The global seaweed industry is rapidly growing, driven by high economic returns especially in the food industry. However, not much has been said about waste seaweed as a result of seaweed production from cultivated farms.
Waste valorisation is the process of reusing, recycling or composting waste materials and converting them into more useful products. The valorisation of marine biomass is an underused biological treasure. The development of high value-added products from marine waste has received worldwide attention due to the discovery of various natural biomolecules, nutrients, and functional compounds with potential applications in different industries.
The “Rumpai Laut” project was showcased during Universiti Brunei Darussalam’s (UBD) Pesta Konvo 2024 by a team led by Dr Faizah Haji Metali, Senior Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Science (FOS), UBD. The other members of the research team include students: Yumni Haziqah Mohammad, Anis Nadiah Abdillah, Norafifah Syakirah Muhammad Sofian and Fatih Faizul Arsyad Abdul Qadir Zailani.
The initiative to pioneer the use of waste seaweed collected from aquaculture cages in the Brunei River embraces the principles of circular economy and blue bio-economy, which ensures the sustainable utilisation of marine resources and promotes eco-friendly and sustainable agriculture practices through the production of an organic seaweed fertiliser. The success of this project could serve as a model for inspiring similar strategies for managing various types of waste, thereby contributing to the broader goals of sustainability and responsible resource management.
Fish cage farming with sustainable aquaculture practices is a growing industry in Brunei Darussalam. A significant amount of seaweed grows on the netting of these cages and are occasionally removed to prevent damage to the cages and ensure fish growth and health. This seaweed waste presents an opportunity to implement circular economy-based solutions.
“Rumpai Laut” converts the waste seaweed into liquid organic fertiliser via fermentation, which can be applied to farmlands and hydroponic and aquaponic farming in Brunei, thus reducing dependence on chemical fertilisers and minimising the risks to health and the environment. Residue left from post-fermentation can also be used as seaweed fertilisers for crops on land. Efficiently utilising waste seaweed and their rapid life cycle can ensure the sustainability of this marine resource.
“In a significant move towards sustainability, Brunei is making notable strides in implementing circular economy-based solutions, especially in managing biowaste,” Yumni Haziqah, a current PhD student in Biotechnology said. “The Brunei Government, in collaboration with local higher institutions and industries, should intensify the efforts to valorise biowaste into high-value-added products, particularly in sustainable bioenergy and agriculture. A familiar practice in many households in Brunei involves converting food scraps and garden waste into compost, which serves as a natural organic fertilizer, reducing the need for chemical fertilisers.”
“This initiative should encourage Bruneians to adopt efficient waste segregation and collection systems while promoting innovative recycling technologies and creating a market for biowaste-based biofertilisers in sustainable agriculture. With investments in research and technology, the future of biowaste management looks promising, offering not only environmental benefits but also economic opportunities for the locals,” she added in response to how Brunei Darussalam has been prioritising efforts to reduce plastic usage. This has been done by promoting the use of biodegradable products and encouraging residents to use recyclable bags when shopping. “Bruneians are also embracing the practice of bringing their food containers when ordering takeout from restaurants, further supporting sustainable waste reduction initiatives. These efforts reflect a growing commitment to environmental sustainability and resource conservation in the nation.”
Yumni Haziqah pointed out that while contamination of biowaste with non-biodegradable materials can complicate the processing stage and reduce the quality of the end product, this can be mitigated by implementing rigorous waste segregation practices and public education and awareness campaigns. In addition, both government and private sectors can invest in developing infrastructure, such as composting plants and anaerobic digestion facilities, to promote biowaste usage.
The Government can also provide incentives, grants and subsidies to offset the initial cost of setting up biowaste processing systems. While market demand for biowaste-derived products may be limited at first, marketing and strategic partnerships with relevant sectors can help to promote their use and benefits. The public can then understand the safety and efficacy of the biowaste products. As the technology for processing biowaste is still being developed and standardised, further research and development (R&D) along with collaborations with academic, governments and industry will drive innovation.
The “Rumpai Laut” project is in line with the UBD Sustainability Masterplan which was also launched during Pesta Konvo 2024. The project itself leans on one of the masterplan’s five pillars “Driving Innovation Through Sustainability Research”. This pillar calls for new creative solutions, innovative projects, green practices, equitable future, economic stability, and a focus on the environment. It also aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water). In addition, it indirectly supports SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
