ULMAPRO - Estrategias de gestión de la luz para maximizar la productividad de Ulva en los sistemas IMTA-RAS y para promover efectos probióticos inducidos por la microbiiota

The project proposed is a continuation of the project "Optimization of the design and management of multi-trophic culture systems in recirculation fish-macroalgae (IntegRAS) AGL2013-41868-R", which focused on the development of a combined production system of sea lettuce and sole. Apart from the improvement of the quality of the water, since these are cultivated in a multitrophic system, in the IntegRAS project it was clearly demonstrated that the quality of the biomass of the algae obtained in this type of systems is higher to that of the wild ones and that it is possible the experimental colonization of the algae with bacteria with probiotic effect, which can be used as a pathogen control strategy in this type of systems.
This new project ,will deep in the optimization of Ulva's culture conditions, in order to 1) maximize productivity and nutrient absorption (biofiltration) per unit of crop area, 2) maximize the probiotic effect of the epiphytic microbiota on the macroalga, and 3) improve the commercial quality of its biomass. A crucial factor in the intensive cultivation of macroalgae is the light dose received by its thallus, which must be administered in the best possible way to obtain optimal growth, avoiding productive losses that could cause both light deficiencies and processes of photoinhibition. The determining factors to achieve this optimum growth are the incident light intensity, the photoperiod, the cultivation density and the rotational velocity of the thallus in the culture volume.
The influence of culture conditions on the safety and nutritional quality of the obtained Ulva biomass is also a key factor for the viability of its commercialization. In this sense, the systems in recirculation can increase the nutritional quality of the algae and, in addition, eliminate the uncertainties due to possible microbiological contamination or heavy metals or other toxins that can occur in the crops of wild populations. For this reason, in this subproject these parameters will also be determined. The results of this subproject will help to identify the best algae management conditions for the most efficient use of light in order to maximize the productivity of the algae culture and, in turn, maintain a sufficient microbiota concentration to benefit of its probiotic effects. At the same time, the potential improvement of safety and nutritional quality of the algae produced in these systems will be evaluated.
Organismo: 
Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya
Departamento: 
Enginyeria agroalimentària i biotecnologia
Investigador principal: 
Ingrid Masalo Llora
Investigadores otros: 
Joan Oca Baradad y Patricia Jimenez de Ridder
Financiador: 
Plan Nacional de I+D+I (Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades)
Año Inicio: 
2019
Año Fin: 
2021