In this episode we talk to Dr. John Milledge, a member of Algal Biotechnology Research Group at the University of  Greenwich. He is currently researching the potential exploitation of  Genus Sargassum for biofuel and other products. Sargassum is to him a vibrant offshore ecosystem that causes economic challenges when it beaches. He is researching whether we can turn this golden tide into a golden opportunity. Listen to the episode to hear about:

- Historic gathering of seaweed in the UK (3:30)

- Sargassum muticum, which invaded the UK waters (4:30)

- Sargassum is theoretically well suited for fuel but in practice not as much fuel is produced (6:50)

- The compound that inhibits fuel production (phenolics) can potentially be used for  pharmaceutical and dental products (8:00)

- Has pelagic Sargassum come up the Gulf stream to the UK (9:30)

- What type of products could be made from Sargassum (13:30)

- Concentration of arsenic and other heavy metals in Sargassum (14:30)

- How freeze drying can help with transporting samples over long distances (18:00)

- Why Sargassum tastes salty (20:30)

- Brominated compounds found in algae reduce methane production of cattle (22:00)

- Producing methane through anaerobic digestion (24:00)

- Return on energy investment of fuel (30:00)

Read some of John’s work:

֍ Milledge et al. 2020 Sargassum Inundations in Turks and Caicos: Methane Potential and Proximate, Ultimate, Lipid, Amino Acid, Metal and Metalloid Analyses

֍ Milledge and Harvey, 2016 Golden Tides: Problem or Golden Opportunity? The Valorisation of Sargassum from Beach Inundations

֍ Further information on the work of Dr Milledge and Aquatic Biotechnology and Biology Group of the University of Greenwich

Dr. Milledge’s work is supported by Darwin Plus (DPR7P@059), “Sustainable Solutions for Sargassum Inundations in Turks & Caicos.

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