Algae—a Step Forward in the Sustainability of Resources

Dear Colleagues,

Planet resources are being depleted earlier every year. Climate change, loss of biodiversity, loss of ecosystem services, land degradation, and air and water pollution is a part of our present and near future.

Eukaryotic and prokaryotic algae have a crucial role in ecosystems, not only because they are the energy base of the food web for all aquatic organisms, but also due to their ability to capture CO₂ and produce oxygen. As autotrophic organisms, algae convert water, carbon dioxide, and some nitrogen and phosphorus sources into biomass that can be used as a source of high-value compounds, food/feed, and energy. Besides, their fast growth, and the no need for arable land or potable water, makes these organisms an exceptional sustainable source of eco-friendly products.

Hence, we welcome the submission of high-quality research articles, review articles, and short communications that provide recent insights into several aspects of how algae (seaweeds, microalgae, and cyanobacteria) can positively contribute, or have a role, towards more sustainable use of resources. We encourage submissions related to: algal biotechnology; algal processes or processes that include algae; screenings for exploitation of new species or new applications for known species; optimization of cultivation/production/extraction of algal biomass and their products; algal eco-services; algal products obtained in a biorefinery strategy; and with the role of algae in promotion of a circular economy, within the following topics:

- Health: Bioactive compounds from algae, source of pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals and cosmetics.

- Food/Feed: ingredient for feed/food formulations, food/feed preservatives, nutraceuticals, algae as a food/feed source, Integrated Multithrophic Aquaculture (IMTA).

- Environment: Water treatment/polishing, biofuels production, ecosystems restoration, CO₂ sequestration/capture, life cycle assessment of algal processes or involving algae, biofertilizers, biopesticides, green extraction of algal compounds.

Dr. Helena Amaro
Dr. Graciliana Lopes
Prof. Dr. Leonel Pereira
Guest Editors

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