Process for improved seaweed biomass conversion for fuel intermediates, agricultural nutrients and fresh water

摘要: The invention relates to an integrated process for the pro duction of 5-hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF), KSO, levu linic acid and formic acid from K-carrageenan, the latter being obtained from fresh Kappaphycus alvarezii seaweed biomass after expelling the juice. Mg (HSO4) was used in HMF synthesis, with co-production of galactose. The aque ous stream after HMF extraction was treated with the seaweed juice which process facilitated recovery of KSO, in pure form. The galactose may be utilised for synthesis of levulinic acid and formic acid before or after KSO recov ery or, alternatively, utilised for other purposes. Catalysts required in the synthetic reactions are generated in the process itself while the process energy required is met out of additional supplies of the seaweed biomass which is sub jected to combustion/gasification.