PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF ORGANIC AND ORGANOMINERAL FERTILIZERS FROM INVASIVE CORALS WITH INTENSIVE CO2 CAPTURE, FERTILIZERS AND THEIR USES

Description

1 / 22 PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF ORGANIC AND ORGANOMINERAL FERTILIZERS FROM INVASIVE CORALS WITH INTENSIVE CO2 CAPTURE, FERTILIZERS AND THEIR USES Field of the Invention

[001] The present invention relates to a process for producing organic and organomineral fertilizers from the utilization of invasive corals. The present invention also relates to organic and organomineral fertilizers comprising an organic biomass obtained from the cultivation of cyanobacteria, microalgae or macroalgae in a culture medium comprising recycled coral skeletons. The present invention falls within the fields of waste reuse, sustainable development, E&P and gas, energy and renewables. Fundamentals of the Invention

[002] The presence of sun coral, an invasive species of the genus Tubastraea spp, in naval equipment and units represents a problem with regard to the maintenance of offshore structures, impacting activities from an economic and environmental point of view.

[003] Although it is a natural process, coral biofouling puts the safety of vessels at risk, increasing the friction caused by the hull of the colonized ship, increasing the weight, causing overload, clogging cooling systems, reducing propeller propulsion, resulting in reduced operational efficiency and increased costs, for example.

[004] The global estimate is that around US$450 million is spent every year on biofouling prevention (PAIÃO, C. Invasive coral is resistant to biocidal compounds used in ship and platform paints. FAPESP Agency, São Paulo, July 22, 2024; MARTINS, Isabela; CAPEL, Kátia Cristina Cruz; ABESSA, Denis Moledo de Souza. Adults of Sun Coral Tubastraea coccinea (Lesson 1829) Are Resistant to New Petition 870240109761, dated 12 / 23 / 2024, pp. 32-61 2 / 22 Antifouling Biocides. Toxicos, v. 12, n. 1, p. 44, 2024), and that if this amount were not spent, the annual losses would be on the order of 7 billion dollars / year (GAMA, Bernardo Antônio Perez da; PEREIRA, Renato Crespo; COUTINHO, Ricardo. Marine biofouling. Pereira RC, Soares-Gomes A, orgs. Marine Biology. 2nd ed. Rio de Janeiro: Interciência, p. 299-318, 2009).

[005] To date, there is no effective solution for the disposal of coral carbonate skeletons after their removal from offshore structures and vessels, which are generally disposed of in landfills or incinerated, generating CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. Furthermore, the proper disposal of these residues requires appropriate treatment and involves overcoming logistical, technical and economic challenges, such as carrying out land-based unloading operations of these residues.

[006] Thus, solid waste produced in drilling activities constitutes an environmental liability that implies high costs for exploration and production activities due to the need for proper disposal in accordance with existing environmental standards and regulations, in addition to the permanent risk of receiving possible fines and / or legal injunctions, without any expectation of financial return or possible valuation of this material.

[007] The present invention constitutes an effective and sustainable solution for the decommissioning management of coral-infested assets such as platforms, vessels and other naval units, equipment, pipelines, etc.

[008] In particular, the process of the present invention provides a solution that facilitates, promotes and enables the reduction of biofouling infestation in these submerged structures through the use of coral waste in the production of fertilizers, also providing a reduction in the frequency of cleaning and maintenance, and improved integrity. Petition 870240109761, dated 12 / 23 / 2024, pp. 33 / 61 3 / 22 structural of offshore installations, reducing the risk of structural failures and increasing the reliability of underwater operations and structures.

[009] Thus, the present invention provides an alternative for the proper disposal and recycling of biofouled coral waste, through the production of organic and organomineral fertilizers, presenting gains from an environmental and economic point of view.

[010] Organic fertilizers are defined as products of a fundamentally organic nature, obtained through physical, chemical, physicochemical or biochemical processes, from raw materials of industrial, urban or rural, plant or animal origin. When the product results from the physical mixture or combination of mineral and organic fertilizers, it is called an organomineral fertilizer. Most raw materials are characterized as by-products of other activities and represent an alternative in the disposal and reuse of by-products.

[011] Organic and organomineral fertilizers exhibit circularity because they are bio-based, promote nutrient recycling, and can improve the chemical, physical, and biological attributes of the soil. Production routes for organic and organomineral fertilizers from renewable raw materials, such as the present invention, can contribute to the fertilizer sector intensifying the adoption of bioeconomy and circular economy concepts.

