Brewery effluent that had undergone treatment in an anaerobic digester (AD) was used as an alternative water and nutrient source for hydroponic crop production. Brewery effluent was demonstrated to contain sufficient nutrients to support the growth, flowering and fruiting of Lycopersicum escolentum "Moneymaker" tomato crops. The adjustment of the effluent pH with phosphoric acid to between pH 6.0 and 6.5 increased the development of the crops by around 100% compared to crops grown in unaltered effluent. The pH adjusted effluent-grown plants grew to a mean height of 831.4 ± 21.1 mm and a dry biomass weight of 42.34 ± 2.76 g compared to the unaltered pH effluent plants which grew to a height of 410.6 ± 20.5 mm and a weight of 7.65 ± 0.68 g after 49 days. Effluent treatment in high-rate algal ponds (HRAP) was determined to have no positive effect on the nutritional potential of the effluent for Moneymaker production. The effluent-grown plants did not perform as well as plants grown in inorganic-fertilizer and municipal water. Plants grown in effluent grew taller but did not produce significantly more fruit when phosphoric acid (height: 1573.3 ± 50.4 mm, 19.4 ± 1.4 fruit per plant) was compared to nitric acid (height: 1254.1 ± 25.4 mm, 15.6 ± 1.5 fruit per plant) as the pH adjustment over 72 days. Direct and secondary plant stresses from effluent alkalinity, ammonium nutrition, nitrogen limitation, sodium concentrations and heat stress among other factors were probably confounding variables in these trials and require further investigation. Considering the raw effluent composition and manipulating the AD operation is a potential opportunity to improve overall AD performance, reduce chemical inputs in the effluent treatment process, reduce the final effluent alkalinity, and increase available nitrogen content in the final effluent. The anaerobic digester discharging >1000 m³ of nutrient enriched effluent every day is a resource with considerable potential. The benefits of developing this resource can contribute to cost-reduction at the brewery, more efficient water, nutrient and energy management at the brewery, and offer opportunities for job creation and potentially benefit local food security.

The primary objective of this research was to determine if changes in iron availability influence the periodicity of blue-green algal growth. A secondary goal was to resolve how iron availability was related to events such as calcite (calcium carbonate) precipitation and sediment nutrient release. The biogeochemical regulation of blue-green algal succession was studied in three eutrophic hardwater lakes located upon the Thompson Plateau in south-central British Columbia. The experimental approaches included iri situ bottle and limnocorral experiments, sediment core analysis, monitoring of seasonal changes in water chemistry, and whole-lake manipulation by hypolimnetic aeration, or calcium hydroxide addition. Growth and primary production bioassays were used to evaluate iron availability. Microbial chelators were isolated from algal cultures and lake water, quantified by a chelation assay, and used to determine their in situ effects on algal productivity and bacterial heterotrophy. Microbes were able to regulate the bioavailability of iron. Algal siderophore isolates were rapidly assimilated in lake water and they were highly specific for iron chelation. Moreover, chelator concentrations in Black Lake usually exceeded the dissolved iron concentration. Algae excreted chelators that could suppress growth of some other species of algae by 90%, enhance the primary production of some other algal species by 30%, or suppress the heterotrophic activity of bacteria by 14-98%. The degree of iron limitation varied greatly during the summer. In Black Lake, iron limitation was more than ten-fold more intense in early summer than in late summer. Dense blooms of blue-green algae occurred in Black Lake only after the iron content of the lake increased from 20 to more than 100 ug/L. An increase in iron concentration in the water column of the three lakes was caused by a midsummer sediment release of iron. Although sediment pyrite formation converted available iron into refractory iron in both Chain and Frisken lakes, the degree of iron limitation varied greatly among the lakes. Unlike in Black Lake, the algae in Chain Lake were not limited by iron availability. Phosphorus solubility was a good index of iron availability. Black and Frisken lakes had too little iron for iron phosphate to precipitate, but the higher iron concentration in Chain Lake regulated phosphorus solubility. The differences among lakes was primarily a function of external iron loading, not sediment iron release. Chain Lake received 10³ more iron per m² than Frisken or Black lakes. Carbonate equilibria integrated the microbial responses to iron enrichment. When iron availability was increased in the epilimnion of Black Lake, algal productivity was enhanced which resulted in an increase in pH and the coprecipitation of more calcite and phosphorus than in control treatments. The precipitation of calcite could sediment as much as 90% of the algae and 97% of the phosphorus from the epilimnion. The hypolimnia of the iron-enriched limnocorrals had the lowest pH and highest dissolution of precipitated phosphorus. Three reactions, iron chelation, sediment iron release, and calcite precipitation, can regulate much of the periodicity of blue-green algal growth in hardwater lakes. / Science, Faculty of / Zoology, Department of / Graduate

