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

Experiments 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.