NewsBits…September 9, 2021

Pond Technologies and Livalta to Grow Algae-based Animal Feed

Livalta and Pond Technologies have agreed to an exclusive global partnership to grow algae-based animal feed from CO₂ emissions. The engagement consists of two parts: a supply agreement, where AB Agri will purchase an algae demonstration system from Pond to be installed in the UK for approximately CAD$2.9 million. And a license agreement where Pond will receive up to CAD$2.6 million in technology access fees and an ongoing royalty. Livalta’s pilot plant is currently anticipated to open at British Sugar’s Wissington site in Norfolk in 2022.
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Seaweed — the Next Big Marine Industry for South Australia

South Australia’s fledgling commercial seaweed industry will get a significant boost with a $1.5 million Marshall Liberal Government project to grow the sector and create new jobs. The two-year project will include establishing a local seaweed industry cluster, undertaking large-scale cultivation pilot trials, looking at ways of boosting commercial seaweed production, and establishing a land-based hatchery. Current industry partnerships are already generating more than $105 million in economic activity over the next two to four years. Modelling indicates the industry could generate an additional $120 million to the state’s economy and an extra 453 jobs over the next five years.
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Treating Wastewater with Microalgae and Machine Learning

In India, researchers at the department of biochemical engineering of IIT-BHU claim that they have successfully applied microalgae and machine learning to treat wastewater. By setting appropriate temperature, light intensity, carbon dioxide content, and pH levels in a photobioreactor, the microalgae can clean wastewater of up to 90% impurity. The researchers say that this process is better than the current bacterial-based water treatment process.
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NextFerm Expands Distribution of Astaxanthin Gummies

NextFerm, of Yokneam Illit, Israel, has announced the first commercial sales of Astaferm astaxanthin gummies in the Canadian market. “We are excited to add Astaferm gummies to our product line,” said Raymond Lin, CEO of Grand Health. “We loved the flavor, the potency, and the concept of fermented astaxanthin. It is exactly what we’re looking for in products. It took us a while to register the product in Canada, but it paid off. We’re just happy to be the first Canadians to do that.”
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India Launches 30,000-ton Seaweed Farming Initiative

A farming project that aims to produce 30,000 tons of seaweed a year has launched in the Lakshadweep archipelago, off the southwest coast of India. The administration of the islands has prioritized seaweed farming as the next major development driver of the islands, after fisheries, coconuts and tourism. The indigenous red algae, Gracilaria edulis and Acanthophora spicifera are the species being farmed in bamboo rafts, benefitting 100 families belonging to 10 women self-help groups on different islands. The initiative follows studies from the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute that “revealed immense potential for production of quality seaweeds in serene and pollution-free lagoons for high-end utilization in pharmaceuticals, food and nutraceuticals.”
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