Pages: 54

No chapter abstract available.

Pages: 12

Large water bodies such as oceans and seas are homes to macro- and microorganisms, among which algae and other photosynthetic bacteria are of great significance. Marine greens are classified on the basis of size as macro- and microalgae. On the basis of pigmentation, they are grouped into green, brown, and red as well as the blue-green algae. These organisms are located in varying abundance within various zones of the ocean. The growth requirements of marine greens are physical and chemical, such as light, pH, salinity, and macro- and micronutrients; hence, they can be cultivated at laboratory and industrial scale. The production of these important organisms can be in batch, continuous, or semi-continuous cultures in ponds or specialized photo-bioreactor systems. These organisms are distributed around the world, and they are found in large water bodies such as the North Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, Indian Ocean, South Atlantic Ocean, South Pacific Ocean, etc.

Pages: 11

“Marine greens” refers to a group of photosynthetic microorganisms, including certain species of algae and cyanobacteria, that are capable of removing pollutants from aquatic environments through a process called remediation. These organisms have the unique ability to absorb nutrients and contaminants from water and convert them into biomass, thereby reducing the levels of pollutants in the environment. One of the most important applications of marine green remediation is in the field of wastewater treatment. Algae and cyanobacteria can be used to remove excess nutrients from wastewater, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, which can cause harmful algal blooms and eutrophication if left untreated. By using marine green organisms to absorb these nutrients, wastewater can be treated more efficiently and effectively, while also reducing the overall impact of wastewater discharge on the environment. In addition to wastewater treatment, marine green remediation also has potential applications in other areas of environmental remediation, such as the removal of heavy metals, pesticides, and other toxic pollutants from waterways. Studies have shown that certain species of algae and cyanobacteria have the ability to accumulate and sequester these pollutants, which can help to reduce their overall impact on the ecosystem. However, it is important to note that marine green remediation is not a panacea for environmental pollution. While these organisms have the ability to remove pollutants from aquatic environments, they are not a substitute for proper waste management practices and pollution prevention measures. Additionally, the use of marine green organisms for remediation must be carefully managed to avoid unintended consequences, such as the introduction of invasive species or the disruption of natural ecosystems

Pages: 9

The discovery of microplastics throughout the marine ecosystem has attracted increasing attention. This chapter presents the classification of plastics ranging from fragments to microplastic sizes, the primary and secondary sources of microplastics, and their impact on marine ecology. The chapter also reveals that continuing improper disposal of plastics is the major source of microplastics in the sea. Marine debris threatens the health of lakes and streams, where fish and other aquatic species depend on large amounts of oxygen to live. Marine greens are marine macroalgae; basically, they are internally plant-like organisms that typically inhabit coastal regions. Various communities of scarlet, brown, and green macroalgae make up the majority of them. The study shows that marine greens, to a certain degree, can adapt and also regulate the chemical and physical characteristics of soil. Pollution of marine greens is caused by chemical spills, oil spills, operational discharges, decommissioning of disused installations, dredging of sediment, and dumping at sea. As a means of mitigating the deterioration in the marine ecosystem attributed to microplastics, the sources of pollutants should be removed; pollutants can also be removed along the way, when the pollutant is released, or at the sink, when the pollutant has entered the sea. Policies backing disposal should be strengthened. This chapter provides an insight into marine debris and marine green contamination, and suggests improving the response of industry to environmental and marine sensitivity when carrying out its activities, and controlling the production of microplastics from the source to solve the contamination of marine environments.

Pages: 10

The world has been witnessing an unprecedented release of greenhouse gas emissions, notably CO2 (which accounts for 68% of greenhouse gases), into the environment, especially from anthropogenic sources. This has had a deleterious impact on different ecosystems and even humans. Different strategies, including physical methods such as ocean storage, biochar burial, and geological sequestration; chemical methods such as chemical scrubbing and mineral carbonization; and biological land-based processes such as agriculture, reforestation, and photosynthetic microorganisms, have been explored with little success. In order to curb this menace, ocean-based strategies using two major types of marine greens (macro- and microalgae) have been highlighted to play crucial roles in mitigating climate change and global warming. Marine greens are excellent at sequestering carbon from the environment. Marine greens play crucial roles in mitigating climate change and global warming by capturing carbon from stationary sources, which can then be used to produce useful chemicals and even generate energy.

