Valorization of fish waste and brown algae into a biostimulant to promote sustainable agriculture in Lima, Perú

Abstract

In the fishing industry, approximately 35% of captured products are lost or wasted. These by-products not only represent an economic loss due to the high value of essential mineral compounds but also contribute to environmental pollution. In response to this issue, an alternative has emerged: the production of agricultural biostimulants through enzymatic hydrolysis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the germination index of Lactuca sativa var. Tropicana seeds treated with a biostimulant derived from fish waste combined with algae, and to compare it with an algae-based biostimulant through a phytotoxicity assay. The results showed a germination index greater than 80% at dilutions of 0.01% and 0.001%, indicating the absence of phytotoxic substances in the biostimulant. This proposal demonstrates its potential as a sustainable alternative to agriculture.