Palatucci, Domenico (2025) Harnessing Saline and Hypersaline Waters for Microalgae Cultivation Toward Sustainable Use of Planetary Water Resources. [Tesi di dottorato]

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Abstract

This PhD thesis explores the cultivation of microalgae and cyanobacteria in saline and hypersaline water sources, aiming to develop sustainable biotechnological processes aligned with global environmental and circular economy goals. The research responds to the pressing need for alternative, low-impact biomass production systems amid freshwater scarcity, energy demands, and climate change. The work begins by contextualizing the socio-economic drivers behind sustainable biotechnology, detailing historical and modern scientific perspectives on energy use, population growth, and ecological strain. A particular emphasis is placed on leveraging extremophilic microorganisms—organisms thriving in harsh environments—for bio-based solutions. The experimental core of the thesis involves the screening of 26 algal strains from the ACUF (Algal Collection of the University of Naples Federico II) for their halotolerance and halophilic traits, using salinity gradients up to 100 g/L NaCl. Results reveal significant inter-strain variability, underscoring the importance of targeted strain selection. Focusing on the red alga Galdieria sulphuraria, the thesis examines the organism's growth, photosynthetic efficiency, redox physiology, and desalination potential under increasing salinity, including its cultivation in formation water—a highly saline byproduct of oil extraction. The results demonstrate G. sulphuraria’s adaptability and potential as a model species for saline cultivation. Advanced physiological assays, including chlorophyll fluorescence (PAM fluorometry) and biochemical profiling, were employed to assess stress responses and metabolite accumulation. Findings show that certain salinity levels can modulate pigment production and intracellular redox states, suggesting new pathways for bioproduct extraction and resource recovery. Ultimately, the research establishes that saline and hypersaline water sources—often underutilized or discarded—can be effectively repurposed for the cultivation of extremophilic algae. This approach offers a promising biotechnological avenue for bioenergy, bioremediation, and high-value metabolite production without burdening freshwater resources.

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