Three strains of the green alga Scenedesmus quadricauda were selected to be specifically resistant to the presence of high concentrations of inorganic Se. The strain SeIV was found to be resistant to high doses of selenite, the strain SeVI was resistant to selenate, and the strain Se(IV+VI) to the presence of both Se compounds. It has been shown that both the dose and chemical form of Se are the critical factors in the cellular response. In this PhD. thesis are results from experiments with the resistant strains (activity of thioredoxin reductase, content of selenium and selenomethionine, effect of sulphur deficiency).

The purpose of this study was to investigate the metabolic pathways of methylglyoxal in S. quadricauda.

This thesis studies effect of cultivation conditions on the production of secondary me-tabolites in the green microalgae Scenedesmus quadricauda. During the experiment was studied influence of pH, UVC radiation, light intensity and various temperature conditions on the amount of biologically active compounds (polyphenols, flavonoids, antioxidants). Metabolites were determined using biochemical analytical methods. The total content of polyphenols was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu method, which is based on chemical reaction of phenols with Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. The total con-tent of flavonoids was determined spectrophotometrically using AlCl3.6H2O with the addition of NaNO2 and 1 M NaOH. The total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was deter-mined using phosphomolybdenun antioxidant assay. Antioxidant activity was stimu-lated by UVC radiation. The highest value being recorded when samples were exposed to UVC for 5 minutes. Light intensity and the temperature changes did not have significant effect on antioxidant activity of studied samples. There was an increase in TAC in samples cultured in acid pH medium (4 and 5). The content of polyphenolic and flavonoid compounds with high light intensity (3500, 4000 lx) and high tempera-tures (35 °C, 40 °C) decreased. Conversely, changes in pH and UV-C stimulate biosyn-thesis of both polyphenols and flavonoids. The greatest increase of these compounds was observed in the medium with pH = 4 and the time of exposure to UV-C for 5 minutes a day.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / No presente trabalho foram utilizados micro-organismos fotoautotróficos para a bioacumulação de cobre em regime de batelada. Para tal, utilizou-se micro-organismos dos gêneros Ankistrodesmus, Golenkinia, Monoraphidium e Scenedesmus, em função da sua disponibilidade, facilidade de cultivo e diferenças morfológicas. Ensaios preliminares foram realizados utilizando diferentes concentrações de biossorvente, com o intuito de verificar a influência deste fator na eficiência do processo de captação. Os testes realizados em batelada incluíram também o estudo cinético e do equilíbrio, nos quais foi possível verificar que para todos os gêneros testados, o processo de captação do metal em soluções diluídas atingiu o equilíbrio quase instantaneamente. Em soluções de Cu2+ mais concentradas, observou-se diferenças entre os gêneros estudados, no tempo necessário para estabelecimento do equilíbrio. Além disso, observou-se uma alta eficiência no processo de captação de íons Cu2+ em solução por parte dos micro-organismos, com elevada captação de metal por grama de biomassa. As diferenças morfológicas entre os gêneros pareceram não influenciar significativamente a cinética e o equilíbrio do processo. Os ensaios em batelada foram realizados também empregando-se células de Golenkinia imobilizadas em alginato de cálcio, além de testes com o próprio alginato isento de micro-organismos como experimento-controle afim de verificar a influencia da imobilização nos parâmetros cinéticos e na capacidade de captação. A partir dos resultados obtidos nos ensaios em batelada com todos os biossorventes, testou-se em cada caso a aplicação de modelos cinéticos (pseudo 1 e 2 ordem) e modelos de equilíbrio (isoterma de Langmuir e Freundlich). Verificou-se que para o 4 gêneros que empregando-se células livres o modelo cujo os resultados se adequaram melhor foi o de Langmuir, enquanto que para células imobilizadas ambos modelos se mostraram adequados / In the present work photoautothrophic microorganisms were used for the bioaccumulation of copper in batch system. To reach this goal, microorganisms from the genera Ankistrodesmus, Golenkinia, Monoraphidium and Scenedesmus were used, as a function of their availability, easiness of cultivation and morphological differences. Preliminary tests were performed using distinct biosorbent concentrtions, with the purpose of observing the effect of this factor in the efficiency of copper uptake process. Tests