Avaliação da viabilidade técnica e econômica da produção industrial de biomassa algal para aplicação na aquicultura

Abstract

Microalgae are microscopic and photosynthetic organisms, used as a source of nutrients for thousands of years due to their vast nutritional value. Microalgae have characteristics that make them excellent candidates for the most diverse applications, one being animal supplementation, mostly for the aquaculture industry. Several studies have shown the better nutritional quality of microalgae when compared to other sources of feed. Among the existing species, Chlorella vulgaris has stood out for its potential in aquaculture, especially in pisciculture, due to its fast and easy growth, nutritional value and resistance to contamination. Considering the information above, the objective was to design an industry for the production of concentrated biomass of Chlorella vulgaris in order to apply it to the development and growth of fish. The industry design process involved: studying the potential market of Chlorella vulgaris in order to determine the best location for the construction of the industrial facilities; detailing of the process and operations necessary for the production of biomass; determination of the demand for raw material, inputs and equipment sizing from the mass and energy balance; prepare the layout of the manufacturing unit; and finally, carry out the economic feasibility analysis to verify the industry’s potential. At the end of the analysis and projection of the industry, it was concluded that it is viable for a period of twenty years with a payback of about two years.