XXXVIII CICLO | Di Martino Jessica

I am a passionate ecology doctoral candidate with a strong dedication to the study of microalgae as an innovative tool for mitigating climate change. my research focuses on understanding the capacity of microalgae to absorb carbon dioxide, thereby contributing to greenhouse gas mitigation. through an interdisciplinary approach, i explore the potential of these microorganisms to develop sustainable and efficient solutions. i am determined to make a significant contribution to scientific research in addressing current environmental challenges, with the aim of promoting a more sustainable and resilient future.

The increasing concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere, caused by factors such as industrialization and deforestation, is the main driver of climate change. According to the sixth IPCC report, CO2 levels are projected to reach between 550-700 ppm by 2050, leading to severe consequences such as global warming, rising sea levels, and dramatic impacts on agriculture, biodiversity, and more. Solutions to reduce atmospheric CO2 concentration include mitigation (reducing emissions) and the “negative emissions” approach, aiming to remove more CO2 than the natural carbon cycle can absorb. Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) is an effective mitigation approach, with various technologies studied, including biological capture using photosynthetic organisms like microalgae. These show promise for low-cost carbon fixation and can be utilized to produce biofuels such as bio-hydrogen, offering high potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Understanding the metabolic pathways involved is crucial to fully harness the potential of microalgae as energy resources.