Publications by authors named "R E Gonzalez-Portela"

Limnospira maxima has been adapted to grow in high salinity and in an economically alternative medium using industrial-grade fertilizers under harsh environmental conditions in Saudi Arabia. A sequence of scaling-up processes, from the laboratory to large-scale open raceways, was conducted along with gradual adaptation to environmental stress (salinity, light, temperature, pH). High biomass concentration at harvest point and areal productivity were achieved during the harsh summer season (1.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The west coast of the Arabian Peninsula borders the Red Sea, a water body which maintains high average temperatures and increased salinity compared to other seas or oceans. This geography has many resources which could be used to support algal biotechnology efforts in bio-resource circularity. However, summer conditions in this region may exceed the temperature tolerance of most currently cultivated microalgae.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • Microalgae are promising in biotechnology for producing valuable macromolecules and high-value products, making them important for sustainable development.
  • The review emphasizes the economic viability of large-scale biomass production through multi-product microalgae-based biorefineries, focusing on innovative uses like biofertilizers and biostimulants.
  • Future research directions include exploring antimicrobial properties, bioplastic production from wastewater, implementing circular economy strategies, and conducting more Life Cycle Assessments (LCA).
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

A two-phase outdoor cultivation bioprocess for Arthrospira maxima LJGR1 combined with phycocyanin induction in concentrated cultures under controlled conditions was evaluated using a modified low-cost Zarrouk medium. Growth was monitored during 4 cycles in 2018 and 4 cycles in 2019. Biomass was harvested and concentrated using membrane technology at the end of each cycle for further phycocyanin induction using blue LED light (controlled conditions, 24 h).

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Phytofiltration lagoons are phytoremediation technologies suitable for tropical and sub-tropical regions requiring cost-effective and echo-friendly technologies. A biorefinery of fourth generation has been implemented at pilot plant level in Xalapa, Mexico, and the phytofiltration lagoon, being the first module for provision of treated water and plant biomass for biofuel production plays a key role. The aim of this work was to evaluate the performance of such phytofiltration lagoon with a working volume of 13,000 L for the removal of nutrients from an urban river polluted with domestic wastewater and the biomass productivity of the macrophyte Pistia stratiotes, during five different experimental periods, comprising 42 days each one.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF