Divulgazione
7th SYMPOSIUM ON CIRCULAR ECONOMY AND URBAN MININGCAPRI, ITALY / 15-16-17 MAY 2024
Abstract
The algae production industry in Europe is at a pivotal stage of development, poised for accelerated growth and innovation within the emerging blue bioeconomy. With ongoing technological advancements, supportive regulatory frameworks, and collaborative partnerships, the industry is well- positioned to capitalize on opportunities and address challenges to sustainably meet the demands of a rapidly evolving market landscape. Among algae, extremophilic ones represent a versatile and valuable resource in the blue bioeconomy, offering solutions for environmental remediation, renewable energy, health and nutrition, biotechnology, and aquaculture. Their unique adaptations to extreme environments enable them to address pressing challenges while contributing to sustainable economic development and resource utilization.Eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt neque porro quisquam est qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet consectetur adipisci velit sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem ut enim ad minima veniam.
Abstract
Modern technologies are often constituted by Rare Earth Elements, which are metallic elements belonging to the group of lanthanides, plus scandium and yttrium. These indispensable constituents are often challenging to acquire from natural resources and there is a clear need to develop efficient and eco-friendly recycling methods. In the present paper, the extremophilic microalga G. sulphuraria was used to explore its potentiality in recovering Rare Earth Elements (REEs). Living cells of G. sulphuraria, strain SAG 107.79, were first used to evaluate the response of the microalga to Cerium; data demonstrated the absence of significant metal effects on the physiology of the microalgae. Freeze-dried cells of G. sulphuraria, strain ACUF 427, were then used to recover REEs from spent fluorescent lamps (FL) luminophores, evaluating the effect of biosorbent dosage (0.5–5 mg/ml) and biosorption time (5–60 min). The best biosorption performances were achieved after 5 min with the lowest biosorbent dosage (0.5 mg/mL). The rapidity of the biosorption process and the low biosorbent dosage required confirmed this microalga as a promising material for creating an eco-sustainable protocol REEs reycling.
Abstract
Microalgae, renowned for their sustainable biomass production and the synthesis of valuable compounds, hold promise for various applications, including biotechnology and environmental remediation. Extremophilic strains like Galdieria within Cyanidiaceae exhibit potential in biometallurgical methodologies. However, scaling up cultivation methods, particularly with the cost-effective urban effluents, presents challenges. Innovative technologies like Twin Layers photobioreactors coupled with IoT integrated systems offer scalable and energy-efficient solutions. This study investigates Galdieria phlegrea cultivation using urban wastewater, focusing on growth dynamics, biomass characterization, and metal recovery potential, particularly silicon from photovoltaic panels. Experimental results indicate the effectiveness of selected cultivation conditions in promoting biomass growth, while revealing the presence of Silicon aggregates on algal biomass that was treated with HF acid leachate from dismantled solar panels, suggesting a viable route for silicon recovery. These findings underscore the significance of microalgae in sustainable resource management and circular economy paradigms.
Abstract
The use of natural resources is facing significant challenges due to current global environmental issues. The provision of clean water to the human population is becoming a worldwide problem. Municipal, industrial, and agricultural waters contain various organic and inorganic impurities, such as microplastics, high nutrient loads, and heavy metals, which pose a threat to our nutrition and health. The increasing importance of efficient wastewater treatment technologies and circular economic approaches has led to the exploration of alternative and/or supplementary methods to traditional wastewater treatment. The increasing importance of efficient wastewater treatment technologies and circular economic approaches has led to the exploration of alternative and/or supplementary methods to traditional wastewater treatment. The increasing importance of efficient wastewater treatment technologies and circular economic approaches has led to the exploration of alternative and/or supplementary methods to traditional wastewater treatment. Microalgae have emerged as a potential solution for wastewater treatment plants. Galdieria sulphuraria, a single-celled red algae belonging to the class Cyanidiophyceae, is known for its high tolerance to extreme conditions, including high salinity, acidic pH and high temperatures. This article summarises current research on the use of Galdieria sulphuraria for phytoremediation of wastewater, discussing the phytoremediation mechanisms of this alga, the types of pollutants it can remove, and potential applications in wastewater treatment systems.