The BEnefitS of Microalgae Production in the Modern Circular Bioeconomy

Authors: Edward Tivnan, Anna Catherine Yerian

The benefits of microalgae production to the modern circular bioeconomy are enormous! As the global population grows, our food systems must adapt to meet increasing nutritional demands while minimizing environmental impact. In the next 25 years “society will need to significantly intensify the output of its food production system while simultaneously reducing that system’s detrimental impacts on climate, land use, freshwater resources, and biodiversity.” (Greene, 2022, p.26). This challenge requires innovative solutions. Microalgae offer a promising alternative.

Microalgae grow quickly — 20% to 30% faster than traditional food crops — and do not compete for arable lands. (Greenwell, 2010, p. 703., Mala, 2016, p. 11., McDill, 2009, p.1). Consequently, microalgae-based agriculture “can help close the projected gap in society’s future nutritional demands while simultaneously improving environmental sustainability.” (Greene, 2022, p.28).

Beyond its role in sustainable food production, microalgae are renowned for nutritional superiority. They contain higher concentrations of phycocyanin proteins than plants and are rich in omega 3 fatty acids, which can support construction of every cell in your body, source of energy, and keep lungs, blood vessels and immune system working the way they should. (Yang, 2020)

Microalgae also contain high concentrations of antioxidants, which are highly valued in the food processing industries to reduce oxidation and enhance flavor, aroma and color. (Food and Agriculture, 2022) For example, microalgae produce exopolysaccharides, which serve as natural thickeners and stabilizers, improving the texture and shelf life of sauces. Red microalgae help potato chips stay crispy by providing a plant-based alternative to synthetic stabilizers, and spirulina gives blue gummy bears their vibrant color.

Packed with essential nutrients, microalgae offer remarkable health benefits. Research shows a diet high in antioxidants, such as beta carotene and astaxanthin, are regenerative for your eyes and skin while showing great potential to reduce the risk of certain cancers, including breast cancers, lung cancers and pancreatic cancers.” (Yang, 2020) At the same time, microalgae feed stock could “enhance the immunity of aquatic animals and prohibit the overuse of antibiotics or medicines.” (Yang, 2020).

“The potential of microalgae also extends to aquaculture. Fishmeal is the preferred protein ingredient of feed in the aquaculture industry , decreasing fishmeal supply and increasing costs threaten the sustainability and growth of the aquaculture industry. Therefore, complete or partial substitution of fishmeal with alternative proteins is needed to solve the problem. Presently, microalgae are used worldwide as an alternate protein source replacing fishmeal successfully. In feeding trials with fish, many types of microalgae have been found to be used for increasing growth, feed utilization, physiological activity, stress response, starvation tolerance, disease resistance, and carcass quality.” (Roy 2015, p,10).

The ecological benefits of supplementing our worldwide food production with microalgae are breathtaking.

Marine microalgae do not require soil, irrigation, or the open application of fertilizer. Their cultivation does not need to compete with agriculture for arable land and freshwater, nor does it lead to fertilizer runoff and downstream eutrophication. Furthermore, by reducing agriculture’s demand for arable land and freshwater, marine microalgae-based aquaculture can reduce the pressure for deforestation, potentially leading to globally significant reductions in carbon emissions and biodiversity loss.” (Greene, 2022, p. 34).

The benefits of microalgae production to the modern circular bioeconomy for increasing our food nutrient density are huge. While simultaneously reducing our current food production’s detrimental impact on ecological services makes this switch an investment that we cannot afford to avoid any longer!

 

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Summary

1. Microalgae grows faster than traditional food crops and there is no need for arable lands.
2. Microalgae nutritional food density far exceeds commercial plant crops.
3. Microalgae’s use could potentially reduce our global carbon emissions and biodiversity loss.

 

Review Questions

Name three or more ecological benefits of using microalgae for food production.

Name three or more nutritional benefits of microalgae.

Name three or more reasons why microalgae’s use in food production is a good investment for our planet.

 

Underlined Vocabulary Words

1. Biodiversity: refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem. Biodiversity is important because it helps ecosystems function properly and provides resources such as food, medicine, and clean water.
2. Environmental Sustainability: the practices that protect the environment, conserve resources and reduce pollution and waste.
3. Phycocyanin: A pigment protein that captures light energy for photosynthesis.
4. Antioxidants: substances that help protect your cells from damage.
5. Immunity: the body’s ability to resist or protect against infections and diseases. 
6. Physiological activity: refers to the normal functions and processes that occur in living organisms to maintain life. (i.e., breathing, eating, sleeping, etc.)
7. Carcass: refers to the body of a dead animal.