THE BROAD VIEW
·
SUBSCRIBERS

How Iceland’s fish-farms are helping to cut greenhouse gas emissions – from cows

Nutrient-rich wastewater is used to grow seaweed for cow feed, which reduces methane from burping cattle

Published Fri, Sep 27, 2024 · 11:25 PM
    • Operations manager Johann Magnusson shows the seaweed which Lava Seaweed grows using nutrient-rich repurposed wastewater from fish farms.
    • Operations manager Johann Magnusson shows the seaweed which Lava Seaweed grows using nutrient-rich repurposed wastewater from fish farms. PHOTO: ERIC TEO

    A POLLUTANT in one context can help save the earth in another. Long regarded as an environmental threat, wastewater from Iceland’s land-based fish farms is now finding new purpose in other industries.

    Some fish farms are working with agricultural companies to use the nutrient-rich water as fertiliser, or with energy firms to create energy-generating biogas. Turning aquaculture byproducts into valuable resources helps to minimise the industry’s environmental footprint.

    Wastewater can even reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of other industries. One such collaboration involves Lava Seaweed, a startup that repurposes wastewater to grow seaweed for cow feed.

    Share with us your feedback on BT's products and services