Pages: 10

Marine green nanotechnology (MGN) is an emerging field that combines the principles of nanotechnology and marine biology for various applications. One of the most promising applications of MGN is the remediation of wastewater, which is a major environmental concern due to its high levels of pollutants. These nanoparticles have unique properties that enable them to adsorb, oxidize, or reduce various contaminants present in the wastewater. The use of MGN for remediation of wastewater has several advantages over conventional methods, such as low cost, high efficiency, and eco-friendliness. However, there are also several challenges associated with this approach, such as the potential toxicity of nanoparticles and the need for further research to optimize the performance of MGN-based treatment systems. Overall, MGN holds great promise as a sustainable and effective solution for the remediation of wastewater, and further research and development in this field could lead to significant environmental and economic benefits.

Pages: 70

No chapter abstract available.

Pages: 9

It is impossible to overstate the significance of biological resources like macroalgae or seaweeds in delivering a range of ecological functions and socioeconomic value. The majority of the demand for seafood is anticipated to be satisfied by aquaculture because capture fisheries have been stagnant for a number of decades. Having a wide range of morphotypes, bioactive compounds, and ecophysiological features, with the potential for propagation, green macroalgae represent an essential yet underutilized aquaculture resource. Spirulina has proven to have strong antibacterial properties and an ability to combat dangerous microbes. Spirulina has been identified as a potential source of chemicals with medicinal benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunostimulatory, anti-cancer, antiviral, and antibacterial characteristics. However, in order to increase productivity, research on the environmental and dietary needs of these aquatic organisms is required. Additionally, further study is necessary to develop methods to improve the nutritional value of macroalgal materials. For the effective use of the raw materials and the production of high-quality materials for aquafeed production, biorefinery technologies that could allow the usage of all valuable constituents of a raw material in an economically viable cascading process, with little to no waste, could be developed.

Pages: 9

Sustainable development of agriculture has been challenged by problems associated with soil degradation, overuse of chemical fertilizer, and loss of biodiversity. Due to the potential of green technology in soil and crop improvement, in recent years, marine greens have gained attention for use as biofertilizer. Marine greens such as algae and seagrasses form an integral part of the marine ecosystem. They have been used as biofertilizers to improve soil health, increase plants’ tolerance to stress, supply nutrients, support plant and microbial growth, as well as increase crop productivity. They are prepared as liquid sprays or powders and applied to the soil to provide relevant and required nutrients for plant growth and development. They play a vital role in enhancing the biochemical constituents in plants, provide micro and macro elements required by plants, and improve the quality and yield of crops. This technology improves livelihoods, economic conditions, and sustainable agriculture.

Pages: 18

Only a small portion of the world's seaweed biomass output landings is currently made up of green macroalgae (Chlorophyta). The remainder of production, which is made up of more than 32 million tonnes annually, is dominated by red (Rhodophyta) and brown (Ochrophyta) macroalgae. A mere seven macroalgal genera, which together account for the majority of worldwide production metrics, are the majority of the species on which the industry is dependent. Diversification of macroalgal species or strains is currently required for innovation and greater industry sustainability in order to combat potential negative consequences resulting from genetic depletion, decreasing disease resistance, and climate change. Green macroalgae are used as a bio-component, a food ingredient, or a raw material for the production of many chemicals, such as fuels, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, while their modified formsare used in the sector of composites, membranes, and scaffolds, among other things, due to their physicochemical properties. The use of polysaccharides generated from green seaweed to create a variety of compounds and value-added biomaterials with different morphologies is highlighted in this chapter.

Pages: 9

Green marine microalgae are an important component of marine ecosystems and have significant ecological, economic, and nutritional importance. Efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change and provide more environmentally sustainable alternatives have rightfully gained traction in recent times. Hence, green marine microalgae and its extensive uses and applications have been brought to the forefront. These organisms play a crucial role in carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling, and bioremediation. They can also be used to produce biofuels, bioplastics, food supplements, and high-value compounds such as pigments, antioxidants, and pharmaceuticals. Strategies to improve the biomass yield of these functional organisms have been implemented, including genetic engineering, mixotrophic cultivation, nutrient recycling, and biofilm cultivation. Studying microalgae is essential for advancing the understanding of fundamental biological processes, promoting environmental sustainability, developing new biotechnologies, preserving biodiversity, and improving aquaculture. The potential benefits of microalgae research are vast and have important implications for planet and human well-being. This chapter encapsulates the physiology, ecology, cultivation and production, bioprocessing, and applications of microalgae, which can help harness their potential to mitigate climate change, promote sustainable agriculture, and restore degraded ecosystems.