The toxicity of methanol, atrazine, and copper to Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata (Korshikov) Hindák historically referred to as Selenastrum capricornutum Printz were determined following 96 hrs growth in a modified Goram's growth media. Methanol and atrazine inhibited fluorescence readings in the cultures by 50% (IC50) at concentrations of 2% and 82 µg/l respectively. These toxicity values compared favorably to other published reports. The IC50 for copper was 160 µg/l which is substantially higher than reported values. This is understandable because of the high chelating capacity of Goram's media. The use of stereologically derived relative volume in the chloroplasts, mitochondria, lipid bodies, phosphate bodies, and nucleus was investigated to determine if it could be used as a sensitive endpoint in toxicity tests. The volume fractions for the chloroplasts and mitochondria were normally distributed in control cells while the nuclei, phosphate bodies, and lipid bodies were not. The chloroplasts were the most dominate organelle occupying a mean relative volume of 46% and mitochondria occupied a mean relative volume of 3%. The nucleus and phosphate bodies occupied a median relative volume of 7% and 2% respectively. The lipid bodies were rare in section profile and no meaningful median relative volume could be calculated. Up to the 82nd percentile of sectioned profiles contained no recognizable lipid bodies. The use of relative volume was not a sensitive endpoint for use in toxicity tests. No significant differences in relative volume could be detected in the nucleus or phosphate bodies following any treatment. Limited differences were detected in the mitochondria, chloroplasts, and lipid bodies. The only significant differences that appear to be biologically significant occurred in methanol treated cells where an increase in the lipid bodies' relative volume was apparently concentration dependent. Significant differences in the relative volume of mitochondria and chloroplasts do not appear to be biologically significant.

The Subversive Resilience project explores the design potential of a building integrated algae farm that mitigates CO2 and outputs biomass for valuable end-products. It examines the spatial qualities that emerge from the very specific constraints of technology - as a driver of architectural form and innovation, and towards a more sustainable society.

During the summer of 1974 chemical conditions in the lower reaches of the Willamette River, Oregon were similar to those in other rivers currently experiencing nuisance algal growth problems. Temperature and chemical nutrients are not limiting. Relatively high populations of phytoplankton and productivity values for upstream periphyton beds and surface waters suggest moderately eutrophic conditions. However, with increased depth in the lower river, and a constant euphotic zone, the amount of photosynthetically available light is reduced. With sufficient depth and complete mixing the critical depth is exceeded. Primary productivity rates are subsequently limited by low light availability in the lower river.

Bioflocculation of Wastewater Treatment Pond Suspended Solids Louis Lefebvre Wastewater treatment lagoons and high rate algae ponds (HRAPs) can provide cost effective wastewater treatment, but they commonly have high effluent concentrations of total suspended solids (TSS). In this thesis algae pond effluent was treated in a beaker testing apparatus (mixed and aerated) with various mixtures of activated sludge and primary effluent simulating differing activated sludge aeration basin compositions then was allowed to settle to assess settleability. Conventionally, microalgal suspended solids are removed by chemical coagulation followed by separation methods that often have a high cost relative to the low cost lagoon or HRAP system where the solids were produced. This separation step is often cost prohibitive or operationally complex for municipalities or too energy intensive for application in algae biofuels production. This research investigates using a small amount of activated sludge material to promote bioflocculation of algae in pond effluent. It was hoped that the findings may demonstrate a path for municipalities to keep their lagoons, while increasing capacity and improving treatment without excessive cost or complexity. Experiments were conducted on microalgae samples from a pilot-scale HRAP and activated sludge and primary effluent samples from a local municipal wastewater plant. The samples were placed in a mixing apparatus and allowed to settle for a given period of time, after which TSS was analyzed for settleability. The experiments investigated the effect of various lab-scale activated sludge reactor operational schemes by varying the volumes (and masses) of activated sludge, algae-rich water, and activated sludge in the beaker. Results in the sorption test (tests with only activated sludge and algae-rich water) demonstrated algae pond effluent treated with activated sludge concentrations of 3000 mg/L or greater produced final effluent TSS concentrations near discharge requirements (40-50 mg/L) with only 30 minutes of settling and without addition of primary effluent. However, such high activated sludge concentrations are not feasible at full scale. Furthermore, beakers with activated sludge concentrations greater than 3000 mg/L reduced TSS concentrations by more than 150 mg/L with only 30 minutes of settling and without addition of primary effluent. Results in the aerobic beaker tests (tests with primary effluent, activated sludge, and algae-rich water) showed greater than 200 mg/L TSS removal and final effluent TSS concentration less than 30 mg/L was achieved using activated sludge to primary effluent volumetric ratios of 1:1 and greater which corresponded to activated sludge concentrations of 730 mg/L and greater. Activated sludge concentrations of 730 mg/L may not be feasible at full scale. This report shows that a PETRO-like process is effective in lowering wastewater pond suspended solids, however not to typical discharge standards.

