Alina Corcoran Publishes in Journal of Algal Research
Alina Corcoran Publishes in Journal of Algal Research
Dr. Alina Corcoran, a research scientist with the New Mexico Consortium(NMC), and Ryan Hunt, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer of ALGIX | BLOOM, have recently published a new peer-reviewed article in the Journal of Algal Research.
Their paper, titled “Capitalizing on Harmful Algal Blooms: From Problems to Products,” is now available through ScienceDirect and explores innovative approaches for transforming harmful algal blooms (HABs) from costly environmental challenges into valuable economic resources.
Harmful algal blooms are a growing concern worldwide. These blooms occur when certain species of algae grow rapidly and accumulate in aquatic environments, often producing toxins or creating conditions that damage ecosystems. HABs can threaten human and animal health, disrupt aquatic habitats, and cause significant economic losses to industries that depend on healthy waterways.
The impacts of HABs are far-reaching. Commercial fisheries, tourism, recreation, and local economies can all suffer when blooms occur. In addition, managing and cleaning up harmful algal blooms can be expensive and labor-intensive. Despite ongoing efforts to prevent and control HABs, they continue to be a persistent challenge in many regions due to nutrient pollution, changing environmental conditions, and other factors.
Rather than viewing harmful algal blooms solely as an environmental problem, Corcoran and Hunt explore a different perspective: how harvested HAB biomass can be incorporated into a bio-foundry business model and transformed into useful products. Their research highlights the potential for algae biomass to serve as a renewable feedstock that supports sustainable manufacturing and the development of bio-based products.
The authors discuss how harvested HAB biomass can be processed and separated into valuable components that may be used in a variety of applications. Potential products include animal feed additives, specialty biochemicals, biochar, bioplastics, biofertilizers, hydrocolloids, nutraceuticals, and biofuels. By converting unwanted algal blooms into marketable products, communities may be able to offset management costs while creating new economic opportunities.
The paper emphasizes that realizing this vision will require collaboration across multiple disciplines. Scientists, engineers, industry partners, policymakers, and resource managers will need to work together to overcome technical, economic, and logistical challenges associated with harvesting, processing, and utilizing HAB biomass at scale.
The authors argue that innovative partnerships and creative problem-solving will be key to success. By bringing together expertise from diverse fields, it may be possible to transform harmful algal blooms from an environmental liability into a valuable resource that supports both economic development and environmental sustainability.
This research offers a promising example of how scientific innovation can help address complex environmental challenges while creating opportunities for new industries, sustainable materials, and value-added products. As harmful algal blooms continue to affect waterways around the world, approaches such as those described in this study may provide new tools for turning a persistent problem into a productive solution.
To read the entire paper see: “Capitalizing on Harmful Algae Blooms: from Problems to Products“.