About the Project
This project will examine the lifecycle opportunities for industrial wastewater treatment (WWT) using macroalgae/microalgae (e.g. in fish production, the whisky industry, agricultural effluents). It will address current barriers to the uptake of this technology, including seasonal variation in the performance of the algal biomass treatment of industrial WWT, which is often not addressed, and options for further use of the biomass as bioenergy feedstocks, for example bioethanol/biomethane. Plus the viability of other product streams from the biomass and how this relates to the initial wastestream utilised as the source of the growing media. Both macro and microalgae are rich sources of compounds omega-3, proteins, β-carotenes, vitamins and carbohydrates. Comprehensive studies have shown certain strains of microalgae to contain a significantly higher protein content (50 to 60%) than that of soybeans (35 to 38%) or wheat (15 to 17%) making it a viable alternative protein source, while the essential amino acid profile is favourable for the nutrition of farm animals. Whilst macroalgae are capable of addressing some of the concerns linked to energy usage and ease of harvesting. This project investigates the feasibility of combining a biorefinery approach to WWT and bioenergy production, plus identification of potential valuable product side streams.
Other project collaborators include Sonas Energy and Agri AD Ltd.
Students must be domiciled in the Highlands and Islands region during the course of their study to be eligible for funding. Students are expected to be based full-time at The Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) UHI.
The project is expected to start 1 October 2018.
Applicants must possess a minimum of an Honours degree at 2:1 and/or a Master’s Degree (or International equivalent) in a relevant subject.
To apply please complete the standard application form, attaching supporting documentation and send to: [Email Address Removed]
Informal project specific enquiries can be made to: [Email Address Removed]
Funding Notes
This project is supported by the European Union’s INTERREG VA Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
The studentship covers fees, plus a stipend at the RCUK level, for a total of 39 months (including writing-up).
Funding is available for students worldwide, however non UK/EU students will be liable for the difference between home/EU and international fees. Our current fees can be found here: https://www.uhi.ac.uk/en/studying-at-uhi/first-steps/how-much-will-it-cost/research-postgraduate-tuition-fees/
References
Ross ME, Davis K, McColl R, Stanley MS, Day JG, Semiao AJC (2018). Nitrogen uptake by the macro-algae Cladophora coelothrix and Cladophora parriaudii: influence on growth, nitrogen preference and biochemical composition. Algal Research 30: 1-10
Butler TO, McDougall GJ, Campbell R, Stanley MS, Day JG (2018). Media Screening for Obtaining Haematococcus pluvialis Red Motile Macrozooids Rich in Astaxanthin and Fatty Acids. Biology 7 2; doi:10.3390/biology7010002
Slocombe SP, Yi Zhang Q, Ross M, Anderson A, Thomas NJ, Lapressa A, Rad Menendez C, Campbell CN, Black KD, Stanley MS, Day JG (2015). Unlocking nature’s treasure-chest: screening for oleaginous algae. Scientific Reports 5:9844 doi:10.1038/srep09844
Schiener P, Black KD, Stanley MS, Green DH (2015). The seasonal variation in the chemical composition of the kelp species Laminaria digitata, Laminaria hyperborean, Saccharina latissima and Alaria esculenta. Journal of Applied Phycology 27: 363-373
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