International Journal of Aquaculture, 2024, Vol.14, No.4, 211-220 http://www.aquapublisher.com/index.php/ija 211 Feature Review Open Access Heavy Sustainable Cultivation and Environmental Impact of Laminaria japonica Farming Peiming Xu, Xianming Li Aquatic Biology Research Center, Cuixi Academy of Biotechnology, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding author: xianming.li@cuixi.org International Journal of Aquaculture, 2024, Vol.14, No.4 doi: 10.5376/ija.2024.14.0021 Received: 06 Jun., 2024 Accepted: 20 Jul., 2024 Published: 15 Aug., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Xu and Li, 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. Preferred citation for this article: Xu P.M., and Li X.M., 2024, Heavy sustainable cultivation and environmental impact of Laminaria japonica farming, International Journal of Aquaculture, 14(4): 211-220 (doi: 10.5376/ija.2024.14.0021) Abstract 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 fromL. japonica contains environmentally persistent free radicals, which vary depending on the habitat and pyrolysis conditions. Furthermore, the degradation of algin content inL. 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. Keywords Laminaria japonica; Sustainable cultivation; Environmental impact; Biofuel; Polysaccharides; Biochar; Sea cucumber feed; Antioxidant activities 1 Introduction Laminaria japonica, commonly known as kelp, is a type of brown seaweed extensively cultivated in various parts of the world, particularly in East Asia. This seaweed is not only a significant source of food but also holds substantial economic and environmental importance. The cultivation of Laminaria japonica has been expanding due to its numerous benefits, including its nutritional value and its potential role in environmental sustainability. Laminaria japonica farming has a long history, especially in countries like Japan, China, and Korea, where it is a staple in the diet and a key component of traditional medicine. The farming techniques have evolved over the years, allowing for large-scale production and consistent quality. The seaweed is rich in dietary fibers, vitamins, and minerals, making it a valuable addition to the human diet (Aoe et al., 2021; Kim et al., 2018). Additionally, it has been shown to have various health benefits, such as reducing body fat and improving lipid profiles (Aoe et al., 2021; Kim et al., 2018). The sustainable cultivation of Laminaria japonica is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it helps in maintaining the ecological balance by improving water quality and regulating phytoplankton communities in eutrophic waters (Jiang et al., 2020). Kelp farming can also mitigate the effects of coastal eutrophication and harmful algal blooms, which are significant environmental concerns (Jiang et al., 2020). Moreover, sustainable practices ensure that the seaweed's beneficial properties, such as its prebiotic effects and potential in reducing obesity, are preserved for future generations (Kim et al., 2018; Zhang et al., 2020). The environmental benefits extend to carbon sequestration and providing habitats for marine life, further emphasizing the need for sustainable farming
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