performed in batch conditions, also included kinetics and equilibrium studies, where it was observed that all genera tested, reached equilibrium instantaneously. For more concentrated Cu2+ solutions differences were observed among the genera tested in the time needed to reach equilibrium. Beyond this fact, it was observed a high uptake copper capacity by the microorganisms, with a high mg/g ratio. Morphological differences among the genera seemed not to significantly affect the kinetics and equilibrium of the process. Batch studies performed with the genus Golenkinia immobilized in calcium alginate, beyond the tests performed with alginate beads themselves (control experiment) aimed at verifying the effect of the immobilization in the kinetic parameters and uptake capacity. From the results obtained in batch studies with all biosorbent materials tested, kinetic models were tested for each cell (pseudo-1 and 2 order models) as well as equilibrium models (Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms). It was observed that for all genera tested, Langmuir best represented the uptake, when free cells were used, while for immobilized cells, both models could represent the experimental data

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / No presente trabalho foram utilizados micro-organismos fotoautotróficos para a bioacumulação de cobre em regime de batelada. Para tal, utilizou-se micro-organismos dos gêneros Ankistrodesmus, Golenkinia, Monoraphidium e Scenedesmus, em função da sua disponibilidade, facilidade de cultivo e diferenças morfológicas. Ensaios preliminares foram realizados utilizando diferentes concentrações de biossorvente, com o intuito de verificar a influência deste fator na eficiência do processo de captação. Os testes realizados em batelada incluíram também o estudo cinético e do equilíbrio, nos quais foi possível verificar que para todos os gêneros testados, o processo de captação do metal em soluções diluídas atingiu o equilíbrio quase instantaneamente. Em soluções de Cu2+ mais concentradas, observou-se diferenças entre os gêneros estudados, no tempo necessário para estabelecimento do equilíbrio. Além disso, observou-se uma alta eficiência no processo de captação de íons Cu2+ em solução por parte dos micro-organismos, com elevada captação de metal por grama de biomassa. As diferenças morfológicas entre os gêneros pareceram não influenciar significativamente a cinética e o equilíbrio do processo. Os ensaios em batelada foram realizados também empregando-se células de Golenkinia imobilizadas em alginato de cálcio, além de testes com o próprio alginato isento de micro-organismos como experimento-controle afim de verificar a influencia da imobilização nos parâmetros cinéticos e na capacidade de captação. A partir dos resultados obtidos nos ensaios em batelada com todos os biossorventes, testou-se em cada caso a aplicação de modelos cinéticos (pseudo 1 e 2 ordem) e modelos de equilíbrio (isoterma de Langmuir e Freundlich). Verificou-se que para o 4 gêneros que empregando-se células livres o modelo cujo os resultados se adequaram melhor foi o de Langmuir, enquanto que para células imobilizadas ambos modelos se mostraram adequados / In the present work photoautothrophic microorganisms were used for the bioaccumulation of copper in batch system. To reach this goal, microorganisms from the genera Ankistrodesmus, Golenkinia, Monoraphidium and Scenedesmus were used, as a function of their availability, easiness of cultivation and morphological differences. Preliminary tests were performed using distinct biosorbent concentrtions, with the purpose of observing the effect of this factor in the efficiency of copper uptake process. Tests performed in batch conditions, also included kinetics and equilibrium studies, where it was observed that all genera tested, reached equilibrium instantaneously. For more concentrated Cu2+ solutions differences were observed among the genera tested in the time needed to reach equilibrium. Beyond this fact, it was observed a high uptake copper capacity by the microorganisms, with a high mg/g ratio. Morphological differences among the genera seemed not to significantly affect the kinetics and equilibrium of the process. Batch studies performed with the genus Golenkinia immobilized in calcium alginate, beyond the tests performed with alginate beads themselves (control experiment) aimed at verifying the effect of the immobilization in the kinetic parameters and uptake capacity. From the results obtained in batch studies with all biosorbent materials tested, kinetic models were tested for each cell (pseudo-1 and 2 order models) as well as equilibrium models (Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms). It was observed that for all genera tested, Langmuir best represented the uptake, when free cells were used, while for immobilized cells, both models could represent the experimental data