No description available.

No description available.

The purpose of this investigation was to isolate and grow algae common to the southwest in unialgal culture; to either sustain or grow one of the principal bloom-causing organisms, with emphasis on Microcystis aeruginosa; to isolate and culture actinomycetes from the same waters from which the algae were obtained; and to inoculate these algae with actinomycetes and determine their effects through development and deterioration.

by Li Yung Yung. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2000. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 105-121). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS --- p.i / ABSTRACT (ENGLISH VERSION) --- p.ii / ABSTRACT (CHINESE VERSION) --- p.iv / TABLE OF CONTENTS --- p.v / LIST OF TABLES --- p.x / LIST OF FIGURES --- p.xi / LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS --- p.xiii / Chapter CHAPTER ONE --- INTRODUCTION / Chapter 1.1 --- Seaweed --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.1 --- General Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.2 --- Classification and Use of Seaweed --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.3 --- Phycocolloids --- p.2 / Chapter 1.1.4 --- Hong Kong Seaweed --- p.3 / Chapter 1.1.4.1 --- Sargassum Species --- p.3 / Chapter 1.1.4.2 --- Padina Species --- p.5 / Chapter 1.2 --- Source and Production of Alginate --- p.8 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- Function of Alginate in Seaweed --- p.8 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- Chemical Structure of Alginate --- p.8 / Chapter 1.2.3 --- Alginate Production --- p.9 / Chapter 1.2.4 --- Isolation of Alginate --- p.13 / Chapter 1.2.5 --- Commercial Methods --- p.13 / Chapter 1.3 --- Application of Alginate --- p.14 / Chapter 1.3.1 --- Industrial Application --- p.14 / Chapter 1.3.2 --- Pharmaceutical Application --- p.16 / Chapter 1.3.3 --- Food Application --- p.17 / Chapter 1.3.3.1 --- Uses of Alginate in Food --- p.17 / Chapter 1.3.3.2 --- Safety --- p.19 / Chapter 1.4 --- Structure and Function Relationship of Alginate --- p.19 / Chapter 1.4.1 --- Physico-Chemical Properties --- p.21 / Chapter 1.4.1.1 --- M/G ratio --- p.21 / Chapter 1.4.1.2 --- Solution Properties --- p.21 / Chapter 1.4.1.3 --- Viscosity --- p.23 / Chapter 1.4.1.4 --- Molecular Weight --- p.27 / Chapter 1.4.2 --- Functional Properties --- p.27 / Chapter 1.4.2.1 --- Emulsion --- p.27 / Chapter 1.4.2.2 --- Gel Properties --- p.27 / Chapter 1.4.2.3 --- Mechanism of Gelation --- p.29 / Chapter 1.4.2.4 --- Gel Strength and Syneresis --- p.30 / Chapter 1.5 --- Physiological Effects --- p.32 / Chapter 1.5.1 --- Dietary Fibre --- p.32 / Chapter 1.5.2 --- Minerals --- p.32 / Chapter 1.6 --- Significance of the Present Study --- p.33 / Chapter CHAPTER TWO --- MATERIALS AND METHODS / Chapter 2.1 --- Seaweed Collection --- p.36 / Chapter 2.2 --- Sample Preparation --- p.36 / Chapter 2.3 --- Alginate Extraction --- p.38 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Method A --- p.38 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Method B --- p.38 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- Commercial Alginate --- p.39 / Chapter 2.4 --- Chemical Composition of Alginate --- p.41 / Chapter 2.4.1 --- Alginate Content --- p.41 / Chapter 2.4.2 --- Moisture Content --- p.41 / Chapter 2.4.3 --- Crude Protein Content --- p.41 / Chapter 2.4.4 --- Ash Content --- p.42 / Chapter 2.4.5 --- Monosaccharide