Browsing by Subject "algae"
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Item Algal biofuels : the effect of salinity and pH on growth and lipid content of algae(2009-08) Gutierrez, Cesar Carlos; Marshall, Jill Ann; Sathasivan, Kanagasabapathi; Mehdy, Mona Cynthia, 1955-Supplies of nonrenewable fossil fuels are becoming more limited even as they continue to contribute to pollution and economic concerns. Alternative sources of energy must be developed that help minimize these problems. One potential source of energy is the production of biofuels from algae. Here we evaluate algae found in South Texas brackish water ponds used for aquaculture of fish as a possible source of biofuels. In particular, we examine the effects of salinity and pH on the growth and lipid content of the algae. Samples of algae from the ponds exhibited high levels of growth and lipid production at a salinity of 9 ppt and pH 7. These conditions are similar to the natural conditions of the ponds, indicating that they may be a good source of algal biofuels.Item Algal biofuels : the effect of temperature on algal growth and lipid content(2009-08) Klenzendorf, Stephanie Marie; Marshall, Jill Ann; Mehdy, Mona Cynthia, 1955-; Sathasivan, KanagasabapathiReplacing fossil fuels with algae, a renewable resource, is an exciting possibility. This study evaluates the algae found in South Texas brackish water ponds used for aquaculture of fish as a possible source of biofuels. Samples of algae from these ponds were cultured at varying temperatures ranging from 15.5ºC to 36.5ºC. High levels of growth were observed at 20.5ºC and the highest lipid content was measured at 23.0ºC. Temperature was also a factor in the distribution of microalgal taxa throughout the temperature gradient. This information will be added to the growing body of research investigating similar cultures of algae for future biofuel production.Item Amplification Of Dna-Polymerase Gene Fragments From Viruses Infecting Microalgae(1995-04) Chen, Feng; Suttle, Curtis A.; Chen, Feng; Suttle, Curtis A.Nested PCR with three highly degenerate primers was used for amplification and identification of DNA polymerase (pol) genes from viruses which infect three genera of microalgae. Group specific primers (AVS1 and AVS2) were designed on the basis of inferred amino acid sequences unique to the DNA pol genes of viruses (PBCV-1 and NY-2A) that infect an endosymbiotic Chlorella-like alga (Chlorophyceae) and a virus (MpV-SP1) which infects the photosynthetic flagellate Micromonas pusilla (Prasinophyceae). In addition, a nested primer (POL) was designed on the basis of the highly conserved amino acid sequence YGDTDS found in most B-family (alpha-like) DNA pol genes. These primers were used to amplify DNA from the three viruses, PBCV-1, NY-2A, and MpV-SP1, for which the primers were designed, as well as eight clonal isolates of genetically distinct viruses which infect M. pusilla and others which infect Chrysochromulina spp. (Prymnesiophyceae), suggesting that these are a group of related viruses. In contrast, no product resulted from using DNA from viruses which infect the marine brown algae Ectocarpus siliculosis and Feldmannia sp. (Phaeophyceae), suggesting that these viruses may not be closely related to those that infect microalgae. These primers were also used to amplify DNA from natural virus communities. Our results indicate that nested PCR, even under low-stringency conditions, can be used as a rapid method to verify the presence in seawater of a group of related viruses which infect microalgae. Sequence analysis of these fragments should provide information on the genetic diversity and potentially the phyletic relationships among these viruses. This is the first example of a PCR-based technique designed to detect viruses which infect eukaryotic algae.Item Bactericidal Effects of Algae on Enteric Organisms(University of Texas at Austin, 1970-03) Davis, E.M.; Gloyna, E.F.Item Before and After Studies on the Effects of a Power Plant Installation on Lake Lyndon B. Johnson: Phytoplankton Succession and the Productivity of Individual Algal Species(University of Texas at Austin, 1976-05) Davenport, J.B.; Maguire, B. Jr.Item Biodegradability of Nonionic and Anionic Surfactants by Blue-Green and Green Algae(University of Texas at Austin, 1967-06) Davis, E.M.; Gloyna, E.F.Item Change in Environmental Integrity Index Values in the Austin, Texas, Area (1996-2002)(City of Austin Watershed Protection Department, 2003) Herrington, ChrisEnvironmental Integrity Index (EII) data collected from 1996 to 2002 in 46 watersheds throughout the Greater Austin area were analyzed to assess changes over time and to ensure that monitoring goals and Business Plan performance measures were maintained as specified. These values are also in use as part of the city-wide WPDRD Masterplan in prioritizing subwatersheds to address through Capital Improvement Projects, regulations, and/or programs. In general, although by subindex, watershed