Researchers from the University of Seville lead a project to turn the invasive algae of the Strait, the plague of Rugulopteryx okamurae, into a driver of circular economy, generating renewable energy and pharmaceutical compounds.
The ecological and economic impact caused by the invasive algae Rugulopteryx okamurae on the coasts of Cádiz could find a productive solution thanks to science.
A research team from the University of Seville, with the support of Red Eléctrica (Redeia), has presented results confirming the feasibility of transforming this residual biomass into biogas, organic fertilizers, and high-value products for the medical and food industries.
The study, led by Professor José Carlos García-Gómez, director of the Marine Biology Laboratory of the Sevillian institution, analyzes the potential of this species —which currently suffocates the benthic ecosystems of the Strait of Gibraltar— to be integrated into a circular economy model.
The initiative arises after detecting the massive presence of the algae during environmental work for the electrical interconnection between the Peninsula and Ceuta, which prompted a public-private collaboration to mitigate its negative effects on fishing and local tourism.
Innovation in energy and biotechnology
The research is divided into several strategic lines. In the energy field, in collaboration with the CSIC (under the direction of Dr. Rafael Borja), the process of anaerobic digestion for obtaining biogas and biomethane has been perfected.
Additionally, through the use of “blatticomposting” techniques with insects like the black soldier fly and certain species of cockroaches, the natural toxicity of the algae has been reduced, turning it into an efficient and low-cost organic compost.
Beyond the energy sector, Dr. Carmen Claro, from the Faculty of Pharmacy, has explored the extraction of bioactive compounds.
These elements have high potential for the development of functional ingredients aimed at cosmetics, nutraceuticals, and pharmacology, giving new life to what was previously considered exclusively a costly environmental waste for municipalities to manage.
A sustainable future for the Strait
The results of this ambitious project were recently presented at a technical conference held in La Línea de la Concepción. According to experts, these conclusions lay the legal and technical foundations for the deployment of processing farms that turn beach stranding into a valuable resource.
This commitment to applied science not only seeks to restore the marine balance but also to compensate for the economic losses of the area’s productive sectors. Redeia’s support is part of its Impact Strategy, which aims to protect marine biodiversity and promote scientific research as a tool for territorial protection.