Composition --- p.42 / Chapter 2.4.5.1 --- Acid Deploymerisation --- p.42 / Chapter 2.4.5.2 --- Neutral and Amino Sugar Derivatization --- p.42 / Chapter 2.4.5.3 --- Determination of Neutral Sugars by Gas Chromatography --- p.43 / Chapter 2.4.5.4 --- Uronic Acid Content --- p.44 / Chapter 2.4.6 --- Uronic Acid Block Composition --- p.44 / Chapter 2.4.6.1 --- "MG, MM and GG Block Determination" --- p.44 / Chapter 2.4.6.2 --- M/G Ratio Determination --- p.45 / Chapter 2.4.6.3 --- Phenol-Sulfuric Acid Method --- p.45 / Chapter 2.5 --- Physico-Chemical Properties of Alginate --- p.46 / Chapter 2.5.1 --- Viscosity --- p.46 / Chapter 2.5.1.1 --- Ostwald Viscometer --- p.46 / Chapter 2.5.1.2 --- Brookfield Viscometer --- p.47 / Chapter 2.5.2 --- Molecular Weight --- p.47 / Chapter 2.5.2.1 --- From Intrinsic Viscosity --- p.47 / Chapter 2.5.2.2 --- Gel Permeation Chromatography-Laser Light Scattering (GPC-LLS) --- p.48 / Chapter 2.6 --- Functional Properties of Alginate --- p.49 / Chapter 2.6.1 --- Emulsifying Activity (EA) and Emulsion Stability (ES) --- p.49 / Chapter 2.6.2 --- Gel Formation --- p.49 / Chapter 2.6.3 --- Gel Strength and Syneresis --- p.50 / Chapter 2.6.4 --- Application in Food ´ؤ Fruit Jelly --- p.52 / Chapter 2.7 --- Data Analysis --- p.53 / Chapter CHAPTER THREE --- RESULTS AND DISCUSSION / Chapter 3.1 --- Proximate Composition of Selected Seaweed --- p.54 / Chapter 3.1.1 --- Moisture Content --- p.54 / Chapter 3.1.2 --- Ash Content --- p.56 / Chapter 3.1.3 --- Crude Protein Content --- p.57 / Chapter 3.1.4 --- Carbohydrate Content --- p.58 / Chapter 3.2 --- Chemical Composition of Alginate Extracted from Two Different Methods --- p.58 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Percentage Yield --- p.59 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Alginate Content --- p.61 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Moisture Content --- p.62 / Chapter 3.2.4 --- Ash Content --- p.62 / Chapter 3.2.5 --- Residual Protein Content --- p.63 / Chapter 3.2.6 --- Monosaccharide Composition of Alginate --- p.63 / Chapter 3.2.7 --- M/G Ratio --- p.66 / Chapter 3.2.8 --- Summary --- p.69 / Chapter 3.3 --- Comparative Studies of Physico-Chemical Composition of Alginate from Sargassum and Padina Species --- p.71 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Block Composition and M/G Ratio --- p.71 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Viscosity --- p.75 / Chapter 3.3.2.1 --- Intrinsic Viscosity ´ؤ Capillary Viscometer --- p.75 / Chapter 3.3.2.2 --- Solution Viscosity - Brookfield Viscometer --- p.79 / Chapter 3.3.2.2.1 --- Effect of Temperature --- p.79 / Chapter 3.3.2.2.2 --- Effect of Concentration --- p.81 / Chapter 3.3.2.2.3 --- Shear Thinning and Time Independent Effect --- p.82 / Chapter 3.3.3 --- Molecular Weight --- p.88 / Chapter 3.3.3.1 --- From Intrinsic Viscosity --- p.88 / Chapter 3.3.3.2 --- Gel Permeation Chromatograph-Laser Light Scattering (GPC-LLS) --- p.90 / Chapter 3.4 --- Comparative Studies of the Functional Properties of Extracted Alginate with Commercial Alginate --- p.93 / Chapter 3.4.1 --- Emulsifying Activity (EA) and Emulsifying Stability (ES) --- p.93 / Chapter 3.4.2 --- Gelling Properties --- p.95 / Chapter 3.4.2.1 --- Effect of Calcium Concentrations --- p.95 / Chapter 3.4.2.2 --- Gel Strength and Syneresis --- p.97 / Chapter 3.4.3 --- Application in Food --- p.99 / Chapter CHAPTER FOUR --- CONCLUSIONS --- p.103 / REFERENCES --- p.105 / RELATED PUBLICATION --- p.120