Microalgae rich in bio-oils discovered

Collected from coastal waters in the Algarve, the scientists discovered that this microorganism has a high concentration of bio-oils and the necessary robustness to grow in wastewater. These characteristics allow for a multiplicity of applications and are appealing to the bioenergy, food and urban effluent treatment industries.

To this end, UAlg researchers are collaborating with industrial partners to increase the production of microalgae and launch it on the market, as well as using its cultivation to capture CO2.

According to the Ualg press release, SECIL's Microalgae Production Unit - Algafarm is already a CCMAR partner for the development of technologies to improve performance in terms of CO2 release from industrial activity.

The discovery of the potential of this strain of microalgae resulted in two articles, published in the journals Scientific Reports (of the Nature Publishing Group) and Bioresource Technology.

The Center for Marine Sciences (CCMAR) is a scientific research unit of the University of the Algarve funded by FCT. It develops projects in the areas of oceanography, marine biology, fisheries, aquaculture, ecology and biotechnology.