[012] Organomineral fertilizers are used in crops of agricultural and economic importance with the highest fertilizer consumption in Brazil, such as soybeans, corn, sugarcane, cotton, and coffee, and have the potential to optimize or replace traditional mineral fertilizers, contributing to the reduction of the structural deficit in the national production of plant nutrients (BRAZIL. Ministry of Industry, Foreign Trade and Services. Secretariat of Petition 870240109761, dated 12 / 23 / 2024, pp. 34 / 61 4 / 22 Industrial Development, Innovation, Trade and Services. National Fertilizer Plan 2050: a strategy for fertilizers in Brazil. Brasília: SDIC / MGI, 2023. 197 p. : ill. Includes bibliography: p. 154-156. ISBN 978-65-981379-4-6. Available at: https: / / www.gov.br / mdic / pt-br / centrais-deconteudo / documentos / pnf / pnf-v-07-21-11-23.pdf. Accessed on: October 30, 2024.

[013] Historically, national fertilizer production is lower than national demand and has not shown growth similar to that of demand (National Fertilizer Plan (BRAZIL, 2003)). In this context of a structural deficit in national production of plant nutrients, the organic and organomineral fertilizer segment emerges as an alternative to correct structural deficiencies in Brazilian soil and reduce international dependence. The cost of raw materials for organomineral fertilizers represents about 70% of the total production cost, a value higher than that of organic fertilizers (50%) and foliar fertilizers (65%). In this context, the present invention provides a relevant technical solution, considerably reducing the cost of raw materials and decreasing international dependence on fertilizer imports.

[014] The advantages provided by organic and organomineral fertilizers based on biological waste go beyond improved plant development, also standing out for their environmental benefits. This is because organic fertilizers contribute to carbon sequestration in the soil (each 100 kg of organic matrix of organic and organomineral fertilizer promotes the fixation of 33 kg of carbon in the soil) and do not depend directly on the oil and gas industry for their production, as is the case with traditional fertilizers based on ammonia and urea. In addition, they can be advantageously combined (competitive advantage) with mineral compounds (mineral matrix) producing organomineral fertilizers, in addition to organic fertilizer. Petition 870240109761, dated 12 / 23 / 2024, pages 35 / 61 5 / 22

[015] The sources of mineral matrix raw materials for organomineral fertilizers can originate from solid waste generated by oil and gas exploration and production activities, such as waste from removed coral biofouling, which requires environmentally sound treatment and disposal, as previously mentioned.

[016] The present invention also has the potential to surpass current processes for the direct use of CO2, without net emissions, by providing better utilization (compared to Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)) through the sustainable production of organic and organomineral fertilizers.

[017] The present invention has the potential to use and recycle coral biofouling removed from vessels and offshore installations, which are solid wastes generated secondarily by oil and gas exploration and production activities, as a mineral nutrient substrate for the cultivation of microalgae, cyanobacteria and macroalgae with intensive CO2 capture.

[018] It also has the potential to add value to the CO2 used and the problematic solid waste generated by corals which, as previously pointed out, involves transportation and disposal costs in landfills or incineration, contradicting the principles of sustainability and the transition to a low-carbon economy.

[019] The proposed solution to this problem involves utilizing coral skeletons, including sun coral, through the injection of concentrated CO2, using a process based on microalgae biotechnology, resulting in increased growth rates and productivity gains in the production of fluid or solid organic and organomineral fertilizers, after collection and drying or not of the cultivated biomass.

[020] The present invention also has lower risks and Petition 870240109761, dated 12 / 23 / 2024, pp. 36 / 61 6 / 22 difficulties associated with not involving the intensive extraction of natural resources from conventional raw materials and the use of chemical agents that impact the environment, as occurs in traditional routes for the production of organic and organomineral fertilizers.

[021] The invention is also based on the importance of supplying one or more carbon sources (via CO2, organic compounds, added bicarbonates or carbonates) for the accelerated growth and stability of microalgae, cyanobacteria and macroalgae cultures on a pilot or commercial scale under solar illumination in open or closed systems.

[022] Microalgae, cyanobacteria, and macroalgae represent a sustainable and alternative source in the production of organic and organomineral fertilizers. These organisms are found in a variety of ecosystems, from aquatic environments to arid terrestrial environments.

[023] The properties of biofertilizers / biostimulants have received increasing attention as an approach to sustainably stimulate plant growth and productivity. These compounds are also present in the formulations of organic and organomineral fertilizers formulated with microalgae, as they have improved the efficiency of plant mineral nutrition through the distribution of nutrients within the plant, promote tolerance to abiotic stresses (salinity, drought, high and low temperatures, heavy metals, etc.) and biotic stresses (pests, diseases, invasive plants, etc.), stimulate vegetative growth, increase antioxidant capacity, vigor and yield of agricultural crops, and improve product quality characteristics, regardless of their content of essential mineral nutrients for plants in agricultural production systems.

[024] In addition to carbon, other elements can be used in the composition of culture media as important factors in Petition 870240109761, dated 12 / 23 / 2024, pp. 37 / 61 7 / 22 growth of microalgae, cyanobacteria and macroalgae, as well as traces of metals such as Mo, Cu, Zn and Co or macroelements present in seawater such as Ca, Sr and Mg.