Pages: 9

Edible marine greens are types of algae or seaweed that can be consumed by people. Providing food in different countries and components in local Korean medicine, seaweeds are extremely important. Seaweed is a common ingredient in Korean salads, soups, and snacks. Due to the minerals, important trace elements, and other natural compounds that their components contain, edible seaweeds are employed in food preparation, notably in Asian cultures. A consistent seaweed diet may help to abate the incidence of cancer disease, diabetes, obesity, and issues connected to inflammation. To ensure that edible seaweeds can be used to address future global food security challenges, regulatory measures are required to monitor and label food products in order to prevent excessive intake of salt, iodine, and heavy metals. Therefore, it is essential to educate the public about both the benefits and potential risks of consuming seaweed as a source of macro- and micronutrients.

Pages: 14

Considering the impact of climate change on conventional agriculture, marine greens are gaining increasing global relevance for utilization as food and feed. The global production of marine greens has in the last decade witnessed a two-fold increase to about 32 million tons of fresh weight per annum, with the industry generating an excess of US$13 billion yearly. The industrial exploitation of marine greens is connected to their high nutritional qualities, which include polyunsaturated fatty acids, proteins, umami flavor, trace elements, and essential minerals. This chapter highlights commonly exploited marine green taxa, their nutritional components, and their utility as potential nutritional sources. Furthermore, the chapter brings to the fore constraints associated with the use of marine greens as food and feed, while pointing readers to future directions with respect to modern biotechnological applications to enhance their diversification and productivity.

Pages: 40

No chapter abstract available.

Pages: 18

The ocean has long been thought to be the origin of life, as it has the widest variety of ecosystems and supports the greatest number of species. The marine environment, however, is hostile and always changing; hence, marine bacteria constantly undergo tremendous evolution to develop machinery that helps them survive the harsh marine habitats. Although certain bacterial cells and enzymes are being utilized on a large scale in industry, novel biocatalysts are still required for biotechnological applications. Bacteria found in marine environmental samples are difficult to cultivate and require innovative technologies. Metagenomic methods have made bioprospecting easier, enabling the effortless identification of microorganisms as well as production of their metabolites without laboratory cultivation. In view of this, methods for screening/bioprospecting marine bacteria's natural products, synthesis of marine bacterial enzymes and applications, obstacles, and future prospects of the technology are reviewed and discussed in this chapter.

Pages: 9

Energy is required for the socioeconomic and cultural development of every complex society of the world. Over the years, petroleum has been used as the major source of energy worldwide; however, because of the possible depletion of this resource, biotechnologists have suggested other sources of energy that are believed to be more sustainable and effective competitors to petroleum fuel. One such source is the use of marine greens. Marine greens are photosynthetic eukaryotes that are distinguished by the presence of stacked thylakoids, chloroplasts with two envelope membranes, and chlorophylls a and b, which give them a bright green color. The use of marine greens for biofuel production relies heavily on the biology, adaptation, and production processes of marine greens. In this review, we will discuss the mass production of marine greens, potential yields, and production challenges as well as the estimated production cost in order to compare it with the fossil fuel cost. Future prospects of marine greens as biofuel will also be discussed.

Pages: 11

Marine greens are known to have high lipid contents, making them attractive candidates for biofuel production. They can be cultivated in coastal areas and offshore, reducing the land-use conflict associated with terrestrial crops used for biofuel production. The potential of marine greens for biofuel production depends on several factors, including their growth rate and lipid productivity. Advances in cultivation technologies, such as photobioreactors and closed-loop systems, have increased the efficiency of marine green cultivation and lipid/carbohydrate accumulation. In addition to biofuels, marine greens can also be used to produce a range of valuable products, such as bioactive compounds, feed, and fertilizer. The use of marine greens for biofuel production can also provide additional environmental benefits, such as carbon sequestration and nutrient remediation. Overall, the potential of marine greens for biofuel production is promising, and further research and development in this area are needed to fully exploit this renewable energy source.

Pages: 84

No chapter abstract available.

Pages: 9

Marine natural products are emerging as a potential source for therapeutics for liver diseases. In recent years, a number of marine-derived compounds have been proven to improve liver lipid metabolism, modulate the gut microbiota, and possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, and antitumor activities. Thus, the bioactive compounds derived from marine greens are contributing to increasing the understanding of the molecular landscape underlying the pathogenesis of chronic liver diseases. Recent studies have demonstrated the interest in developing new therapeutic drugs and medicinal food ingredients from marine green sources for the prevention and treatment of human liver diseases.

