Fifteenth International Seaweed Symposium


Book Description

This volume provides a selection of the most significant papers presented at the 15th International Seaweed Symposium in Valdivia, Chile, in January 1995. Plenary lectures featured seaweed research and utilization in Chile by Bernabé Santelices, ethnobotany of seaweeds by Isabella Abbott, host-virus interactions in marine brown algae by Dieter Müller, DNA analysis methods for recognizing species invasion by Annette Coleman, and recent developments in manufacturing and marketing carrageenan by Harris Bixler. Other highlights include sections on integrated aquaculture using seaweeds and marine invertebrates or fishes and on diseases in seaweeds. The remaining papers cover recent advances in floristics and systematics, population studies, pollution, cultivation, economics, physiology, biochemistry, cell biology, and chemistry and chemical composition of seaweeds, particularly species of Gracilariales, Gigartinales, Gelidiales, Laminariales and Fucales.




Marine Polysaccharides


Book Description

In the past few decades, marine organisms, including macroalgae and microalgae, have been extensively explored as potential sources of bioactive compounds with applications in various fields such as pharmaceuticals, biomedicine, cosmetics and foodstuffs. Marine polysaccharides, such as chitin/chitosan, ulvans, fucans, alginates and carrageenans, are biochemical compounds with several important properties such as anticoagulant and/or antithrombotic, immunomodulatory, antitumor, antilipidemic, hypoglycemic, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Due to their biocompatible, nontoxic and biodegradable nature, marine polysaccharides offer a better alternative to be used in advancement of the biomedical field. This book focuses on marine polysaccharides; their derivatives, blends, composites and hydrogels; and their multifaceted applications in various fields. The book also discusses the various aspects of marine polysaccharides from the point of view of chemistry and related applications. It is an important reference for marine biotechnologists, natural product scientists, students, researchers and academicians working in the area of materials science, marine science and polymer chemistry.




Algal Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals: Benefits, Opportunities, and Challenges


Book Description

Edible algae, including seaweeds, are a source of functional food, dietary supplements, metabolites and bioactive compounds. Algal-based functional foods have potential health benefits, and their commercial value depends on their applications in the food and nutraceutical industries. This book covers several aspects of algal based functional foods. It informs the reader about algal cultivation techniques, environmental impact, habitat, nutraceutical potential, extraction of bioactive metabolites, functional-food composition, bio-prospection, culture-induced nutraceutical compounds, algae-based bio-packaging, algal-biorefinery, toxicity, trends and future prospects. The editors present the topics in a research-oriented format while citing scholarly references. This book is a comprehensive resource for anyone interested in the nutritional benefits and industrial utilization of algae as a sustainable food source.




Environmental Sustainability


Book Description

Covers different categories of green technologies (e.g. biofuels, renewable energy sources, phytoremediation etc.,) in a nutshell -Focuses on next generation technologies which will help to attain the sustainable development -The chapters widely cover for students, faculties and researchers in the scientific arena of Environmentalists, Agriculturalists, Engineers and Policy Makers The World Environment Day 2012 is prepared to embrace green economy. The theme for 2012 encompasses various aspects of human living, ranging from transport to energy to food to sustainable livelihood. Green technology, an eco-friendly clean technology contributes to sustainable development to conserve the natural resources and environment which will meet the demands of the present and future generations. The proposed book mainly focuses on renewable energy sources, organic farming practices, phyto/bioremediation of contaminants, biofuels, green buildings and green chemistry. All of these eco-friendly technologies will help to reduce the amount of waste and pollution and enhance the nation’s economic growth in a sustainable manner. This book is aimed to provide an integrated approach to sustainable environment and it will be of interest not only to environmentalists but also to agriculturists, soil scientists and bridge the gap between the scientists and policy-makers.




Global Blue Economy


Book Description

A global blue economy is an economic arena that depends on the benefits and values realized from the coastal and marine environments. This book explains the "sustainable blue economy" as a marine-based economy that provides social and economic benefits for current and future generations. It restores, protects, and maintains the diversity, productivity, and resilience of marine ecosystems, and is based on clean technologies, renewable energy, and circular material flows.




Bioassays


Book Description

Bioassays: Advanced Methods and Applications provides a thorough understanding of the applications of bioassays in monitoring toxicity in aquatic ecosystems. It reviews the newest tests and applications in discovering compounds and toxins in the environment, covering all suitable organisms, from bacteria, to microorganisms, to higher plants, including invertebrates and vertebrates. By learning about newer tests, water pollution control testing can be less time and labor consuming, and less expensive. This book will be helpful for anyone working in aquatic environments or those who need an introduction to ecotoxicology or bioassays, from investigators, to technicians and students. - Features chapters written by internationally renowned researchers in the field, all actively involved in the development and application of bioassays - Gives the reader an understanding of the advantages and deficiencies of available tests - Addresses the problem of understanding the impact of toxins in an aquatic environment and how to assess them




Marine Macro- and Microalgae


Book Description

The marine environment accounts for most of the biodiversity on our planet, while offering a huge potential for the benefit and wellbeing of mankind. Its extensive resources already constitute the basis of many economic activities – but many more are expected in coming years. This book covers current knowledge on uses of marine algae to obtain bulk and fine chemicals, coupled with optimization of the underlying production and purification processes. Major gaps and potential opportunities in this field are discussed in a critical manner. The currrent trends pertaining to marine macro- and microalgae are explained in a simple and understandable writing style. This book covers a wide variety of topics, and as such it will be appropriate as both student text and reference for advances researchers in the field.




Edible Seaweeds of the World


Book Description

Seaweed is used in many countries for very different purposes - directly as food, especially in sushi, as a source of phycocolloids, extraction of compounds with antiviral, antibacterial or antitumor activity and as biofertilizers. About four million tons of seaweed are harvested annually worldwide. Of the various species known, less than 20 accoun




Sixteenth International Seaweed Symposium


Book Description

International Seaweed Symposia have been held at three-year intervals for nearly 50 years. In the early days they formed the only international forum for marine phycologists, and although there are now frequent phycological meetings their value has not diminished, both because of the increased commercial importance of seaweeds, and because of the unique mix of disciplines that the meetings attract. Industrialists interact with chemists and biologists with the common aim of understanding seaweeds. The main development during the last few decades has been an increase in the cultivation of algae, as natural stocks of the useful species become depleted. Of the first ten Symposia, nine were held in western countries where seaweed cultivation is almost non-existent. It is appropriate that the last two have been held where algal exploitation is relatively big business.