Preferential technological and life cycle environmental performance of chitosan flocculation for harvesting of the green algae Neochloris oleoabundans

► Technologies for harvesting of the green alga Neochloris oleoabundans were assessed. ► Flocculation by chitosan had superior technical and life cycle performance. ► The optimal chitosan dose for flocculation of this alga was 100 mg/L. ► Alum was found to be ineffective as a flocculant for this alga. ► Alternate production routes for chitosan could further reduce environmental burdens.