About this video

• Video Title: When Tiny Creatures Solve Big Problems: Wastewater Treatment With Microalgae
• Channel: ESCI - European Science Communication Institute
• Speakers: João Navalho
• Duration: 00:03:58

Overview

This video explains how microalgae can be used to treat wastewater from agricultural and greenhouse operations, transforming pollutants into valuable products. It highlights the EU research project REALM and the company Necton, showcasing a circular economy approach to water management and resource creation.

Key takeaways

• Wastewater Pollution: Agriculture is a major contributor to water pollution, with 18% of European groundwater affected by nitrates from agricultural effluents.
• Microalgae as a Solution: Microalgae, which thrive on water, sunlight, carbon dioxide, and nutrients, can be cultivated using nutrient-rich wastewater from greenhouses.
• Circular Economy: The REALM project and Necton utilize wastewater from soilless greenhouses to grow microalgae, converting waste into valuable biomass.
• Product Creation: This algae biomass can be used to create innovative products for plants (promoting faster growth) and fish (enhancing health).
• Benefits: Using microalgae for wastewater treatment helps the environment by giving water a second life, reduces costs, and contributes to a sustainable industry in Europe.

According to João Navalho, using wastewater for microalgae cultivation benefits Necton in two ways:

1. Environmental Benefit: They are helping the environment by giving the water a second life.
2. Financial Benefit: They are saving money, which allows them to have cheaper products and sell more.