference for researchers, engineers, and policymakers engaged in advancing circular, blue bioeconomy strategies. - Presents the first integrated academic treatment of aquatic biorefineries, covering feedstocks, processes, and products within a unified sustainability perspective- Bridges biology, chemistry, and process engineering to connect fundamental science with industrial-scale applications- Includes techno-economic, environmental, and market analyses to assess the real-world feasibility and scalability of aquatic resource utilization