The Algae Advantage: Sustainable Solutions
for Tomorrow's Challenges
Balaji Elangovan
Vice President
India | United states | Australia
Sustainable | Renewable | Zero carbon
Seagrass Tech
Our Products
⬢ Dunaliella salina
⬢ Chlorella salina
⬢ Spirulina subsalsa
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Raceway Ponds
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Algae
⬢ Algae derived from Latin word alga – washed away plants/seaweed
⬢ Photosynthetic - Photoautotrophs
⬢ Microalgae and Macroalgae
⬢ Picoplankton - 0.2 to 2 µm in diameter, giant kelp - 60 m
⬢ Marine and Freshwater
⬢ Algae produce >71% of the Earth’s oxygen
⬢ Algae first oxygenated Earth’s atmosphere
Algae around us
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Algae in nature
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Algae in nature
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Algae in nature
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Aztec’s Lake
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Lake Chad
Kanembu people harvesting algae from Lake Chad - dihé
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Algae in food
Agar – Gelidium & Gracilaria
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Algae in food
Carrageenan – Red Algae
Kappaphycus alvarezii Doty
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Algae in food
Sushi
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Algae in food
Sea Grapes
Algae Classification
• Algal classification is based on type of photosynthetic pigment present.
• Three categories of algae are
• Chlorophyta - Green algae (Chlorophyll a & xanthophylls) - Spirogyra
• Phaeophyta - Brown algae (Chlorophyll a, b & fucoxanthine) - Sargassum
• Rhodophyta - Red algae (Chlorophyll a, Phycocyanin & Phycoerythrin) - Porphyra
Algae Classification
They can be grouped by sizes
• Macroalgae (seaweeds)
- multicellular, large, and can be seen with the naked eye.
• Microalgae
- are unicellular, smaller in size, and can only be seen microscopically.
Application of Algae
Algae as Supplement
Algae Species Active compounds
Spirulina platensis Phycocyanins
Chlorella vulgaris Ascorbic acid
Haematococcus pulvialis Carotenoids, astaxanthin
Odontella aurita Fatty acids
Porphyridium cruentum Polysaccharides
Dunaliella salina Carotenoids
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Algae as Cosmetics
L’Oréal Paris’ - super-charged pure exfoliating clay mask enhanced with
Red Algae Extract
Eksperience by Revlon Professionals
Revlon Thalassotherapy marine algae scalp treatment is a mixture of
marine algae and essential extracts, creating active mud with Spirulina
algae and Vitamin B stimulating essences.
Natural substances in Algae
Natural substances in algae Different compounds derived from algae
Astaxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, canthaxanthin,
Pigments chlorophyll, phycocyanin, phycoerythrin,
fucoxanthin
Carotenoids β-carotene
Polyunsaturated fatty acids
DHA, EPA, ARA
(PUFAs)
Biotin, riboflavin, nicotinic acid, pantothenate,
Vitamins
folic acid
Catalases, polyphenols, superoxide
Antioxidants
dismutase, tocopherols
Antimicrobial compounds, aminoacids,
Other
proteins
Algae Constitute the Link of Food Chain / Fish Culture / Fodder / Fertilizers
Sustainable Development
ENVIRONMENTALLY
Bearable
SOCIALLY ECONOMICALLY
Equitable Viable
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Environmental Sustainability
⬢ Grows in a Natural Environment
⬢ Non Arable land
⬢ Non-potable water
⬢ Wastewater
⬢ CO2 Sequestration
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Environmental Sustainability
Carbon Credits
Algae Biofuels
⬢ Biochar
⬢ Bio-oil
⬢ Biodiesel
⬢ Biohydrogen
⬢ Biomethane
⬢ Bioethanol
⬢ Biobutanol
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Economic Sustainability
Algae has emerged as a promising feedstock for future biofuels
❑ Alarming high fuel prices,
❑ Cost dependence on imported oil
❑ Rising GHG emissions
Job Creation
❑ For 10000 Tons of Algae produced – 2800 Full time jobs are
generated
Algae Market Value
US$ 20.16 Bn in 2021
US$ 55.67 Bn in 2031
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Social Sustainability
❑ Algae provide local business opportunities and support in eradicating poverty
❑ Algae due to its rich nutrition content prove to be a source of staple food
❑ Gender Equality
❑ Reduced Inequalities
❑ Quality Education
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Social Sustainability
❑Pepsi Co modified its business model in 2003 by motivating the fishers to
take up seaweed farming in contract farming mode through formation of
Self Help Groups (SHGs).
❑Guaranteed buy-back arrangements
❑Institutional financial support with SBI and NABARD
❑45 rafts/individual SHG and a harvest cycle of 45 days
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Wastewater Treatment
Wastewater treatment
Wastewater Treatment
Wastewater Treatment
Wastewater Treatment
Wastewater Treatment
Heavy metals Removal
Algal Fuels
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Balaji Elangovan
Vice President
India | United states | Australia
balajie@seagrasstech.com
Sustainable | Renewable | Zero carbon
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