Peter He and his team of researchers at the Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama, U.S.A., have received a USD 2.5 million (EUR 2.4 million) grant to convert polluted waste from paper mills into aquafeed.
The grant is part of a USD 20 million (EUR 19.22 million) investment the U.S. Department of Energy has recently made in the study of algae and its use in the development of biofuels and bioproducts.
“We believe that we can reduce harmful wastes from both pulp and paper and aquaculture industries and turn them into something useful,” He said. “As the population increases, the demand for protein will increase. One means to produce protein is through aquaculture, which has the greatest overall efficiency compared to other animal production systems. To achieve circular aquaculture, converting waste into aquafeed is very important.”
He and his team are in the process of developing a novel technology which converts pulp and paper mill flue gas, which are carbon emissions, and aquaculture wastewater into algae-based protein for aquafeed pellets. If the program works, it would mean that fish could be fed safely using materials derived from pollution.
The project aims to directly capture carbon dioxide from flue gas and convert it into algae, as well as to utilize algae as aquafeed – another strategy to cut down on greenhouse gas emission.
“Creating algae-based aquafeed is crucial not only for sustainable aquaculture but also for reducing our environmental footprint,” He said. “By utilizing waste products, like emissions from paper mills and wastewater, and converting them into valuable resources, we are actively contributing to a healthier planet. It's incredibly rewarding to know that our work not only supports the environment but also plays a significant role in ensuring food security for future generations.”
