Exploitation of microalgae for the treatment of cheese whey and for the production of biomass for animal feed

Scotta, a lactose-rich dairy by-product, poses environmental challenges due to its high BOD, COD and salinity. This study explores its direct use as a substrate for mixotrophic microalgae cultivation, aiming to produce protein-rich biomass for animal feed. Microalgae offer a sustainable solution, combining nutrient recovery with biomass valorization. The approach leverages minimal pretreatment and may be enhanced by co-cultivation with bacteria, aligning with circular economy goals.