[025] Coral skeletons contain Ca and Mg carbonates which, from a scientific point of view, can be used in the composition of alternative culture media for microalgae, cyanobacteria and macroalgae cultivation.

[026] In the context of the present invention, there is still a global need to reduce CO2 emissions and find sustainable ways to utilize it. CO2 is one of the main gases responsible for global warming and its emission in large quantities contributes to the increase of the greenhouse effect.

[027] CO2 emissions from carbon-intensive industries, such as refineries and thermal power plants, have a major impact on climate change. Companies seeking environmental sustainability are looking for solutions to mitigate their emissions through post-combustion strategies, but most direct CO2 fixation technologies have worse cost / benefit ratios compared to indirect options, such as biological CO2 fixation. The cultivation of microalgae and cyanobacteria has the potential to contribute to the neutralization of CO2 emissions and expand the supply of non-energy products resilient to the energy transition.

[028] In this context, the present invention, which uses coral skeletons, including sun coral, to promote the accelerated growth of microalgae, cyanobacteria and macroalgae, with intensive CO2 capture, is aligned with the concepts of environmental sustainability and waste reuse. This is because these organisms are efficient CO2 biofixers, contributing to the reduction of CO2 levels and increasing atmospheric O2 concentrations through photosynthesis.

[029] These organisms are capable of removing CO2 from emissions Petition 870240109761, dated 12 / 23 / 2024, pp. 38 / 61 8 / 22 of the gases emitted by various sources can withstand concentrations of up to 50% CO2 and the presence of other gases such as NOx and CO2. Compared to trees, which have an estimated CO2 fixation capacity of 1 t.ha-1.year-1, reaching 3.5 t.ha-1.year-1 in tropical forests, microalgae can fix 6.3 t.ha-1.year-1, and can reach 16.2 t.ha-1.year-1 in tropical regions of Brazil with high insolation. Their rapid growth and high tolerance to various extreme abiotic factors allow their cultivation in cycles of a few days, in wastewater of various origins, saline or unsuitable for other activities, such as human use or agriculture, and they can be cultivated on non-arable land, not competing with food production.

[030] The production of microalgae, cyanobacteria and macroalgae can be valued based on the CO2 captured and converted, the product(s) generated and the effective solution for the disposal of potential environmental liabilities such as solid waste, such as coral skeletons.

[031] In this way, the process of the present invention favors a mitigation of climate change through intensive CO2 capture and can positively impact the reliability of offshore operations by reducing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events that can cause operational disruptions.

[032] Decarbonization processes are aligned with the energy transition and seek to replace fossil fuel-based energy sources with renewable sources of liquid fuels, electricity and hydrogen.

[033] Carbon capture, storage and utilization are crucial to ensure valorization in bioenergy, bioproducts and bioinputs, such as organic and organomineral fertilizers, a natural product, contributing to environmental sustainability and circular bioeconomy.

[034] In the case of the present invention, both the organic matrix, Petition 870240109761, dated 12 / 23 / 2024, pp. 39 / 61 9 / 22 for organic fertilizer, like mineral fertilizer for organomineral fertilizer, is biologically based and is intended for use as a mineral nutrient substrate for the cultivation of microalgae, cyanobacteria and macroalgae based on coral skeletons, such as the sun coral of the genus Tubastrea sp., as well as a mineral matrix to be used in the final composition of organomineral fertilizers.

[035] Thus, the present invention has the potential to promote a shift from the current model of production and consumption with characteristics of linear growth, based on “extract, transform and discard” in the short term, and fully meets the principles of the circular economy and bioeconomy, increasing their intensities, with strong alignment with low-carbon agriculture (reduces environmental pressure from non-renewable nutrient sources and there is a possibility of stabilizing part of the carbon in the organic matrix in the soil), improves the resilience of agroecosystems in the face of climate change, increases resource efficiency, reduces nutrient losses, and favors the results of life cycle assessment (emissions occurring in its generation are not accounted for) of products that generate waste inventories,They meet the new market demands linked to the circular economy and climate change, and are restorative and regenerative production systems because they focus on the reintegration of products and materials and the reduction of energy demand.

[036] The use of organic and organomineral fertilizers can contribute to sustainability by increasing carbon sequestration in the soil - increasing biomass production by soil biology and creating a more favorable carbon / nitrogen ratio in the soil, as well as preventing the expansion of planted area by agriculture and livestock, due to the increased productivity index and better use of natural resources.

[037] Finally, the present invention encourages the maintenance of Petition 870240109761, dated 12 / 23 / 2024, pp. 40 / 61 10 / 22 biodiversity of corals on the Brazilian coast, by providing a safe disposal method for these residues, without the risk of increasing the spread of bioinvasion, for example, of coralloid. The present invention also contributes to the preservation of marine ecosystems, as it helps maintain the health and ecological integrity of coral reefs and the essential habitats of marine species that depend on them, which is vital for environmental sustainability. State of the Art

[038] In the search for the state of the art in scientific and patent literature, the following documents were found that deal with the subject of the invention.