score, and rank many watersheds indicate degradation or do not meet Masterplan goals, no watersheds were found to have decreased enough to lower narrative score categories, which is the current Business Plan performance measure. This exercise highlights both the variability in the data as well as the value of its large spatial coverage and ability to summarize many aspects of environmental water quality of Austin’s streams.Item Combining and Comparing Coalescent, Distance and Character-Based Approaches for Barcoding Microalgaes: A Test with Chlorella-Like Species (Chlorophyta)(PLoS One, 2016) Zou, Shanmei; Fei, Cong; Song, Jiameng; Bao, Yachao; Meilin, He; Wang, ChanghaiSeveral different barcoding methods of distinguishing species have been advanced, but which method is the best is still controversial. Chlorella is becoming particularly promising in the development of second-generation biofuels. However, the taxonomy of Chlorella–like organisms is easily confused. Here we report a comprehensive barcoding analysis of Chlorella-like species from Chlorella, Chloroidium, Dictyosphaerium and Actinastrum based on rbcL, ITS, tufA and 16S sequences to test the efficiency of traditional barcoding, GMYC, ABGD, PTP, P ID and character-based barcoding methods. First of all, the barcoding results gave new insights into the taxonomic assessment of Chlorella-like organisms studied, including the clear species discrimination and resolution of potentially cryptic species complexes in C. sorokiniana, D. ehrenbergianum and C. Vulgaris. The tufA proved to be the most efficient barcoding locus, which thus could be as potential “specific barcode” for Chlorella-like species. The 16S failed in discriminating most closely related species. The resolution of GMYC, PTP, P ID, ABGD and character-based barcoding methods were variable among rbcL, ITS and tufA genes. The best resolution for species differentiation appeared in tufA analysis where GMYC, PTP, ABGD and character-based approaches produced consistent groups while the PTP method over-split the taxa. The character analysis of rbcL, ITS and tufA sequences could clearly distinguish all taxonomic groups respectively, including the potentially cryptic lineages, with many character attributes. Thus, the character-based barcoding provides an attractive complement to coalescent and distance-based barcoding. Our study represents the test that proves the efficiency of multiple DNA barcoding in species discrimination of microalgaes.Item Comprehensive evaluation of algal biofuel production: Experimental and target results(MDPI, 2012-06-20) Beal, Colin M.; Hebner, Robert E.; Webber, Michael E.; Ruoff, Rodney S.; Seibert, A. Frank; King, Carey W.; Beal, Colin M.; Hebner, Robert E.; Webber, Michael E.; Ruoff, Rodney S.; Seibert, A. Frank; King, Carey W.Worldwide, algal biofuel research and development efforts have focused on increasing the competitiveness of algal biofuels by increasing the energy and financial return on investments, reducing water intensity and resource requirements, and increasing algal productivity. In this study, analyses are presented in each of these areas—costs, resource needs, and productivity—for two cases: (1) an Experimental Case, using mostly measured data for a lab-scale system, and (2) a theorized Highly Productive Case that represents an optimized commercial-scale production system, albeit one that relies on full-price water, nutrients, and carbon dioxide. For both cases, the analysis described herein concludes that the energy and financial return on investments are less than 1, the water intensity is greater than that for conventional fuels, and the amounts of required resources at a meaningful scale of production amount to significant fractions of current consumption (e.g., nitrogen). The analysis and presentation of results highlight critical areas for advancement and innovation that must occur for sustainable and profitable algal biofuel production can occur at a scale that yields significant petroleum displacement. To this end, targets for energy consumption, production cost, water consumption, and nutrient consumption are presented that would promote sustainable algal biofuel production. Furthermore, this work demonstrates a procedure and method by which subsequent advances in technology and biotechnology can be framed to track progress.Item Comprehensive Evaluation of Algal Biofuel Production: Experimental and Target Results(MDPI, 2012-06) Beal, C.M.; Hebner, R.E.; Webber, M.E.; Ruoff, R.S.; Seibert, A.F.; King, C.W.Worldwide, algal biofuel research and development efforts have focused on increasing the competitiveness of algal biofuels by increasing the energy and financial return on investments, reducing water intensity and resource requirements, and increasing algal productivity. In this study, analyses are presented in each of these areas—costs, resource needs, and productivity—for two cases: (1) an Experimental Case, using mostly measured data for a lab-scale system, and (2) a theorized Highly Productive Case that represents an optimized commercial-scale production system, albeit one that relies on full-price water, nutrients, and carbon dioxide. For both cases, the analysis described herein concludes that the energy and financial return on investments are less than 1, the water intensity is greater than that for conventional fuels, and the amounts of required resources at a meaningful scale of production amount to significant fractions of current consumption (e.g., nitrogen). The analysis and presentation of results highlight critical areas for advancement and innovation that must occur for sustainable and profitable algal biofuel production can occur at a scale that yields significant petroleum displacement. To this end, targets for energy consumption, production cost, water consumption, and nutrient consumption are presented that would promote sustainable algal biofuel production. Furthermore, this work demonstrates a procedure and method by which subsequent advances in technology and biotechnology can be framed to track progress.Item Cyanobacterium found in algae collection holds promise for biotech applications(Washington University in St. Louis, 2015) the SourceItem Effects of pharmaceutical wastes on growth of microalgae(1970) Van Baalen, C. (Chase), 1925-1986; Batterton, JohnThe purpose of this work was to assay samples of waste material from Puerto Rican pharmaceutical industries for inhibition of growth of algae. Two samples (noted as I and II) supplied to us were tested for toxicity to six microalgae. The test organisms, two blue-green algae, two green algae, and two diatoms [r]epresent three major divisions of algae.Item Electrically Dewatering Microalgae(IEEE, 2011-10) Pearsall, R.V.; Connelly, R.L.; Fountain, M.E.; Hearn, C.S.; Werst, M.D.; Hebner, R.E.; Kelley, E.F.Microalgae are being developed as a source of fuels and/or chemicals. A processing challenge is dewatering the algae. Electrical approaches to dewatering include exploiting electrophoresis or electroflocculation. The reported experiments show that electrophoresis does occur but is complicated by the effects of the fluid motion. It appears that the coupling of the algal cell and the fluid can be sufficiently strong such that fluid motion effects can influence or dominate behavior. Electroflocculation appears to be a robust process. It does, however, inherently leave electrically induced trace metal flocculants in the dewatered algae.Item Energy return on investment for algal biofuel production coupled with wastewater treatment(Water Environment Research, 2012) Beal, Colin M.; Stillwell, Ashlynn S.; King, Carey W.; Cohen, Stuart M.; Berberoglu, Halil; Bhattarai, Rajendra P.; Connelly, Rhykka L.; Webber, Michael E.; Hebner, Robert E.; Beal, Colin M.; Stillwell, Ashlynn S.; King, Carey W.; Cohen, Stuart M.; Berberoglu, Halil; Bhattarai, Rajendra P.; Connelly, Rhykka L.; Webber, Michael E.; Hebner, Robert E.This study presents a second-order energy return on investment analysis to evaluate the mutual benefits of combining an advanced wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) (with biological nutrient removal) with algal biofuel production. With conventional, independently operated systems, algae production requires significant material inputs, which require energy directly and indirectly, and the WWTP requires significant energy inputs for treatment of the waste streams. The second-order energy return on investment values for independent operation of the WWTP and the algal biofuels production facility were determined to be 0.37 and 0.42, respectively. By combining the two, energy inputs can be reduced significantly. Consequently, the integrated system can outperform the isolated system, yielding a second-order energy return on investment of 1.44. Combining these systems transforms two energy sinks to a collective (second-order) energy source. However, these results do not include capital, labor, and other required expenses, suggesting that profitable deployment will be challenging.Item Evaluation of Nonpoint Source Controls, an EPA/TNRCC Section 319 Grant Report Volume I(City of Austin Drainage Utility Department, 1997) City of Austin Environmental Resources Management DivisionEXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The City of Austin, Texas has been committed to building a comprehensive program of nonpoint source (NPS) pollution control since 1975. Based in part on the Nationwide Urban Runoff Project (NURP) study (Engineering Science and COA, 1983) recommendations, the City developed a stormwater monitoring and evaluation program specifically targeted at NPS pollution indicators. A variety of Best Management Practices (BMPs) have been monitored and evaluated by the City including wet ponds, filtration ponds, and detention ponds. In 1986, the City passed the Comprehensive Watersheds Ordinance or CWO (COA, 1986a) to control NPS pollution from all developing watersheds. This Ordinance requires