Harnessing the Potential of Microalgae in Wastewater: New Research Findings from the Performalgae Project

Are you wondering about the role of Microalgae in circularity and their contribute towards sustainable resource utilization?

In this newly published scientific paper, our Performalgae researchers explore these topics. In particular, they investigated the use of Tetradesmus obliquus in piggery wastewater treatment while also utilizing their biomass bioactive potential for agriculture applications. The results provide information about the impacts of high-pressure homogenization (HPH) on cell disruption and the subsequent release of bioactive substances, as well as their effects on plant germination and growth. These discoveries open the door for creative and environmentally friendly methods of wastewater treatment while also utilizing microalgae’s advantages in a variety of ways.

Keywords: Microalgae, swine wastewater, flow cytometry, biofertilizer, biostimulant

Check the link for further reading: https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27072275

New publication: electrocoagulation with an agricultural twist

 

Electrocoagulation is a process that involves the application of an electrical current to a solution containing microalgae, to harvest them. It is a promising method for microalgae harvesting due to its effectiveness, low energy consumption, and environmental friendliness. However, the sacrificial electrodes release salts to both the media and the harvested biomass, so it is important to chose your electrodes wisely! In this study, the effects of Fe, Zn, and Mg electrodes were evaluated on Nannochloropsis oceanica harvesting and, through elementary composition of biomass and supernatants, the salts bioavailability was assessed. Finally, the minerals were shown to be bioavailable for Solanum lycopersicum.

Find out more: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biteb.2022.100979