[039] Patent reference BR102021026904-9 deals with the production of organomineral fertilizer consisting of a mineral matrix, drilling gravel, and an organic matrix, algae biomass. The algae are cultivated using the drilling gravel suspended in the culture medium, along with their ability to grow by absorbing CO2 and, in the case of cyanobacteria, they fix atmospheric nitrogen in their biomass. Unlike the present invention, reference BR102021026904-9 uses ground drilling gravel as a mineral substrate and the microorganism is Nannochioropsis sp.

[040] Patent reference BR102022006198-0 deals with the direct use, by addition, of drilling gravel residue from oil exploration and production activities in the formulation of culture media for unicellular organisms, increasing their growth rates, intensifying CO2 biofixation, and generating value from this residue based on the productivity gains expected from autotrophic and mixotrophic organisms (cyanobacteria, microalgae, and macroalgae), as well as from the production of bioproducts that can be generated through the concept currently described in the literature as biorefining. Unlike the present invention, Petition 870240109761, dated 12 / 23 / 2024, pages 41 / 61 11 / 22 The mineral substrate used is ground drilling gravel and the microorganism is Desmodesmus sp.

[041] Patent reference KR-20000001045-A refers to a process for producing an organic fertilizer based on recycled marine sediments. The process comprises adding a small amount of fresh water to the pumped marine sediment, followed by dehydration, mixing the pulverized organic waste with the dehydrated sediment, and stabilizing the mixture with a stabilizing agent, such as calcium oxide, to reduce the toxicity and mobility of the waste and improve the characteristics of the mixture. Unlike the present invention, this reference uses marine sediments in general as a base for preparing the fertilizer product, and there is no experimental data on the cultivation of microalgae, macroalgae, or cyanobacteria.

[042] Patent reference IN202031009071 refers to an organic fertilizer rich in calcium, in which the calcium is obtained from oyster shells. The invention also refers to the process of preparing the organic fertilizer product, which is characterized by reducing production costs without causing pollution. Unlike the present invention, the reference in question uses oyster shells as a base for preparing the fertilizer product, and there is no experimental data on the applicability of the fertilizer produced in the cultivation of microalgae, macroalgae, or cyanobacteria.

[043] Thus, as can be inferred from the literature reviewed, no documents were found anticipating or suggesting the teachings of the present invention. Brief description of the invention

[044] The present invention relates to the production of organic and organomineral fertilizers formulated from a mineral matrix based on coral skeletons, which are solid wastes generated secondarily by the activities of Petition 870240109761, dated 12 / 23 / 2024, pp. 42 / 61 12 / 22 exploration and production of oil and gas, associated with an organic matrix consisting of algal biomass produced by the cultivation of cyanobacteria, microalgae and macroalgae. The invention also relates to organic and organomineral fertilizers and their uses.

[045] In summary, in the process of the present invention, the sun coral skeleton is ground and added to the appropriate culture medium, followed by inoculation of the microalga Chlorella sp. in a photobioreactor. Then, CO2 is injected into the photobioreactor exposed to sunlight, and through photosynthesis, the microalgae, macroalgae, or cyanobacteria absorb carbon dioxide, producing biomass (organic matrix). From this process, an organomineral fertilizer product comprising organic biomass associated with a mineral matrix is ​​obtained. Optionally, the organic biomass can be separated from the mineral matrix, thus forming a second organic fertilizer product comprising only organic biomass. The fertilizer products obtained can also be mixed with other types of fertilizers (mineral, organic, organomineral, biofertilizers / biostimulants, etc.) forming fertilizer formulations with varying nutrient contents.All fertilizers originally obtained and their derived formulations may have a solid or fluid physical nature.

[046] The present invention also relates to the use of organic and organomineral fertilizers for application in agriculture. Brief Description of the Figures

[047] The present invention will be described in more detail below, with reference to the attached figures which, in a schematic and non-limiting way of the inventive scope, represent examples of its embodiment.

[048] Figure 1 illustrates a diagram of the elements, processes, steps and interfaces of the invention. According to the Petition 870240109761, dated 12 / 23 / 2024, pp. 43 / 61 13 / 22 Figure 1, sun coral encrustations (1) infesting marine equipment are removed by sun coral removal systems (2) and with containment of the waste produced from these sun coral encrustations (3). The waste is transferred to waste transport vessels (4). The vessels sail to the receiving ports and dock to unload the sun coral waste (5). Finally, it is transported by land (6) to be used in the formulation of algae culture media.Solar radiation (8) falls on algal biomass production cultivation tanks (15), where microalgae, cyanobacteria or macroalgae inocula (14) containing water and culture media (9) are placed, adding coral residues (7) and CO2 (13) supplied from refineries (10), natural gas processing units (UPGNS) (11) and thermal power plants (UTEs) (12), which are consumed at a rate of 60 g of CO2 / m2 / day (16) and produce and release O2 at a rate of 40 g / m2 / day (17), resulting in a biofixation ratio of approximately 200 kg of CO2 (18), producing 100 kg of dry biomass (20) of algal origin (19). The biomass produced and segregated will be the organic matrix for the production of organic fertilizers (22) and, when not segregated, the organic matrix associated with the mineral matrix will produce organomineral fertilizers (21).

