Xianming  Li , Peiming  Xu

Aquatic Biology Research Center, Cuixi Academy of Biotechnology, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China
Author    Correspondence author
International Journal of Aquaculture, 2024, Vol. 14, No. 4   
Received: 06 Jun., 2024    Accepted: 20 Jul., 2024    Published: 15 Aug., 2024

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

The primary goal of this study is to evaluate the sustainable cultivation practices and environmental impacts associated with the farming of Laminaria japonica, a widely cultivated brown alga known for its economic and ecological significance. The study found that Laminaria japonica exhibits high adaptability to various environmental conditions, which supports its extensive cultivation in different regions, including subtropical areas. The alga's high carbohydrate content and polysaccharides, such as laminarin and alginate, contribute to its potential as a biofuel feedstock, with significant hydrogen production yields. Additionally, different extraction methods of L. japonica polysaccharides showed varying structural features and antioxidant activities, suggesting potential applications in food and pharmaceutical industries. The environmental impact assessment revealed that biochar derived from L. japonica contains environmentally persistent free radicals, which vary depending on the habitat and pyrolysis conditions. Furthermore, the degradation of algin content in L. japonica feedstuff improved the growth performance and disease resistance of sea cucumbers, indicating its potential as an alternative feed source. The findings suggest that Laminaria japonica farming is not only sustainable but also offers significant environmental and economic benefits. Its adaptability to different climates, high biofuel potential, and diverse applications in various industries underscore its importance. However, the environmental implications, such as the formation of persistent free radicals in biochar, warrant further investigation to optimize cultivation practices and minimize negative impacts.

Laminaria japonica; Sustainable cultivation; Environmental impact; Biofuel; Polysaccharides; Biochar; Sea cucumber feed; Antioxidant activities