Research Papers - School of Natural Sciences

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Author: search.filters.author.Kasturiarachchi, J. C

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    PublicationOpen Access
    Biochemical shifts in Chlorella vulgaris via post-stationary magnesium sulfate stress: optimizing biomass for advanced bio-fertilizers
    (Frontiers Media SA, 2026-06-09) Dodangodage, C. A; Kasturiarachchi, J. C; Perera, T.A; Rajapakshe, S.D; Niyangoda, S.S; Halwatura, R.U
    Sustainable agriculture requires bio-fertilizers that improve both nutrient efficiency and soil resilience. Microalgae are promising candidates; however, conventional optimization using sodium chloride (NaCl) stress introduces phytotoxic sodium residues that limit soil application. To address this, a biphasic cultivation strategy for Chlorella vulgaris was developed using magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) as a dual-function stressor. Following the onset of a nitrogen-limited stationary phase (Day 18), the addition of 0.4 g L-¹ MgSO4 induced intracellular macromolecular accumulation. Biomass increased by 44.8% (2.810 ± 0.090 g L-¹), driven by intracellular densification, with enrichment in both total carbohydrate (42.15 ± 2.10%) and lipid (36.24 ± 1.11%) fractions. Substituting NaCl with MgSO4 eliminates the risk of sodium-induced phytotoxicity upon soil application, while simultaneously pre-loading the biomass with essential secondary macronutrients. Overall, this study demonstrates that targeted MgSO4-induced metabolic shifts can generate high-density, functionally enhanced, sodium-free microalgal biomass to serve as a potential bio-fertilizer feedstock.
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    PublicationOpen Access
    Integrated Microalgal–Aquaponic Systems for Enhanced Water Treatment and Food Security: A Critical Review of Recent Advances in Process Integration and Resource Recovery
    (Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2026-01-12) Dodangodage, C.A; Kasturiarachchi, J. C; Wijesekara, I. A; Perera, T.A; Rajapakshe, D; Halwatura, R
    The convergence of food insecurity, water scarcity, and environmental degradation has intensified the global search for sustainable agricultural models. Integrated Microalgal– Aquaponic Systems (IAMS) have emerged as a novel multi-trophic platform that unites aquaculture, hydroponics, and microalgal cultivation into a closed-loop framework for resource-efficient food production and water recovery. This critical review synthesizes empirical findings and engineering advancements published between 2008 and 2024, evaluating IAMS performance relative to traditional agriculture and recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). Reported under controlled laboratory and pilot-scale conditions, IAMS have achieved nitrogen and phosphorus recovery efficiencies exceeding 95% while potentially reducing water consumption by up to 90% compared to conventional farming. The integration of microalgal photobioreactors enhances nutrient retention, may contribute to internal carbon capture, and enables the generation of diversified co-products, including biofertilizers and protein-rich aquafeeds. Nevertheless, significant barriers to commercial scalability persist, including the biological complexity of maintaining multi-trophic synchrony, high initial capital expenditure (CAPEX), and regulatory ambiguity regarding the safety of waste-derived algal biomass. Technical challenges such as photobioreactor upscaling, biofouling control, and energy optimization are critically discussed. Finally, the review evaluates the alignment of IAMS with UN Sustainable Development Goals 2, 6, and 13, and outlines future research priorities in techno-economic modeling, automation, and policy development to facilitate the transition of IAMS from pilot-scale innovations to viable industrial solutions.