Pages: 13

Marine organisms are potential sources of highly biologically active secondary metabolites that might represent useful leads in the development of new pharmaceutical agents. Marine greens are important among marine organisms and represent notable active ingredients and therapeutics for human diseases. Marine greens are a diverse group of aquatic marine organisms that have the ability to conduct photosynthesis. Among these important species are marine algae, which can be classified into two main groups: the first is the microalgae, which includes blue-green algae, dinoflagellates, and bacillariophyta, and the second is the macroalgae, which includes green, brown, and red algae. Various novel chemical and pharmacologically active molecules have been discovered in the microalgae. In this chapter, we will detail the various bioactive metabolites isolated from marine greens and their beneficial role against human diseases.

Pages: 11

A significant factor that contributes to the majority of neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and multiple sclerosis (MS), is the deterioration of the brain's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant protective mechanisms, which can occur in a number of situations. Consequently, the brain becomes susceptible to the harmful impacts of free radicals. To treat neurodegenerative and neurological disorders, researchers have concentrated on the creation of novel medications, particularly natural bioactive compounds that can correct imbalance in the redox system and the ensuing harm to the cells without producing toxicity to the neurons. In addition to promoting a healthy immune response and mitigating the negative impacts of an overactive immune system, marine green spirulina is a rich source of anti-inflammatory as well as antioxidant compounds that have the ability to enhance physiologic brain activity, and the growth and development of the nervous system. The most recent research on marine green spirulina's modulatory and neuroprotective properties, as well as its beneficial impacts on activation of glial cells and therapeutic application in neurodegenerative disorders, particularly MS, PD, and AS, is compiled in this study.

Pages: 13

This chapter discusses the biotechnology of marine green organisms, with a major focus on their derived bioactive compounds and their use for medicinal purposes. It focuses on water being a basic source of life, as the earth is composed of about 70% extant water bodies, inhabited by diverse forms of living organisms. It examines the attention paid by science and technology to marine plants (algae), which has given rise to marine green biotechnology. Bioactive compounds that are derivable from marine organisms, either as natural products or as metabolites, are looked into as well as their numerous health benefits for humans. Furthermore, the chapter discusses various advances of these marine-derived bioactive compounds and their applications or utilization for medical purposes, importantly in the management of chronic diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), inflammation, and cancer. In conclusion, the marine green environment is portrayed as a unique habitat, harboring diverse organisms with great potential to produce bioactive substances with distinctive biological and physicochemical properties of importance for human health.

Pages: 13

Marine greens, which are phytoplankton in nature, are found in both marine and freshwater environments. Heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg), and cobalt (Co) are non-biodegradable, persistent, and generally lethal to the marine environments. Many species of marine greens have been reported in many coastal regions of Africa. High concentrations of heavy metals have been reported in marine greens in different African oceanic environments. Both natural and human activities, such as the explosion in human population, increase in urban expansion, accelerated industrial growth, search for and use of natural resources, modern agricultural practices, uncontrolled wastewater discharge into the sea, biogeochemical recycling of nutrients and mining activities, are major sources of heavy metals in marine greens in Africa. Heavy metals in marine greens can lead to a variety of ecological and human health risks. Consumption of heavy metals in seaweeds by fish may increase their concentration in the marine ecosystem. Humans exposed to these metals may develop both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health issues. Long exposure to Cd may cause chronic bronchitis, a severe condition that affects the lungs. It could also cause carcinogenic health issues such as lung, prostate, and bladder cancers. Lead is a highly toxic metal that can cause significant harm to various organs and systems in the body. It is therefore suggested that special attention should be given to the study of toxic metals in marine greens and how it might have contributed to human health issues in the continent of Africa.

Pages: 23

A vast expanse of the earth's surface is covered by the oceans, which are endowed with abundant bioresources. A unique class of these bioresources is the marine green algae, which are primary sources of oxygen in the marine ecosystem. The marine green algae, which consists of macro- and microalgae, have been the subject of many ethnomedicinal practices due to their known nutritional and medicinal properties. Over the last few decades, pharmaceutical research has intensified its efforts in prospecting for bioactive molecules in these species of marine organisms. These research efforts have led to the discovery of many medicinal effects of marine green algae, culminating in the development of clinically approved drugs and nutraceuticals. For improving human health, it does appear that marine green algae offer a plethora of novel natural compounds. With existing and emerging technologies, the potential of these marine organisms can be better explored.