[049] Figure 2 illustrates photomicrographs of Chlorella sp. (630x magnification) at the beginning of the experiment with the addition of sun coral (Tubastrea sp.) skeletons to the BG-11 medium (S) and without the addition of sun coral skeletons to the culture medium (C).

[050] Figure 3 shows photomicrographs of Chlorella sp. (630x magnification) after 72 hours from the start of the experiment with the addition of sun coral (Tubastrea sp.) skeletons to the BG-11 medium (S) and without the addition of sun coral skeletons to the culture medium (C).

[051] Figure 4 illustrates the macroscopic aspect of the crops Petition 870240109761, dated 12 / 23 / 2024, pp. 44 / 61 14 / 22 of Chlorella sp. cultivated in culture medium with the addition of coral-sun skeletons (S) and without the addition of coral-sun skeletons (C), at the beginning of the experiment.

[052] Figure 5 illustrates the macroscopic aspect of Chlorella sp. cultures grown in culture medium with the addition of coral-sun skeletons (S) and without the addition of coral-sun skeletons (C), at the end of the experiment.

[053] Figure 6 illustrates growth curves of Chlorella sp. cultures (optical density with absorbance at 776 nm) obtained with and without the addition of sun coral (Tubastrea sp.) skeletons. The reported concentrations represent the average of the three photobioreactors without the addition of coral skeletons and the three photobioreactors with the addition of coral skeletons. Detailed Description of the Invention

[054] The present invention is based on the process of producing organic and organomineral fertilizers from biomass of microalgae, cyanobacteria and / or macroalgae, particularly the microalga of the species Chlorella sp., cultivated in mineral media that combine coral skeletons, such as the sun coral of the genus Tubastrea sp., with intensive carbon dioxide capture.

[055] Microalgae, cyanobacteria and macroalgae biomass constitute the organic matrix of organic and organomineral fertilizers and biofouling of coral skeletons and sun coral of the genus Tubastrea sp. constitute the mineral matrix to be used in the final composition of organomineral fertilizers.

[056] The mineral matrix in this invention is also used as a mineral nutrient substrate, in association with other culture media, for the cultivation of microalgae, cyanobacteria and macroalgae.

[057] Fluid or solid organic and organomineral fertilizer formulations can be produced after the harvesting and drying or not of the cultivated biomass.

[058] To obtain microalgae biomass it is necessary Petition 870240109761, dated 12 / 23 / 2024, pages 45 / 61 15 / 22 Add the culture medium and inoculum (microalgae, macroalgae, or cyanobacteria strain) to the cultivation system. CO2 is introduced into the system to control pH and as a substrate for microalgae photosynthesis. The biomass generated, along with the coral-sun mineral matrix, after separating the organic matrix from the mineral matrix through a separation process, can already be used as an organic fertilizer and can be considered a basic fluid fertilizer formulation, ready for direct application by the farmer with appropriate dilutions.

[059] This same basic fluid formulation can be subjected to drying and concentration processes, thus obtaining an organic matrix with lower moisture content, provided that the minimum organic carbon content of approximately 15% (weight / weight) and total nitrogen content of approximately 0.5% (weight / weight) are met, thereby producing a solid organic fertilizer formulation ready for use in agriculture.

[060] The biomass generated together with the coralsol mineral matrix, without separating the organic and mineral matrices, can be used as an organomineral fertilizer and can be considered as a basic fluid fertilizer formulation, ready for direct application by the farmer, with appropriate dilutions.

[061] Other components based on traditional mineral fertilizers with high water solubility, such as urea, phosphoric acid, potassium chloride and other soluble salts of N, P, K, S, Ca, Mg, B, Cu, Zn, Mn, Cl, Mo and Fe, as well as other nutrients, can be added to this basic fluid organomineral fertilizer formulation to be formulated ready-to-use fluid organomineral fertilizers for agriculture.

[062] This basic fluid fertilizer formulation can be subjected to drying and concentration processes, thus obtaining a solid organomineral fertilizer formulation with lower moisture content (up to 20% w / w). To this Petition 870240109761, dated 12 / 23 / 2024, pp. 46 / 61 16 / 22 dry organomineral fertilizer can be supplemented with other traditional solid mineral fertilizers such as urea, monoammonium phosphate, diammonium phosphate, potassium chloride, and other solid fertilizers supplying N, P, K, S, Ca, Mg, B, Cu, Zn, Mn, Cl, Mo, and Fe, and other nutrients, to formulate ready-to-use solid organomineral fertilizers for agriculture.

