24/03/2026
BIG NEWS: Turning Aquaponics Waste into Renewable Energy!
We are proud to share that our latest research on integrated algal biotechnology has been published in the prestigious Q1 journal, Biomass!
This study introduces a sustainable, closed-loop approach to the Food-Energy-Water nexus by transforming clarified aquaponics effluent into high-density bioethanol feedstock using Chlorella sp..
The Challenge 💧
Aquaponic operations generate a continuous stream of nutrient-rich sedimentation effluent that requires treatment before discharge. Meanwhile, the world's transition to renewable energy is hindered by biofuel pathways that compete with food crops for arable land and freshwater.
The Innovation: Dual-Purpose Resource Recovery 💡
Our research demonstrates that clarified aquaponics effluent is not just waste—it is a superior, nutrient-balanced growth medium. By optimizing cultivation conditions, we’ve established a pathway that simultaneously treats wastewater while producing energy-rich biomass with zero freshwater demand.
Key findings from our optimized conditions (100% AE) show:
🌿 Superior Growth Performance
• Chlorella sp. achieved a maximum biomass concentration of 2.05 g/L.
• This represents a remarkable 78.3% increase over cultures grown in standard synthetic Bold's Basal Medium (BBM).
• The specific growth rate reached 0.130 d⁻¹, with cells doubling significantly faster than in the control medium.
🧪 Efficient Nutrient Removal
• The process is highly effective at bioremediation, removing 96.59% of nitrates and 97.25% of phosphates.
• Mass balance analysis confirmed that 87.4% of this removal is driven by direct biological assimilation into the biomass.
🔋 Enhanced Bioethanol Potential
• The harvested biomass revealed a carbohydrate content exceeding 40% of dry weight.
• This resulted in a 209.4% increase in theoretical bioethanol potential compared to conventional synthetic media, proving its viability as a high-quality third-generation biofuel feedstock.
Meet the Authors 🤝
This work is the result of a strong collaborative effort between:
• Mr. Charith Akalanka Dodangodage – University of Moratuwa
• Snr. Prof. Rangika Halwatura – University of Moratuwa
• Dr. Jagath Kasturiarachchi – SLIIT
• Dr. Thilini Anuk Perera – University of Colombo
• Dr. Sanjitha Dilan Rajapakshe PhD – Uva Wellassa University
• Dr. Sayuri Niyangoda – University of Kansas
• Ms. Kavini Fernando – University of Moratuwa
• Mr. Geethaka Nethsara Gamage – University of Moratuwa
• Mr. Lakru C. Mallawa – University of Moratuwa
• Ms. Ranoda Hasandee Halwatura – Univeristy of Sri Jayewardenepura
Special thanks to the University of Moratuwa, SLIIT, the University of Colombo, the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Uva Wellassa University, and the University of Kansas for supporting this research toward a sustainable future.
📖 Read the full OPEN-ACCESS paper here: https://doi.org/10.3390/biomass6020026
