The potential of textile substrates for the cultivation of marine macroalgae Ulva spp

Technologies currently employed for land-based seaweed cultivation are cost-intensive and wasteful of resources. Hence, the present study examined natural and synthetic materials as growth substrates for a sustainable on-land production of Ulva spp. In total, 16 materials were qualitatively evaluated regarding their usability represented as availability, durability, reusability, and adherence, as well as growth of algae on the selected materials. The results of spore adhesion and mobility indicated that loofah sponge, clay pellets, and polyurethane foam were most suitable for algal adhesion. Synthetic materials generally exhibited low toxicity and high durability but low usability, as algal spores clogged the materials. In contrast, natural materials exhibited increased vulnerability to mechanical stress, leading to reduced durability and low reusability. Furthermore, toxic effects that might have inhibited movement and attachment of spores were more likely to occur from natural materials due to degradation processes during the tests.