[063] The invention applies to all solid waste resulting from unwanted infestations by corals, in addition to sun coral, that affect vessels, installations and equipment used in oil and gas exploration and production activities in offshore marine environments.

[064] The embodiments of the invention can be better understood below.

[065] In a first embodiment, the invention relates to a process for producing organic and organomineral fertilizers, comprising the following steps: a) Add ground coral skeletons to an appropriate culture medium; b) Inoculate a cyanobacterium, microalga, or macroalga into the culture medium containing ground coral skeletons in an open or closed photobioreactor; c) Inject CO2 into the photobioreactor under conditions of sunlight incidence during a photoperiod of approximately 12 hours of light / 12 hours of darkness, for about 5 days; d) Obtain the generated algal biomass to form a fluid organomineral fertilizer formulation, without separating the organic and mineral matrices.

[066] In one embodiment of the invention, the organic biomass generated in step d) can be further subjected to drying and concentration processes to obtain a solid organomineral fertilizer formulation with a lower moisture content.

[067] In one embodiment of the invention, organic biomass Petition 870240109761, dated 12 / 23 / 2024, pages 47 / 61 17 / 22 generated in step d) can be subjected to a separation step of the organic and mineral matrices, in order to obtain a fluid organic fertilizer formulation.

[068] Optionally, the fluid organic fertilizer formulation can be subjected to drying and concentration processes to obtain a solid organic fertilizer formulation with a lower moisture content.

[069] In a preferred embodiment, the separation step can be carried out by centrifugation, filtration, sedimentation, flotation, coagulation, flocculation, ultrafiltration and microfiltration.

[070] Optionally, the resulting organic fertilizer formulation or organomineral fertilizer formulation may also be mixed with one or more additional organic fertilizers (e.g., animal manure, municipal waste and treated sewage sludge, peat, green manure, oilseed cakes and agro-industrial waste), organomineral fertilizers (e.g., one or more organic fertilizers mixed or combined with one or more mineral fertilizers including urea, MAP, DAP, KCl, single superphosphate, triple superphosphate, ammonium sulfate, etc.), biofertilizers or biostimulants (e.g., simpler biofertilizers or biostimulants in which water is mixed with fresh manure followed by aerobic or anaerobic fermentation, plant-based biofertilizers and plant-based and rock dust-based biofertilizers; Supermagro; Agrobio; Agrobom; Biogeo; Vairo; Hortbio; castor bean-enriched biofertilizers and biofertilizers enriched with effective microorganisms, etc.).

[071] In a preferred embodiment, the culture medium is BG11, or another culture medium suitable for the cultivation of cyanobacteria, microalgae or macroalgae, or a combination of culture media.

[072] In a preferred arrangement, the concentration of Petition 870240109761, dated 12 / 23 / 2024, pages 48 / 61 The inoculum added to the culture medium is approximately 60 to 65 mg / L (dry biomass).

[073] In a preferred embodiment, the pH ranges from 7.0 to 8.6, preferably 7.3.

[074] In a preferred embodiment, the salinity is between 5 and 20 g / L, preferably 10 g / L.

[075] In a preferred embodiment, the temperature range is from 25°C to 45°C, preferably 35°C.

[076] In a preferred embodiment, the concentration of ground coral skeleton added to the culture medium ranges from 1g / L to 5g / L.

[077] In a preferred embodiment, CO2 is injected into the open or closed photobioreactor at a rate of 10 to 150 g CO2 / m2 / day.

[078] In a preferred embodiment, the biophotoreactor is subjected to natural or artificial solar illumination with a light intensity ranging from 80 to 120 kilolux, preferably 120 kilolux.

[079] In a preferred embodiment, the coral is a sun coral of the genus Tubastraea spp and the microalga is Chlorella sp.

[080] In a second embodiment, the invention relates to an organic fertilizer and an organomineral fertilizer.

[081] In a preferred embodiment, the organomineral fertilizer comprises an organic matrix consisting of algal biomass, obtained from the cultivation of cyanobacteria, microalgae or macroalgae in culture media comprising ground coral skeletons, and a mineral matrix comprising ground coral skeletons.

[082] In a preferred embodiment, the organic fertilizer comprises an organic matrix consisting of algal biomass, separated from the mineral matrix, obtained from the cultivation of cyanobacteria, microalgae or macroalgae, in culture media comprising ground coral skeletons. Petition 870240109761, dated 12 / 23 / 2024, pp. 49 / 61 19 / 22

[083] Optionally, the organic or organomineral fertilizer of the invention is mixed with one or more organic fertilizers (for example, animal manure, municipal waste and treated sewage sludge, peat, green manure, oilseed cakes and agro-industrial waste), organomineral fertilizers (for example, one or more organic fertilizers mixed or combined with one or more mineral fertilizers: urea, MAP, DAP, KCl, single superphosphate, triple superphosphate, ammonium sulfate, etc.), biofertilizers or biostimulants (for example, simpler biofertilizers or biostimulants in which water is mixed with fresh manure followed by aerobic or anaerobic fermentation, plant-based biofertilizers and plant-based and rock dust-based biofertilizers; Supermagro; Agrobio; Agrobom; Biogeo; Vairo; Hortbio; castor bean-enriched biofertilizers and biofertilizers enriched with effective microorganisms, etc.)

