A2.1.1: PROCESSING OF BEACH-CAST MACROALGAE FOR THE EXTRACTION OF BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS (FUCOXANTHIN). ASSESSMENT OF THE POTENTIAL OF THIS BIOMASS AS ECOLOGICAL FERTILIZER, FISH FEED AND FOR OTHER APPLICATIONS.
DESCRIPTION:
Development of products based on beach-cast macroalgae biomass to be tested for various applications and then transferred to companies together with the associated technology. The pilot-scale (semi-industrial) demonstrative actions will consist in:
- Management of beach-cast macroalgae removal systems
- Technological improvement of beach-cast macroalgae processing protocols (patent ES2346839B1)
- Extractive application (fucoxanthin)
- Use as direct fertilizers (soil tests)
- Use in fish diets
- Determination of bioactivities of beach-cast macroalgae from all regions
- Recovery of waste generated after extractive processes (fertilizers and/or animal diets)
- Promotion of technological transfer, knowledge and pilot experiences
EXPECTED RESULTS
Through the cooperation between research centers and companies we expected to obtain the following results:
- Improvement of the management of beach-cast macroalgae biomass, with special regard to the removal of the biomass from the beaches. Resolution of the technical-economic-political problems linked to the possible use of the vegetal biomass and to the management of the sand separated from the algae
- Creation and launching of a pilot scale plant for the treatment and processing of beach-cast macroalgae
- Study of the fertilizing potential of beach-cast macroalgae
- Pilot experience of the use of beach-cast macroalgae in the extraction industry and in fish diets
- Bioactivity studies
- Waste-assessment viability study
- Technological transfer, tutoring, know-how, agreements with companies
PARTICIPANTS
NaturExtracts S.A., COAG-Canarias (Coordinadora de Organizaciones de Agricultores y Ganaderos), Instituto Tecnológico de Canarias (ITC), CEAMEDSA, Laboratoire d’Electrochimie et des Procédés Membranaires (LAE) Universite Cheikh Anta DIOP (Senegal), Universidad de Ciencias, de Tecnología y de Medecina (USTM) (Mauritania), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Fundação Gaspar Frutuoso, Ayuntamiento de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, UBQ II LDA,ECOS Estudios Ambientales y Oceanografía, Universidade da Madeira, Fundación Canaria del Instituto Canario de Investigación del Cáncer (FICIC), Universidad de La Laguna, Biocanarias scp, Instituto Canario de Investigaciones Agrarias, Universidade dos Açores (UAc)