A KAUST-led team used acoustic technology and net sampling to explore ocean depths in 146 locations worldwide. They found that the biomass of pelagic organisms in the deep sea is much larger than previously thought, especially below productive waters. Deep-sea fauna migrates to shallower areas to feed, transporting carbon to the deep sea. Why it matters: This suggests the ocean's carbon pump is more effective than previously understood, with implications for climate change mitigation strategies.
Edama Organic Solutions, a KAUST startup, has opened a new organic waste recycling facility in the KAUST Research and Technology Park. The facility is the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia to use technology for waste processing and desert agriculture solutions. It will recycle 100% of KAUST's food and green waste, producing about 4,500 m3 of soil improver. Why it matters: This supports Saudi Vision 2030 by addressing environmental pollution and promoting sustainable agriculture in arid regions, aligning with the Saudi Green Initiative.
KAUST researchers are using black soldier fly (BSF) larvae to transform organic waste into protein-rich animal feed and high-quality organic fertilizer. BSF larvae consume organic matter and reduce waste volume significantly in a 12-day period. Organic Waste Management Solutions (OWMS), a startup launched by the team, is scaling up and commercializing the BSF-based process. Why it matters: This innovative approach offers a sustainable solution for waste management in the region, generating lower carbon emissions compared to existing technologies like incineration and landfilling.
KAUST community members planted mangrove trees in the university's coastal wetlands as part of the 2022 Winter Enrichment Program (WEP). Mangrove forests are recognized as important carbon sinks, with KAUST hosting a thriving mangrove forest spanning over 110 hectares. The mangrove planting project was initiated to raise awareness of the negative environmental impact associated with travel-related carbon emissions from events like WEP. Why it matters: This initiative highlights the potential of mangrove forests in carbon offsetting and demonstrates KAUST's commitment to environmental sustainability.
KAUST researchers cultivated the extremophile microalga Cyanidioschyzon merolae, which thrives in hot, acidic conditions, using commercial fertilizer at lab and outdoor large-scale culture. This was part of the Development of Algal Biotechnology in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (DABKSA) project, a collaboration between MEWA and KAUST. The microalgae consume pollutants and CO2 to produce biomass like proteins and oils, which can be used as sustainable animal feed. Why it matters: This positions Saudi Arabia as a potential leader in algal technologies, strengthens food independence, and contributes to the country's carbon net-zero goal by 2060.
KAUST's coastal wetlands contain 90 hectares of protected mangroves that support over 240 bird species and various marine life. These mangroves, predominantly Avicennia marina, sequester CO2 at a rate 30 times higher than other forests, burying it in sediment. This "blue carbon" storage occurs because the lack of oxygen in mangrove soils prevents the degradation of organic matter. Why it matters: This highlights the critical role of Red Sea mangroves in carbon sequestration and biodiversity, emphasizing their importance for regional climate change mitigation.
Edama Organic Solutions received $780,000 USD seed investment from the KAUST Innovation Fund. KAUST has also signed a contract to build a commercial-scale composting facility for Edama on its Thuwal campus, with a recycling capacity of 5,500 tons. Edama will manufacture and sell products, including Edama Desert Compost and Edama Palm Peat. Why it matters: This initiative promotes sustainable waste management practices in Saudi Arabia by turning organic waste into valuable soil improvement products tailored for desert environments.
KAUST researchers from the Red Sea Research Center (RSRC) and Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC) found macroalgae DNA prevalent in the open ocean, up to 5,000 km from coastal areas. 69% of drifting macroalgae sinks below 1,000 m depth, sequestering carbon in deep ocean waters. The study used metagenomes generated by global ocean expeditions Tara Oceans and Malaspina, analyzed via KAUST's DMAP platform and Shaheen supercomputer. Why it matters: The findings confirm the role of macroalgae in carbon sequestration, highlighting their importance in blue carbon assessments for climate change mitigation and underscoring KAUST's contribution to environmental sustainability research.