In the heart of Thailand, a groundbreaking study is redefining the future of sustainable energy and waste management. Nanthakrit Sriket, a researcher from Chiang Mai University, has unveiled a innovative method for cultivating microalgae that could revolutionize the energy sector and promote a circular bioeconomy. Sriket, affiliated with the Master of Science Program in Applied Microbiology and the Microbial Biorefinery and Biochemical Process Engineering Research Group, has published his findings in Energy Conversion and Management: X, a journal that translates to Energy Conversion and Management: Emerging Technologies.
At the core of Sriket’s research is Chlorella sp. G049, a type of microalga with an appetite for hydroponic effluent. By optimizing the mixotrophic cultivation of this microalga, Sriket has demonstrated a remarkable ability to maximize biomass, lipid, and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) accumulation. The secret lies in a carefully calibrated mix of light exposure, light intensity, glucose, and indole-3-acetic acid. “The optimal conditions we identified allowed Chlorella sp. G049 to thrive, producing a significant amount of biomass and valuable lipids,” Sriket explains.
The implications for the energy sector are profound. The microalga’s high PUFA content makes it an excellent candidate for biodiesel production. But the benefits don’t stop at fuel. The residual biomass can be used as a biofertilizer, enriching soil and promoting plant growth. In a series of experiments, Sriket showed that lettuce grown with the biofertilizer exhibited enhanced growth and improved soil quality.
But perhaps the most exciting aspect of Sriket’s research is its potential to create a zero-waste, multiproduct biorefinery. By sequentially valorizing the biomass, Sriket has shown that it’s possible to extract proteins with notable antioxidant activity, in addition to the lipids for biodiesel. “This approach not only addresses waste management but also creates multiple valuable products,” Sriket notes.
The nutrient removal efficiencies are equally impressive. The microalga demonstrated 100% removal of ammonium, 63.10% of nitrate, 98.85% of phosphate, and 71.30% of chemical oxygen demand from the hydroponic effluent. Moreover, it achieved a carbon dioxide fixation rate of 1.00 g/L/day, highlighting its potential for carbon sequestration.
So, what does this mean for the future? Sriket’s research opens the door to a more sustainable energy sector, one where waste is not just managed but transformed into valuable resources. It’s a future where microalgae play a pivotal role in creating a circular bioeconomy, where every output is an input for another process.
As we stand on the brink of this new era, one thing is clear: the work of researchers like Nanthakrit Sriket is not just shaping the future of energy; it’s redefining it. And with publications like his recent one in Energy Conversion and Management: X, the path forward is becoming increasingly clear. The energy sector is on the cusp of a green revolution, and microalgae like Chlorella sp. G049 are leading the charge.