Microalgae and cyanobacteria have the natural capacity to convert CO2 into a valuable biomass through photosynthesis. These fast-growing microorganisms are capable of producing two main types of storage compounds, lipids and carbohydrates. The main carbohydrate produced by green microalgae is starch, which can reach levels of more than 80% of the microalgae dry weight. It can subsequently be transformed into bioplastic or fermented into bioethanol.
Despite high productivity, starch production costs need to be reduced to make the production of bioplastic or bioethanol economically viable. One of the options is to use effluent as a microalgae culture medium and thus reduce costs for fertilizers.
The objective of this thesis will be to optimize the production of microalgae starch on various effluents. For that, production strategies of starch-rich microalgae will be defined to be compatible with their cultivation on wastewaters.
Candidates with interests in experimental work as well as modelling are welcome to apply. Experience in growing microorganisms and more specifically microalgae will be a valuable asset.