[084] The organic fertilizer and organomineral fertilizer of the invention may be in solid or fluid form.

[085] In a preferred embodiment, the proportion of organic carbon in the mineral matrix and organic matrix is ​​at least 6% (weight / weight) for the solid product and 2% (weight / weight) for the fluid product.

[086] In a preferred embodiment, the organic matrix is ​​produced from the cultivation of microalgae, cyanobacteria or macroalgae in an appropriate culture medium or in a combination of culture media comprising ground coral skeletons at concentrations of 1 g / L to 5 g / L, in an open or closed photobioreactor, under conditions of sunlight incidence during a photoperiod of about 10 to 14 hours; wherein the temperature ranges from 25°C to 45°C; the salinity is between 5 and 20 g / L; CO2 is injected into the photobioreactor at a rate of 10 to 150 g CO2 / m2 / day; and the pH ranges from 7.0 to 8.6. Petition 870240109761, dated 12 / 23 / 2024, pages 50 / 61 20 / 22

[087] In a third embodiment, the invention relates to the uses or applications of the fluid or solid organic or organomineral fertilizer obtained from the process of the present invention.

[088] In a preferred embodiment, the organic and organomineral fertilizers of the invention are used for application in agriculture, particularly to stimulate root growth when applied to plants grown in agricultural production systems, improve the efficiency of mineral nutrition of plants, improve tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses, stimulate vegetative growth, increase antioxidant capacity, vigor and yield of agricultural crops and improve the quality characteristics of an agricultural product. Examples of Implementation

[089] The examples shown here are intended to illustrate one of the numerous ways of carrying out the invention without, however, limiting its scope of protection. A. Processing of coral skeletons

[090] The skeletons of corals removed from biofouling, such as sun coral, typically have pieces of heterogeneous size. In order to obtain a uniform raw material, the coral skeletons were ground using conventional mechanical processes, such as ball milling, similar to crushing. B. Strain used and experimental parameters

[091] A dynamic experiment was carried out with CO2 injection to observe the behavior of the microalga Chlorella sp. in a culture medium containing ground coral-sol skeleton at a concentration of 2g / l.

[092] Tables 1 and 2 below show the total and exchangeable contents, respectively, of macro and micronutrients in the sun coral samples. Petition 870240109761, dated 12 / 23 / 2024, pages 51 / 61 21 / 22 Table 1: Total levels of plant macro and micronutrients in sun coral samples. NPK Ca Mg Na Cu Mn Fe Ni ------------------------- mg.kg-1------------------------ 1.58 1.081 1.118 9.561 25 5.533 7.7 5.6 123 29.6 Table 2: Exchangeable levels of plant macronutrients in sun coral samples. Ca Mg Na H+Al PK Organic Carbon -----------cmolcdm-3---------mgkg-----------%-------67.5 23.5 95.4 0.3 26 46 4.44

[093] 2 g of ground coral-sun were added to 1 liter of complete BG11 medium. This mixture was inoculated with Chlorella sp. at a low concentration (approximately 60 mg / L) in three transparent bottles exposed to natural sunlight (light intensity of 120 kilolux). Simultaneously, another inoculation with a similar concentration and under the same lighting conditions (120 kilolux) was performed using BG11 medium without ground coral-sun, in three bottles maintained as controls over time. The data obtained originate from average values ​​obtained from triplicates.

[094] CO2 (99% purity) was supplied to the bottles via a solenoid valve triggered by a pH controller with an electrochemical sensor (glass electrode). The pH was maintained at 7.3 over 5 days of growth. C. Abiotic parameters observed in the experiment Salinity: 10 g / L; - Light intensity: 120 kilolux (12-hour / day photoperiod); - Average ambient temperature: 35 °C; - CO2 Injection: CO2 used with a purity grade of 99% by mass and administered in a pulsed manner through the triggering of a solenoid valve defined by a pH regulator that uses an electrochemical sensor (automated system); and Petition 870240109761, dated 12 / 23 / 2024, pages 52 / 61 22 / 22 - pH: 7.3, for sample with ground coral and control. D. Biotic parameters observed throughout the experiment

[095] Daily observations were made using an optical microscope (Figures 2 and 3) and also macroscopic observations (Figures 4 and 5) which confirmed the presence of healthy microalgae (Chlorella sp.) growing in bottles containing ground sun coral (S) and in control bottles (C). After the experiment ended, the bottles containing the cultures were collected.