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No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Renato Silva Oliveira - 2015.pdf: 8492227 bytes, checksum: 8c75509d39858f351a4962c9a637f670 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-03-04 / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Goiás - FAPEG / Scenedesmaceae Oltmans are Chlorophyta cenobial fresh water cocoides belonging to the order Sphaeropleales (Luerssen) emend Deason. This family of algae for some decades was classified in Chlorococcales sensu latu based only on cytomorphological criteria. Subsequently, ultrastructural and molecular data confirmed the need to reposition some families and genders. Fifteen genera were considered for the family Scenedesmaceae according to published works until the validity of this work. Scenedesmaceae comprises 3 subfamilies: Scenedesmoidea, Desmodesmoidea and Coelastroidea, the latter not contemplated in this study. The number of papers for Brazil is representative, but in Goiás it is still scarce, a fact that motivated the present study. The objective of this work was to perform an inventory of planktonic Scenedesmaceae morphospecies in the State of Goiás covering the main hydrographic regions of the state. A floristic inventory of Scenedesmaceae from the State of Goiás was carried out between March 2013 and December 2014. This study was carried out with collections from different localities, covering the three hydrographic regions and different environments (lentic and lotic). The samples were fixed in Transeau solution and later deposited in the UFG Herbarium. The study was based on collections of raw water or 25 μm network for phytoplankton material. Scanning electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were performed. The classification system adopted was that of Krienitz and Bock published in 2012, with some adaptations of Hegewald and collaborators in the works of 2010 and 2013. A total of 220 samples from 18 municipalities in the State of Goiás were analyzed. The algae obtained from natural populations were described, commented and microphotographed, and when necessary the phenotypic plasticity was reported together with taxonomic considerations. Desmodesmus communis, Desmodesmus maximus and Scenedesmus ellipticus were the common species, 13 taxa were registered with the ultrastructure and eight species were first mentioned for the State. / Scenedesmaceae Oltmans são Chlorophyta cenobiais cocoides dulciaquícolas pertencentes à ordem Sphaeropleales (Luerssen) emend Deason. Esta família de algas durante algumas décadas foi classificada em Chlorococcales sensu latu com base apenas em critérios citomorfológicos. Posteriormente dados ultraestruturais e moleculares confirmaram a necessidade do reposicionamento de algumas famílias e gêneros. Foram considerados 15 gêneros para a família Scenedesmaceae de acordo com trabalhos publicados até a vigência deste trabalho. Scenedesmaceae compreende 3 subfamílias: Scenedesmoidea, Desmodesmoidea e Coelastroidea, esta última não contemplada neste estudo. O número de trabalhos para o Brasil é representativo, no entanto em Goiás ainda é escasso, fato que motivou o presente estudo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar um inventário de morfoespécies de Scenedesmaceae planctônicas no Estado de Goiás abrangendo as principais regiões hidrográficas do estado. Entre março de 2013 e dezembro de 2014 foi realizado um inventário florístico das Scenedesmaceae do Estado de Goiás. Este estudo foi realizado com coletas de diferentes localidades contemplando as três regiões hidrográficas e diferentes ambientes (lênticos e lóticos). As amostras foram fixadas em solução de Transeau e posteriormente depositadas no Herbário UFG. O estudo foi fundamentado em coletas de água bruta ou rede de 25 µm para material fitoplanctônico. Efetuou-se a análise em microscopia óptica e eletrônica de varredura. O sistema de classificação adotado foi o de Krienitz e Bock publicado em 2012, com algumas adaptações de Hegewald e colaboradores nos trabalhos de 2010 e 2013. No total 220 amostras oriundas de 18 municípios do Estado de Goiás foram analisadas. Utilizou-se as algas provenientes de populações naturais sendo estas descritas, comentadas e microfotografadas, e quando necessário relatado a plasticidade fenotípica juntamente com considerações taxonômicas. Foram registrados 33 táxons para o Estado, o gênero Desmodesmus foi o mais representativo com 20 táxons, Desmodesmus communis, Desmodesmus maximus e Scenedesmus ellipticus foram as espécies comuns, 13 táxons foram registrados com a ultraestrutura e oito espécies foram citadas pela primeira vez para o Estado.

