The role of microalgae in a sustainable development

• Author(s): Carvalho, Ingride ; Fonseca, Guilherme ; Costa, Paulo ; Borges, Alexandra
• Date: 2024
• Origin: Repositório Científico IPVC
• Subject(s): Microalgae; Photobioreactors; Environmental sustainability; Innovation
• Document Type: Book part
• Language: English

Description

Today, climate change is a reality that can change the balance of ecosystems. When talking about sustainability and innovation, it is important to keep in mind that we must have a different vision and find new solutions. Microalgae are photosynthesizing microscopic organisms that grow rapidly under different environmental conditions due to their simple cellular structure. These organisms are considered fundamental for the maintenance of the life of our planet, since they are responsible for the production of most of the oxygen from the atmosphere, they account for 40% of the total photosynthesis of the planet. These microalgae have a biological, ecological, and economic importance. Biological because, in addition to producing 40% of the planet’s photosynthesis, they sustain life in the seas and oceans. Also, it’s important to refer that their Ecological importance since microalgae are fundamental in maintaining ecosystems. And, finally, the economic significance is seen in its diversity in commercial application. The use of these microorganisms promises to be an excellent solution to combat global warming and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This work presents a development of a project of a Photobioreactor from the first design to its tuning and operation. The main idea of this project is to build a Photobioreactor that will response to the requisites to produce a specific type of microalgae. The main work activity is to find the right technologies for this project, making a perfect integration and control system. This equipment is important and contribute(s) to environmental sustainability and innovation.