A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

Assessing the potential for sea-based macroalgae cultivation and its application for nutrient removal in the Baltic Sea




AuthorsKotta Jonne, Raudsepp Urmas, Szava-Kovats Robert, Aps Robert, Armoskaite Aurelija, Barda Ieva, Bergström Per, Futter Martyn, Gröndahl Fredrik, Hargrave Matthew, Jakubowska Magdalena, Jänes Holger, Kaasik Ants, Kraufvelin Patrik, Kovaltchouk Nikolai, Krost Peter, Kulikowski Tomasz, Kõivupuu Anneliis, Kotta Ilmar, Lees Liisi, Loite Sander, Maljutenko Ilja, Nylund Göran, Paalme Tiina, Pavia Henrik, Purina Ingrida, Rahikainen Moona, Sandow Verena, Visch Wouter, Yang Baoru, Barboza Francisco R.

PublisherElsevier B.V.

Publication year2022

JournalScience of the Total Environment

Journal name in sourceScience of the Total Environment

Article number156230

Volume839

eISSN1879-1026

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156230

Web address https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156230

Self-archived copy’s web addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/175507154


Abstract

Marine eutrophication is a pervasive and growing threat to global sustainability. Macroalgal cultivation is a promising circular economy solution to achieve nutrient reduction and food security. However, the location of production hotspots is not well known. In this paper the production potential of macroalgae of high commercial value was predicted across the Baltic Sea region. In addition, the nutrient limitation within and adjacent to macroalgal farms was investigated to suggest optimal site-specific configuration of farms. The production potential of Saccharina latissima was largely driven by salinity and the highest production yields are expected in the westernmost Baltic Sea areas where salinity is >23. The direct and interactive effects of light availability, temperature, salinity and nutrient concentrations regulated the predicted changes in the production of Ulva intestinalis and Fucus vesiculosus. The western and southern Baltic Sea exhibited the highest farming potential for these species, with promising areas also in the eastern Baltic Sea. Macroalgal farming did not induce significant nutrient limitation. The expected spatial propagation of nutrient limitation caused by macroalgal farming was less than 100–250 m. Higher propagation distances were found in areas of low nutrient and low water exchange (e.g. offshore areas in the Baltic Proper) and smaller distances in areas of high nutrient and high water exchange (e.g. western Baltic Sea and Gulf of Riga). The generated maps provide the most sought-after input to support blue growth initiatives that foster the sustainable development of macroalgal cultivation and reduction of in situ nutrient loads in the Baltic Sea.


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Last updated on 2024-26-11 at 19:12