Cell division of ggeneflesmus quadricauda (Turp.) Breb. (Scenedesmaceae) is enhanced by methylglyoxal, a general inhibitor of cell division, at threshold concentration in conjunction with treatment timing related to growth stage of batch cultures. At 0.5 mM methylglyoxal concentration, cell division was significantly enhanced in algae treated in the logarithmic phase. Specific growth rates of methylglyoxal-treated cultures were rapidly increased at the beginning of logarithmic phase. Cultures inoculated with high cell numbers were less sensitive, but still showed high specific growth rates in logarithmic phase. Cell division in cultures which had low cell numbers was inhibited by 0.5 mM methylglyoxal treatment. Both specific activity of Glyoxalase I and the ratio of Glyoxalase I to Glyoxalase II of methylgloxal-treated cultures were higher than those of controls (1.3 and 2.1- fold, respectively). Pyruvate concentration in treated cultures was increased after methylglyoxal treatment.

Algae are a prolific source of biochemicals with economic importance, including nutraceuticals, biofuels, animal feed, etc. The general aim of this study was to establish how the hydrodynamic conditions generated within specific types or designs of photobioreactors determine their respective algae growth. The specific objectives of this study were: (1) To determine and compare key hydrodynamic parameters in the Air Accordion photobioreactor and the conventional bubble column, including Residence Time, Vessel Dispersion Number, Bodenstein Number, Mixing Time and oxygen liquid mass transfer coefficient (kla); and, (2) To test how differences in the hydrodynamic conditions would result in significant difference in growths of the green alga Scenedesmus obliquuus between the photobioreactors. The results of the study showed that: (1) The Residence Time of 566 s for the Air Accordion significantly exceeded by 28% that of 444 s for the bubble column, signifying greater liquid mixing in the Air Accordion; (2) The Vessel Dispersion Number for the Air Accordion of 0.168 significantly exceeded that for the bubble column of 0.166, indicating greater degree of mixing in the Air Accordion than in the bubble column; (3) The Mixing Time in both the Air Accordion and the bubble column declined as the air flow rate increased, indicating that the tracer ions in both photobioreactors mixed more quickly. For each of the flow rates tested, however, the mixing time for the bubble column significantly exceeded that for the Air Accordion, indicating that liquid mixing in the Air Accordion occured significantly quicker than in the bubble column. At 1.0 LPM, the bubble column's Mixing Time of 10 s exceeded by 25% that of the Air Accordion of 8 s; (4) The oxygen liquid mass transfer coefficients in both photobioreactors increased as the air flow rate increased, indicating that the transfer of oxygen from the air bubbles into the liquid within the photobioreactors gained efficiency. For each of the air flow rates tested, however, the oxygen liquid mass transfer coefficient for the Air Accordion significantly exceeded that for the bubble column, indicating a significantly more efficient oxygenation of the liquid in the Air Accordion occurring than in the bubble column. At 1.0 LPM, the Air Accordion's oxygen liquid mass transfer coefficient of 0.00138 s⁻¹ exceeded by 48% that of the bubble column of 0.000931 s⁻¹; and (5) The growth of Scenedesmus obliquus in the Air Accordion significantly exceeded that in the bubble column for both 0.1 LPM and 1.0 LPM. The final algae density of 0.25 g DW/L in the Air Accordion significantly exceeded by 31% that of 0.18 g DW/L in the bubble column at 0.1 LPM. Similarly, the final algae density of 0.37 g DW/L in the Air Accordion significantly exceeded by 19% that of 0.31 g DW/L in the bubble column at 1.0 LPM. Thus, the growth of Scenedesmus obliquus in the Air Accordion photobioreactor -- with significanlty more favorable hydrodynamic characteristics in terms of Residence Time, Vessel Dispersion Number, Mixing Time and oxygen liquid mass transfer coefficient -- significantly exceeded algae growth in the bubble column of the same volume and under the same environmetal conditons.

