Protein-Fortified Microalgae Gets a Nutritional Lift from an Unexpected Source

In the pursuit of eco-friendly protein sources surpassing traditional livestock, insects and microalgae emerge as leading contenders. Recently, scientists have developed a technique that utilizes waste from insects as nourishment for microalgae.

The United Nations’ Food and Agricultural Organization highlights that meat production contributes to roughly 14.5% of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions. These emissions primarily consist of methane, ammonia, and carbon dioxide, emitted through cattle burps, fertilizers for livestock feed crops, and decomposing manure.

Moreover, extensive forest regions are regularly cleared to establish pasturelands or cultivate crops for animal feed, further exacerbating the greenhouse gas issue. Living trees play a crucial role in capturing carbon dioxide, thus preventing its buildup in the atmosphere; however, once these trees are felled, they release the stored gas.

Environmental Implications of Deforestation

Undoubtedly, deforestation not only disrupts the natural habitats of numerous flora and fauna but also triggers soil erosion into nearby water bodies, leading to silt accumulation.

This is where farmed insects play a crucial role. They offer abundant protein, minerals, and fatty acids, yet can be cultivated in much smaller facilities compared to the vast pastures required for cattle. Moreover, insects demand significantly less food and water than traditional livestock and generate lower amounts of waste.

However, they still produce some waste, referred to as frass, primarily comprising insect excrement and shed exoskeletons. Already utilized as plant fertilizer, scientists from Norway’s University of Bergen and the Norwegian Research Centre (NORCE) are advancing this application by employing frass as fertilizer for microalgae.

Although individual microalgae cells are minute, their collective growth on a commercial scale yields a significant protein output. This sustainably sourced protein can augment the nutritional value of various foods, including meat substitutes. Additionally, oils derived from microalgae find utility in biofuel production.

Utilizing Frass Fertilizer in Microalgae Cultivation

In the recently funded study by the EU, scientists utilized powdered frass sourced from Larveriet, a Norwegian company specializing in mealworm larvae cultivation for food. The researchers first mixed the powder with water to extract its nutrients, followed by centrifugation to eliminate insoluble particles. Finally, the solution underwent sterilization to eradicate any potentially harmful bacteria.

Following the addition of frass fertilizer to the liquid growth medium for cultivating Chlorella vulgaris microalgae, the algae exhibited comparable growth rates to those raised with conventional chemical fertilizers. Moreover, the frass-fed algae maintained protein production levels at around 40% of their dry weight.

However, the scientists emphasize the preliminary nature of this experiment, highlighting the necessity for further research on the effectiveness of frass fertilizer at a commercial scale. Additionally, they underscore the importance of finding a viable application for the non-soluble particles extracted from the frass, which currently remain as waste.

A recent publication in the journal Bioresource Technology Reports, led by NORCE’s Pia Steinrücken, details the findings of this research.

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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