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INVESTIGATOR: Mitra, M.

PERFORMING INSTITUTION:
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
11868 College Backborne Road
Princess Anne, MARYLAND 21853

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: GRACILARIA (RED MACROALGA) BIOREFINERY SYSTEM: AN INTEGRATED APPROACH FOR BIOETHANOL PRODUCTION

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: The professional development project will provide essential support for the investigator to conduct sabbatical research on the efficient methodologies in integrated aquaculture and for the generation of sustainable bioethanol from a red macroalgal feedstock, Gracilaria, at a pioneer institute of science, engineering, and technology in the USA. The overall goal of this professional development project is to address some of the critical needs of sustainable renewable energy generation and mitigating the harmful effects of the environment through the implementation of a seaweed/macroalgal biorefinery with co-cultures of fish-plant species. The specific objectives are: 1) to implement and maintain an integrated aquaculture system with species of Gracilaria, and edible white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei for evaluating the bioremediation potential of the macroalga in a biorefinery setting; 2) to utilize the macroalga, Gracilaria for the production of sustainable bioenergy in the form of bioethanol; and 3) to enhance professional training, networking, and strengthening collaborations between two minority serving institutions. The professional development will facilitate the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) to have the capability for implementing bioenergy research in education (courses and experiential learning activities), student and faculty training (workshops), and outreach activities to the community in the areas of sustainable aquaculture, bioenergy, and bioremediation. In addition, research collaborations with another minority institution, California State University at Fresno, CA, will be expanded and strengthened, establishing a platform for future student exchange and faculty visits.

OBJECTIVES: The overall goal of this professional development project is to address some of the critical needs of sustainable renewable energy generation and mitigating the harmful effects of the environment through the implementation of a seaweed/macroalgal biorefinery with co-cultures of fish-plant species. The specific objectives are: 1) to implement and maintain an integrated aquaculture system with species of Gracilaria, and edible white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei for evaluating the bioremediation potential of the macroalga in a biorefinery setting; 2) to utilize the macroalga, Gracilaria for the production of sustainable bioenergy in the form of bioethanol; and 3) to enhance professional training, networking, and strengthening collaborations between two minority serving institutions. The professional development will facilitate the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) to have the capability for implementing bioenergy research in education (courses and experiential learning activities), student and faculty training (workshops), and outreach activities to the community in the areas of sustainable aquaculture, bioenergy, and bioremediation. In addition, research collaborations with another minority institution, California State University at Fresno, CA, will be expanded and strengthened, establishing a platform for future student exchange and faculty visits.