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Microalgae Is The Sustainable Superfood Of The Future

We have been consuming them for thousands of years.

By Eshan SamaranayakePublished about a year ago 4 min read
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Photo by Alex Lvrs on Unsplash, photo from Wikimedia Commons, photo by Alice Pasqual on Unsplash. Edited by the author on Canva. *These pictures are not really microalgae but the background is.

The global population is rapidly increasing, and with it comes an increased demand for food. The agricultural industry is under immense pressure to not only satisfy the food demand of billions but also to do so without causing irreparable harm to the environment. But hope glimmers on the horizon, in the form of an unlikely hero — microalgae.

Tiny, nutrient-packed powerhouse

Microalgae are tiny aquatic organisms, that are commonly found in freshwater and saltwater environments. These minuscule plants are often overlooked but play a crucial role in maintaining life on our planet.

They are responsible for producing more than 50% of the oxygen in the earth’s atmosphere, making them an essential component of the air we breathe.

As the foundation of the food chain in aquatic ecosystems, microalgae provide nutrients to a wide range of marine life, including fish, shellfish, and other aquatic organisms.

We have been consuming microalgae for thousands of years with the Aztecs using Spirulina as a food source or nutritional supplement.

Conventional protein sources like meat and dairy are proving to be unsustainable, as they require significant demands for land, water, and resources in their production.

Microalgae hold great promise as a sustainable protein source as they are low in their demands for land, water, and resources, yet high in protein content.

Furthermore, microalgae can be cultivated in regions not suitable for traditional agriculture, making them a viable answer for fulfilling the ever-growing need for protein in an eco-friendly and responsible manner.

Why microalgae is a sustainable protein source

By Phuong Nguyen on Unsplash

High protein content

Microalgae boast a remarkable advantage — their abundant protein content.

Certain species contain up to 70% protein by dry weight, making them a rich source of plant-based protein. The protein found in microalgae is not only abundant but also incredibly nutritious, containing essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.

As a complete protein source, it presents a viable alternative to traditional animal-based protein sources, particularly for vegans and vegetarians who might find it difficult to have enough sources of complete protein in their diets.

By adding microalgae protein to food products such as protein bars, smoothies, and snacks, we can enhance their protein content and provide additional health benefits.

Furthermore, microalgae’s high protein content makes it a promising ingredient for animal feed, reducing competition for limited resources and ensuring a more sustainable food supply, compared to traditional animal feed made from crops like corn and soybeans that are also used for human consumption.

Fast growth rate

Microalgae have a fast growth rate, doubling their biomass in mere hours, making them an efficient and sustainable source of protein in comparison to traditional agriculture methods.

Their swift growth enables the production of large quantities in a minimal amount of time, utilizing fewer resources like land, water, and energy to produce the same amount of protein as other sources like soybeans, corn, or beef.

This efficient growth rate not only supports sustainability but also addresses the growing demand for protein from a rising global population without putting added pressure on the environment.

Furthermore, microalgae’s capability to grow in water opens up possibilities for production in areas where traditional agriculture is impractical, such as arid regions or regions with limited land resources.

Require minimal land and water

Unlike traditional agriculture which requires a large amount of land and water, microalgae can be grown using a fraction of these resources.

This is can be done through the growth of microalgae in controlled environments, such as photobioreactors or ponds, yielding high protein production volumes.

Microalgae produce 4 to 15 tons of protein per hectare yearly, which is a considerable increase over conventional crops like wheat, lentils, and soybeans.

The water usage of microalgae is also significantly lower than in traditional agriculture. Microalgae can be grown in saltwater or wastewater, whereas crops such as soybeans and corn require considerable amounts of freshwater.

Can be grown on non-arable land

Microalgae, with its ability to thrive in inhospitable lands such as deserts and areas with poor soil quality, offers a bountiful source of protein for regions plagued by food insecurity.

The versatility of microalgae growth opens the door to new avenues of food production in places where traditional agriculture may prove unfeasible.

As a self-sufficient protein source, microalgae is not dependent on arable land, water, or other resources, making it a sustainable option.

Cultivating microalgae in controlled environments, such as photobioreactors, further reduces dependence on weather conditions, resulting in a more consistent and reliable food production process.

This is particularly crucial in regions prone to natural disasters or droughts that disrupt traditional agriculture.

The wrap-up

Microalgae present an ideal solution to the agricultural industry’s challenge of producing sustainable food that meets the demands of a growing population without causing damage to the environment.

Microalgae’s high protein content, fast growth rate, minimal land and water requirements, and versatility in growing in non-arable lands make it a promising protein source that can replace traditional agriculture.

By tapping into microalgae’s potential, we can create a sustainable food system that provides eco-friendly and responsible nutrition to billions worldwide.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article! If you found it informative and interesting, consider joining my newsletter, where I explore the intersection of biology, technology, and business in creating a sustainable food system.

References:

  1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/microalgae
  2. https://theconversation.com/more-protein-and-good-for-the-planet-9-reasons-we-should-be-eating-microalgae-124591
  3. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/12/9/4402
  4. https://phys.org/news/2022-09-microalgae-abundant-healthy-food-environment.html
  5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6664117/
  6. https://phys.org/news/2020-04-protein-good-planet-microalgae.html

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About the Creator

Eshan Samaranayake

Exploring how biotech, food tech, alternative proteins, and business can help develop a sustainable world 🌏 https://linktr.ee/eshan.s

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