Many developed nations depend on oil for the production of gasoline, diesel, and natural gas. Meanwhile, oil shortages progress and bottlenecks in oil productions continue to materialize. These and other factors result in an energy crisis, which cause detrimental social and economic effects. Because of the impending energy crisis, various potential energy sources have developed including solar, wind, hydroelectric, nuclear, and biomass. Within the biomass sector for renewable energy sources, algae-based biofuels have become one of the most exciting, new feedstocks. Of the potential plant biofuel feedstocks, microalgae is attractive in comparison to other crops because it is versatile and doesn’t pose a threat to food sources. Despite its many advantages, the process to convert the microalgae into a biofuel is very complex and inefficient. All steps within the algae to biofuel production line must be optimized for microalgal biofuel to be sustainable. The production of biofuels from algae begins with selecting and cultivating an algae strain and giving it all the necessities to grow. The algae is then harvested and processed for specific uses. It is the harvesting or lysing step, which includes the extraction of the algal lipids, which is the biggest hindrance of algae being used as a cost effective energy source. The lysing step within the microalgal biofuel processing is of particular interest and will be the focus of this work. This work discusses the optimization of the biofuel production from microalgae biomass through computational and experimental approaches. With atomic force microscopy (AFM), a key mechanical property that would aid in the computational modeling of mechanical lysis in the in-house computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code, Particle-Surface Analysis Code (P-STAC), was determined. In P-STAC, various flow patterns were modeled that would most effectively lyse microalgal cells based on the shear stresses placed on the cells, which will be compared against microfluidic experiments using lipid specific dyes. These results would be influential in developing an energy-efficient method of processing microalgae for biofuel.

Scenedesmus obliquus is a freshwater microalga which has high lipid content and biomass productivity. It is regarded as a promising species for production of biodiesel and other valuable organic compounds. Given the high cost of using potable water and commercial fertilizers, the use of municipal wastewater as algal growth medium is attractive in view of its constituent organic carbon and inorganic nutrients, including nitrogen and phosphorus. Investigating the mixotrophic cultivation of S. obliquus in an imitation municipal wastewater, the results of this study showed that: (1) The unmodified imitation wastewater by itself as expected yielded poor S. obliquus growth owing to its pH significantly decreasing to 3.5 as caused by the presence of Ammonium Chloride in the wastewater, inhibiting cell growth; (2) Adding either Acetic Acid or Sodium Acetate to the wastewater medium maintained its pH at 6.5 to 7.0, and its algae biomass on day 6 increased significantly by 212% and 194%, respectively; (3) Adding either Acetic Acid or Sodium Acetate to the wastewater medium maintained its pH at 6.5 to 7.0, and its algae biomass during exponential phase (day 4) significantly exceeded that in the MF control by 220.6% and 165.8%, respectively, while its algae biomass during saturation (day 6) significantly exceeded that in the MF control by 60.8% and 51.5%, respectively; and (4) Addition of NaNO₃ to the wastewater to match the level of N in the MF medium improved the algae biomass by 10%. This study developed ways for how the successful mixotrophic cultivation of S. obliquus in municipal wastewater could be achieved.