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New aquatic and terrestrial biomass

New aquatic and terrestrial biomass

By ‘aquatic biomass’ all matter of plant or animal origin growing in water is meant, for example algae, aquatic plants and aquatic invertebrates (e.g. aquatic worms and rotifers). They can be produced on waste or residual streams resulting in a reduction of these streams and the recovery of nutrients such as phosporus and nitrogen. In this way waste is valorized into new products. By ‘terrestrial biomass’ insects and compost worms are meant. The difference with aquatic invertebrates is mainly the moisture content of their surroundings/feed.

Waste or residual streams

Examples of waste streams are the liquid fraction of digestate (biogas slurry) that is produced after anaerobic digestion or different types of process waters from feed/food industries. Valuable components from these streams can be recovered by these technologies to produce high-value compounds in the resulting new aquatic or terrestrial biomass, such as proteins, lipids (sometimes omega fatty acids) and functional ingredients (e.g. antioxidants and colorants). They can, optionally after applying biorefinery, subsequently be applied for example as sustainable (pet)feed or possibly even food ingredient, depending on the quality and status of the input streams.

What we do?

Within several projects we cooperate with algae producers, insect and worm breeders, technology providers, buyers of aquatic/terrestrial biomass or companies with waste/residual streams in the agrofood sector. We aim at making their production methods more profitable and sustainable, for example by the conversion of low-value components into valuable resources.

Examples

Recently a new PPP project (public private partnership) was launched in which we evaluate the production of several types of biomass on digestates and other waste streams in close cooperation with companies. This includes the production of terrestrial biomass (mushrooms, worms and insect larvae) on solid waste streams but also the production of aquatic biomass such as algae and aquatic plants on liquid waste streams. In another project, together with WUR Plant Research, we compare the production of duckweek on the liquid fraction of digestate to its production on chemical fertilizer. Also, we cooperate with another company on the production of astaxanthin from microalgae.

Previous projects include for example the evaluation of different algae production systems within an EU project (Enalgae) or the production of omega fatty acids from algae in another EU project (PUFAChain). Not only technical evaluations were performed, but also LCAs and LCCs (life cycle analyses and life cycle costs) and evaluations of the societal acceptance/embedding of these new technologies/products. In addition, we regularly test the suitability of different waste/residual streams for the production of algae (e.g. the production of marine algae on salt containing waste streams).

Cooperation

For our research on algae, we have as well raceway ponds and production systems on several cubic metre scale, as quick tests and reactors vessels on litre scales, in which process parameters can be fully controlled. In addition we have temperature controlled basins for the production of aquatic plants. Last, but not least, we have ample practical experience, a hands on mentality and enthusiasm: a unique and ideal combination for groundbreaking research.

Interested?

Does your company have aqueous residue streams that may be suitable or are you interested in the culture of aquatic biomass or it’s processing and use? Please contact Rommie van der Weide, tel.: 0320-291631,  E-mail: rommie.vanderweide@wur.nl

Related projects

  • Large-scale production line for the microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis - In the project "Large-scale production line for the microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis"we work together with Astaco Technologies and APT on the scale up of astaxanthin production from the microalgae H. pluvialis in photobioreactors. Astaxanthin is a valuable red antioxidant that is used for example for the pink coloration of farmed salmon. https://www.astaco-technologies.com/en/efro/ More information: Hellen Elissen…
  • Energetic Algae - In this project, ACRRES takes part in a network of algae pilots in Northwest Europe. Regarding the subject of microalgae, work was focused on designing a benchmark for installations; one of these algae installations can be found on the ACRRES site. A report was published in 2014 ​​with models developed in this project, for algae…
  • PUFA chain - The Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids project is an EU project and is about producing polyunsaturated fatty acids from algae. It explores whether the production of PUFAs by microalgae is a good alternative for the production and marketing of fish oil. ACRRES is working on this project together with partner organisations from Germany, Austria and Portugal. ACRRES…
  • Algae production - In this project indicators are collected on the production and processing of algae. Innovations in harvest technique, exposure and processing are being tested. The production of algae in open ponds and in an open LED-basin is monitored. Important points here are the control of grazers and reduction of energy consumption. For the harvest we mainly…
  • Ecoferm - On behalf of the Innovation Network, ACRRES supports the development of the first closed cycle farm according to the so-called Ecoferm concept. In a veal farm in Uddel, a duckweed pond has been realised in the attic of a calf barn. The aim of the project was to optimise the duckweed pond and the elaboration…
  • Chance Card algae for animal feed and for agricultural crops - The report about the potential of algae as feed has been produced in collaboration with Nevedi and Natuur en Milieu (Nature and Environment) in early 2015. In response to this report, an alliance is under preparation with feed mills and the report is used to demonstrate the effect of adding algae to feed in Dutch…
  • Algae cultivation on inundated land - Tests are carried out in cooperation with two seed potato farms to see whether the technique of inundation can be made more economically viable ​​by algae cultivation. The farmers flood their lands in the summer months to fight soil diseases. Thus, they cannot grow crops. Algae cultivation during these months may be an option. This…
  • Saltwater algae Friesland Fernijt - The aim of this project is to develop a new innovative culture technology for the commercial production of food grade salt water algae with an interesting composition profile for companies in the food and nutrition industry. The project runs from 2014 to 2017. ACRRES is working on this project in cooperation with AF&F BV and…
  • Effect of flashing light and optimum light spectrum on algae growth - A major concern in the production of algae by LED light is the power consumption it involves. One possibility to reduce this is by using super fast flashing with high frequencies (> 1 kHz). This way the supply and the processing of light by the photosynthetic system of the algae is more in sync, and…

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ACRRES
Edelhertweg 1
8219 PH Lelystad

Postbus 430
8200 AK

+31 320 29 11 11
info@acrres.nl

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