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Production of Biodegradable Bioplastics from Microalgae and Their Applications in Sustainable Aquaculture: From Wastewater Treatment to Biopolymers
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Benyamin Rostami   , Ramin Manaffar , Mehdi Mahmoodian * |
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Abstract: (333 Views) |
The increasing use of plastics in fisheries, aquaculture, and the keeping and trade of ornamental aquatic animals has become an environmental challenge for these sectors. In recent years, the production of bio-based polymeric materials from renewable resources, including algal biomass, has attracted attention as a potential approach to reducing dependence on petroleum-based polymers. Microalgae, cyanobacteria such as Spirulina, and certain filamentous algae can contribute to the production of biopolymers, the supply of polymer precursors, and the development of bio-based composites because of their rapid growth, diverse biochemical composition, and ability to produce biomass in aquatic systems. In addition, some of these biological systems can assimilate a proportion of the nutrients present in water and wastewater, potentially supporting resource recovery and the production of harvestable biomass. Accordingly, integrating wastewater treatment with the production of bio-based materials offers potential for developing integrated systems within a circular bioeconomy framework. In the ornamental aquatic animal industry, packaging, equipment, and consumable products used in breeding, rearing, and retail facilities represent potential application areas for these materials. However, their use in fish transport bags and components in direct contact with aquarium water requires careful assessment of mechanical strength, stability, biodegradability under actual operating conditions, leachable compounds, and safety for aquatic organisms. This review examines the biochemical composition of algal biomass, pathways for producing biopolymers and bio-based composite materials, the potential of microalgae, cyanobacteria, and filamentous algae, and the use of wastewater as a resource for biomass production. It also explores potential applications in aquaculture and the ornamental aquatic animal industry, together with the technical, economic, and environmental challenges associated with these technologies and the requirements for safety assessment. The review aims to clarify the opportunities and limitations of developing integrated systems that combine wastewater treatment with the production of bio-based materials.
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| Keywords: Sustainable aquaculture, ornamental aquatic animals, biodegradable bioplastics, microalgae, Spirulina, wastewater treatment, circular bioeconomy |
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Full-Text [PDF 585 kb]
(67 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
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