Environmental impact and the gradual depletion of fossil fuels have driven the need to diversify renewable and sustainable sources for biofuel production. One of the main strategies is the development of microalgae biorefineries.
At the Laboratory of Basic and Biotechnological Studies in Algae (LEBBA), operating within CERZOS, various microalgae species are isolated, and cultivation conditions are optimized to enable optimal growth.
The team is composed of: Dr. Lucas Martín (CONICET Researcher - Assistant UNS), Dr. Cecilia Popovich (CIC Researcher - Professor UNS); CONICET doctoral fellows: Lic. Francisco Navarro, Lic. Ana Bauchi, Ing. Agr. Paolo Díaz Godoy; CONICET support staff: Dr. Cecilia Damiani. CONICET Technician: Jorge Oyola.
The research project was selected in the Smartport Lab Net-Zero Challenge promoted by the Port, offering solutions to reduce the carbon footprint in the port sector.
The development of biorefineries, which produce biofuels and high-value co-products, is a suggested strategy to achieve the economic feasibility of large-scale processes.
Microalgae have properties such as high biomass production, high oil content, and tolerance to extreme environments. In open-air cultures, the team monitors the daily treatment of dairy industry wastewater.
Watch the full video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjOMejLdPGA&t=26s
Source: https://apepe.com.ar/1944/craneos-biorrefinaria-de-microalgas/