Biomass of Cladophora (Chlorophyta, Cladophorales) is a promising resource for agriculture with high benefits for economics and the environment

Green algae Cladophora spp. inhabit waters with wide ranges of salinity and temperature, and their productivity is much higher than terrestrial plants. In natural waters, including hypersaline, they occupy large areas producing large biomass. Summing up and analyzing data from about 273 published articles, the review demonstrates the high production potential of Cladophora spp. and the diverse rich biochemical content of their biomass giving the prosperous possibility of their wide applications in agri–/aquaculture. As a fertilizer, they can be utilized by different methods (biochar, dry algae powder, etc.). Their extracts are effective growth stimulants for different cultivated plant species. Biomass is a promising fount of carbohydrates, vitamins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, proteins, essential microelements, and other biologically active compounds for the nutrition of animals and humans. Now their biomass is used in the feeding of livestock and chickens. It is also a valuable feed supplement for a variety of fish species, which may substitute up to 28% artificial feed in fish/shrimp cultivation. Cladophora co–farming with fish/shrimp reduces the use of artificial feed increasing commercial profitability. A wide use of Cladophora in agri–/aquaculture is economical and also mitigates environmental problems by reducing needs in agrarian land, and freshwater use, and likewise diminishing the emission of greenhouse gas methane by livestock.