Biofertilizer from organic waste leachate with CO2 macroalgae sequestration
A circular biofertilizer platform that uses organic waste leachate as a microalgae growth medium to sequester CO2, fix essential nutrients, and produce phytohormone-enriched biofertilizers, reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers.
Overview
This solution transforms organic waste leachate into a nutrient-rich substrate for cultivating microalgae consortia, enabling CO2 sequestration while producing a natural biofertilizer enriched with phytohormones. By leveraging microalgae such as Scenedesmus sp. and Chlorella sp., the approach captures carbon dioxide, removes nitrogen and phosphorus from a complex waste matrix, and generates plant growth-promoting compounds including auxins, abscisic acid, and gibberellins. The result is an enriched biofertilizer that can reduce dependence on synthetic fertilizers while advancing circular economy goals for waste management.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Uses organic solid waste leachate as an optimized, low-cost culture medium for microalgae consortia
- Microalgae strains fix CO2 while simultaneously removing chemical oxygen demand, nitrates, and total phosphorus from leachate
- Produces phytohormone-enriched biomass, including auxin, abscisic acid, and gibberellin, that enhance plant growth
- Supports circular economy objectives by converting waste streams into high and medium-value agricultural by-products
- Applicable to agricultural producers and waste management operators seeking sustainable input alternatives
Technology readiness level
The technology is supported by prior validation using diverse wastewater sources, including porcine, nixtamal (nejayote), and industrial wastewater, demonstrating effective microalgae growth and CO2 sequestration. Future work will optimize leachate composition as a culture medium, evaluate operating conditions for maximum CO2 capture and phytohormone production, and conduct laboratory-scale plant growth tests to assess dilution, dosage, and application methods.
About Tecnológico de Monterrey
Tecnológico de Monterrey is a leading private, multi-campus research university in Mexico, recognized for entrepreneurship and industry collaboration. Its Monterrey headquarters anchors an urban innovation district with open lab space, prototyping, and shared testing facilities that welcome corporate collaborators. An integrated health system supports clinical research and translation, while structured internships and challenge-driven partnerships connect companies with faculty and student talent year-round. Research is supported by competitive federal funding through Mexico’s national science and technology council, along with industry contracts and international sponsors. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, and startup formation.
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