Microalgae Archives

Development of microalgae for aquaculture
/ Development of microalgae feed for aquaculture

Published:

26/01/2023

Authors:

Davíð Gíslason, Hrólfur Sigurðsson, Elísabet Eik Guðmundsdóttir, Isaac Berzin and Theodór Kristjánsson

Supported by:

Technology Development Fund

Contact

Davíð Gíslason

Project Manager

davidg@matis.is

The project development of microalgae feed for fish farming, which was a joint project between VAXA and Matís and funded for two years by the Technology Development Fund, has now been completed.

The aim of the project was to develop VAXA products as ingredients for fish feed in aquaculture. Several experiments were carried out with the aim of examining the usefulness of Nannochloropsis microalgae as an ingredient in fish feed. In these experiments, 1. The shelf life of fresh algae was examined, 2. How can the cell wall of the algae be weakened so that it becomes digestible for fish but otherwise it is indigestible, 3. The effect of fish feed with algae oil on the growth and salmon lice infection of salmon fry, 4. Growth and absorption of fatty acids and Omega 3 in salmon fingerlings fed a diet with algal oil. 5. Calculator for the absorption of Omega 3 in salmon fry. The results of the experiments were positive in many respects and greatly improved VAXA's knowledge of the possibilities of using Nannochloropsis algae or products derived from it such as algae oil in fish feed.

VAXA uses the knowledge gained in the project to develop its products for use in salmon feed. Although Omega 3 fatty acids are present in various foods (mainly fish), salmon is considered one of the best sources of these fatty acids. The fish farming industry has been looking for ways to reduce their use of fishmeal and fish oil for salmon feed, which has caused Omega 3 levels in farmed salmon to drop. In this research project, for the first time, sustainable photosynthetic algae have been successfully used for the production of Omega 3 for salmon feed. The results of the project demonstrate the feasibility of this approach for the production of Omega 3 rich salmon feed. The good results of the project will help VAXA to market the algae oil from its production as an alternative Omega 3 rich ingredient for salmon feed instead of fishmeal and fish oil in the salmon feed of the future.

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Biodiesel from photosynthetic organisms / Biodiesel from photosynthetic organisms

Post author By admin
Post date 01/07/2011

Published:

01/07/2011

Authors:

Sólveig K. Pétursdóttir, Guðmundur Óli Hreggviðsson

Supported by:

Reykjavík Energy's Environment and Energy Fund (UOOR)

Contact

Guðmundur Óli Hreggviðsson

Strategic Scientist

gudmundo@matis.is

Biodiesel from photosynthetic organisms / Biodiesel from photosynthetic organisms

The aim of the project was to isolate and cultivate photosynthetic microorganisms that can utilize greenhouse gases from the emissions of geothermal power plants, ie. hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and carbon dioxide (CO2), while delivering usable products that could potentially be used in biodiesel and feed. Two groups were mainly examined: First, photosynthetic bacteria that utilize H2S and bind CO2 but do not tolerate oxygen (anoxygenic). Second, photosynthetic algae that bind carbon from carbon dioxide and release oxygen (oxygenic). The project was planned to take two years and received funding from UOOR until the previous year. Attempts to isolate and cultivate photosensitive, H2S-utilizing, CO2-binding bacteria were unsuccessful, so the research material was mainly microalgae and bluish-green bacteria that were isolated in the vicinity of geothermal power plants. Species found were 31 in total and the populations grew at different temperatures. Growth rate (g / L / day) was estimated for institutions and also their pigment content (chlorophyll and carotene). The "Nile Red" method for estimating the fat content of microalgae and bluish-green bacteria was tested on several strains, but requires a method development that is planned for the second year of the project. Further attempts to isolate photosensitizing bacteria using H2S are also on the agenda for later years.

The aim of the project was to isolate and cultivate photosynthetic microorganisms able to utilize emission gases from geothermal power plants, ie hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and carbon dioxide (CO2) and return products which may be used in biodiesel production and feed. Two groups were of particular interest: First, anoxygenic, photosynthetic bacteria utilizing H2S and assimilating CO2; and second, oxygenic, photosynthetic CO2 assimilating microalgae and cyanobacteria. The project was planned for two years of which the first year, described in this report, was funded by UOOR. Attempts made to isolate and cultivate photosynthetic, H2S utilizing, CO2 assimilating micro ‐ organisms were not successful, thus the research material of the project consisted of microalgae and cyanobacteria strains which were isolated from the close vicinities of geothermal power plants. These consisted of 31 species growing at different temperatures. Growth rate (g / L / day) was estimated for the strains as well as estimates of chlorophyll and carotenoids content. A method for estimates of fat content in microalgae ie the Nile Red method was tested on several microalgae and cyanobacteria species. Further development of this method is needed and planned for the next year of the project. Further attempts for isolation of photosynthetic, anoxygenic bacteria species is also planned for the next year of the project.

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