Biomass production of the red macroalga Gracilariopsis tenuifrons (Gracilariales) using a low-cost commercial fertilizer and its additional benefits for carbon sequestration

Autor(es)

Peixoto, Mariana Ernani Otero ; Chow, Fungyi

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: Rev. bras. Bot.; v. 48, n. 1, p. 10-pg., 2025-01-24.

Resumo

Gracilarioids species (Gracilariaceae) are economically viable options for aquaculture in Brazil. High-quality seedlings produced through vegetative propagation are essential to reduce pressure on natural beds and can be achieved in controlled environments. Commercial fertilizers are low-cost effective options to improve growth and quality. Additionally, CO2 sequestration can add further value to their cultivation. This study aimed to analyze the biomass production and CO2 sequestration of Gracilariopsis tenuifrons (C.J. Bird & E.C. Oliveira) Fredericq & Hommersand under two concentrations of a low-cost commercial fertilizer. Growth, pigment content, dry biomass proportion, and C, H, and N contents, along with CO2 sequestration, were measured. Gracilariopsis tenuifrons was cultivated for 28 days under two concentrations of a commercial orchid fertilizer, Forth 30-10-10 (NPK), one with 250 mu M of N (referred to as 50%) and the other with 500 mu M of N (referred to as 100%). No significant differences in growth or growth rate were observed between the 50% and 100% treatments, with a maximum 4.4-fold biomass increase by the end of the experiment. However, significant increases in phycobiliprotein and N concentrations were observed, with the Forth 100% samples showing 33% and 20% higher levels, respectively. The C content was higher in the Forth 50% samples, with a CO2 sequestration rate of 14.8% per unit of fresh mass. Gracilariopsis tenuifrons demonstrated a CO2 sequestration rate comparable to that of other macroalgae species, highlighting its potential for cultivation. Moreover, greater biomass production and CO2 capture could be achieved by combining nutrient addition with increased light exposure to boost photosynthesis and growth. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 22/12463-4 - Algas bioeconomia azul: valorização de biomassa algácea mediante estudos de biodiversidade funcional e química
• Beneficiário: Fanly Fungyi Chow Ho
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Regular