CYRCLE

Target audience

Companies interested in producing biostimulants from cyanobacterial biomass cultivated in waste streams. The CYRCLE project will contribute to and generate knowledge for implementing a circular bioeconomy in which waste streams are considered resources for the production of bioproducts.

Project objective

1. Optimise the production of cyanobacteria rich in biostimulant compounds in wastewater.
2. Characterise the phytohormones present in the previously selected cyanobacterial community.
3. Assess the agronomic properties of the biostimulants obtained.
4. Assess the economic, environmental and social sustainability of biostimulant production and use, with the aim of estimating the feasibility of large-scale production.

Project description

In the context of the circular economy, wastewater treatment is evolving towards viewing wastewater as a valuable resource rather than hazardous waste. In particular, over the past two decades, interest has grown in microalgae-based wastewater treatment systems, specifically in the potential valorisation of microalgal biomass to obtain valuable bioproducts such as bioenergy, biofertilisers and bioplastics.

Recent studies indicate that microalgae and cyanobacteria may possess biostimulant and biofertilising properties, generating multiple benefits for the agricultural sector. Agriculture is currently facing several challenges that threaten environmental sustainability. The excessive use of synthetic agrochemicals has led to widespread ecological degradation worldwide.

Against a backdrop of a growing global population and changing consumption patterns, sustainable solutions are needed to increase crop yields, and biostimulants and biofertilisers can play an important role.

The CYRCLE project aims to investigate and assess the sustainable production of biostimulants from cyanobacterial biomass generated in wastewater. The project promotes resource recovery from waste streams within the framework of a circular bioeconomy.