[096] At the end of the experiment it was found that there was excellent growth of Chlorella sp. with CO2 capture and ground coral-sol skeleton at a concentration of 2g / l using BG11 culture medium.

[097] A significant difference was also observed, both through optical microscopy and visually, between the control sample and the sample containing sun coral with respect to the amount of biomass generated. The sample containing sun coral had a higher cell concentration compared to the control sample.

[098] Both samples demonstrated cells in excellent physiological condition under both conditions - with and without the addition of coral-sol to the culture medium. Chlorella sp. demonstrated an affinity for culture medium containing this type of solid residue, which represents an unexpected and innovative result in relation to the available national and international literature.

[099] The growth curves obtained by Chlorella sp. subjected with and without sun coral are shown in Figure 6. Observing Figure 6, it can be seen that from the third day onwards, the cell biomass concentration of the sample containing sun coral was approximately 2 times greater than in the control sample. Petition 870240109761, dated 12 / 23 / 2024, pages 53 / 61

Claims

1 / 3 CLAIMS 1. Process for the production of organic and organomineral fertilizers, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: a) adding ground coral skeletons to an appropriate culture medium; b) inoculating a cyanobacterium, microalga or macroalga into the culture medium containing the ground coral skeletons, in an open or closed photobioreactor; c) injecting CO2 into the photobioreactor under conditions of sunlight incidence during a photoperiod of about 12 hours, for about 5 days; d) obtaining the algal biomass generated to form a fluid organomineral fertilizer formulation, without separation of the organic and mineral matrices.

2. Process, according to claim 1, characterized in that the biomass obtained in step d) can be further subjected to drying and concentration processes to obtain a solid organomineral fertilizer formulation with a lower moisture content.

3. Process, according to claim 1, characterized in that the biomass obtained in step d) can be subjected to a separation step of the organic and mineral matrices to obtain a fluid organic fertilizer formulation.

4. Process, according to claim 3, characterized in that the fluid organic fertilizer formulation can be subjected to drying and concentration processes to obtain a solid organic fertilizer formulation with a lower moisture content.

5. Process, according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the organic fertilizer formulation or the organomineral fertilizer formulation can still be mixed with other organic, organomineral fertilizers, biofertilizers or biostimulants. Petition 870240109761, dated 12 / 23 / 2024, pp. 54 / 61 2 / 3 6. Process, according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the pH varies from 7.0 to 8.6, preferably 7.

3.

7. Process, according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the salinity is between 5 and 20 g / L, preferably 10 g / L.

8. Process, according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the temperature varies from 25°C to 45°C, preferably 35°C.

9. Process, according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the concentration of ground coral skeleton varies from 1 g / L to 5 g / L.

10. Process, according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that CO2 is injected into the photobioreactor at a rate of 10 to 150 g CO2 / m2 / day.

11. Process, according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the coral is a sun coral of the genus Tubastraea spp and the microalga is Chlorella sp.

12. Organomineral fertilizer, characterized by comprising an organic matrix consisting of algal biomass and a mineral matrix comprising ground coral skeletons.

13. Organic fertilizer, characterized by comprising an organic matrix consisting of algal biomass, separated from the mineral matrix, formed from the cultivation of cyanobacteria, microalgae or macroalgae, in culture media comprising ground coral skeletons.

14. Organomineral or organic fertilizer, according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that it is optionally mixed with another organic, organomineral, biofertilizer or biostimulant fertilizer.

15. Organomineral or organic fertilizer, according to Petition 870240109761, dated 12 / 23 / 2024, pp. 55 / 61 3 / 3, any of claims 12 to 14, characterized by being in the form of a solid or fluid fertilizer.

16. Organomineral or organic fertilizer, according to claim 15, characterized in that the proportion of organic carbon in the mineral matrix and organic matrix is ​​at least 6% (weight / weight) for the solid product and 2% (weight / weight) for the fluid product.

17. Organomineral or organic fertilizer, according to any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that the organic matrix is ​​produced from the cultivation of microalgae, cyanobacteria or macroalgae in an appropriate culture medium or combination of culture media comprising ground coral skeletons at concentrations of 1 g / L to 5 g / L, in an open or closed photobioreactor, under conditions of sunlight incidence during a photoperiod of about 10 to 14 hours; wherein the temperature ranges from 25°C to 45°C; the salinity is between 5 and 20 g / L; CO2 is injected into the photobioreactor at a rate of 10 to 150 g CO2 / m2 / day; and the pH ranges from 7.0 to 8.

6.

18. Use of an organic fertilizer or organomineral fertilizer, as defined in any of claims 12 to 17, characterized by being for application in agriculture, particularly to stimulate root growth when applied to plants grown in agricultural production systems, improve the efficiency of mineral nutrition of plants, improve tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses, stimulate vegetative growth, increase antioxidant capacity, vigor and yield of agricultural crops and improve the quality characteristics of an agricultural product. Petition 870240109761, dated 12 / 23 / 2024, pp. 56 / 61

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