Researchers managed to grow protein-rich yeast in wastewater from the food and pharmaceutical industries. The researchers from the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) showed that the yeast cell Debaryomyces hansenii could grow in wastewater from two industrial plants. These waters had high saline, lactose and nitrogen concentrations which was ideal for the yeast to grow.
The modified yeast duplicated and produced protein, which could have applications for meat and milk substitutes for humans. Other potential uses for this innovation include cattle feed or sustainable fuel.