Phototrophic aquaculture was the keyword under discussion. The benefits of this method are that algae in this way grow one hundred times as fast as the well-known land plants.
Furthermore, this method does not have to compete with fertile agricultural land used for food purposes.
These issues were discussed during the second International Algae Congress. It took place on 1 and 2 December last and was organised by the European Society of Microalgal Biotechnology (ESMB), the German DLG e.V. and APP in the Netherlands.
The congress focussed on the following themes: phototrophic aquaculture, microalgae, cyanobacteria and microcrops. 150 experts from around the world discussed the opportunities of algae and microcrops.
These opportunities are promising: algae bind greenhouse gas by using sunlight and nutrients and subsequently form biomass. They can clean wastewater and reduce CO2 emissions from power plants. Algae are also being used as high-quality animal feed additives and deliver tailor-made additives for the food & health and the pharmaceutical industries.
The high number of widely dispersed work areas and the international background of the participants at this congress highlighted the potential that lies in this area of “algae production”.
During the EuroTier 2010 on 16-19 November 2010, also organised by DLG e.V., more information will be provided about algal cultures, including phototrophic aquaculture.
Phototropic Aquaculture the Centre of Attention
GERMANY Small versatile aquatic plants - microalgae and microcrops - were responsible for pulling together 150 scientists from around the world in the German city of Hamburg last week.