a full range of BMPs including impervious cover limitations, buffer zones, protection of critical environmental features, limitation on disturbance of the natural stream, erosion control practices, and structural water quality controls. The City also conducts an ongoing public outreach and pollution prevention effort. However, controlling NPS pollution from urbanized watersheds is particularly difficult. Two primary BMPs used in the developing watersheds, impervious cover limitations and buffer zones, are typically not applicable in watersheds with extensive existing development. Structural BMPs are typically very costly since both construction and land costs are increased by the limited number and size of available sites. The advisory board for the City's NURP study recommended that storm loads from high density commercial areas be quantified and that costs and benefits of various structural control measures be obtained. None of the City's previous NPS activities had addressed these recommendations with respect to retrofitting BMPs in existing high density urban watersheds. Therefore, in 1990, the City of Austin Environmental and Conservation Services Department applied for and obtained a $150,000 EPA Section 319 Nonpoint Source Management Program matching grant. The project included storm water monitoring, evaluation of structural BMPs, and non-structural BMP studies such as public education, citizen monitoring, and technology transfer. It is expected that these 1 BMP projects should improve the quality of stormwater runoff to the City's receiving water bodies in the highly developed watersheds. The objectives of this grant study are to: • Develop a storm water monitoring program for studying structural BMPs. • Implement primary structural BMPs and evaluate the treatment or efficiency and cost effectiveness of such BMPs for urban NPS pollution control. • Establish various non-structural BMP programs as a pilot study for source control of urban NPS pollution. • Present the results and conclusions of this study to various communities as a technology transfer program.Item Final report : NOAA Puerto Rico pharmaceutical wastes, January 11, 1980(1980) Van Baalen, C. (Chase), 1925-1986Individual pharmaceutical wastes from operations in Puerto Rico were examined for toxicity towards representative types of microalgae.Item A Framework to Report the Production of Renewable Diesel from Algae(Springer Verlag, 2011-03) Beal, C.M.; Smith, C.H.; Webber, M.E.; Ruoff, R.S.; Hebner, R.E.Recently, algae have received significant interest as a potential feedstock for renewable diesel (such as biodiesel), and many researchers have attempted to quantify this potential. Some of these attempts are less useful because they have not incorporated specific values of algal lipid content, have not included processing inefficiencies, or omitted processing steps required for renewable diesel production. Furthermore, the associated energy, materials, and costs requirements are sometimes omitted. The accuracy and applicability of these estimates can be improved by using data that are more specific, including all relevant information for renewable diesel production, and by presenting information with more relevant metrics. To determine whether algae are a viable source for renewable diesel, three questions that must be answered are (1) how much renewable diesel can be produced from algae, (2) what is the financial cost of production, and (3) what is the energy ratio of production? To help accurately answer these questions, we propose an analytical framework and associated nomenclature system for characterizing renewable diesel production from algae. The three production pathways discussed in this study are the transesterification of extracted algal lipids, thermochemical conversion of algal biomass, and conversion of secreted algal oils. The nomenclature system is initially presented from a top-level perspective that is applicable to all production pathways for renewable diesel from algae. Then, the nomenclature is expanded to characterize the production of renewable diesel (specifically, biodiesel) from extracted algal lipids in detail (cf. Appendix 2). The analytical framework uses the presented nomenclature system and includes three main principles: using appropriate reporting metrics, using symbolic notation to represent unknown values, and presenting results that are specific to algal species, growth conditions, and product composition.Item Limnological Investigations of Texas Impoundments for Water Quality Mangement Purposes-The Use of Algal Cultures to Assess the Effects of Nutrient Enrichment on the Highland Lakes of the Colorado River, Texas(University of Texas at Austin, 1969-01) Floyd, B.A.; Guh Fruh, E.; Davis, E.F.Item List of Strains(Università degli Studi di Napoli, 2009) Algal Collection University Federico II (ACUF)Item Phycological Studies ll. Some Algae From Arid Soils(University of Texas at Austin, 1962-09-15) University of Texas at Austin