Optimizing Biodiesel Production from Karanja and Algae Oil with Nano Catalyst:RSMand ANN Approach

This study delves into biodiesel synthesis from non-edible oils and algae oil sources using Response Surface Methodology(RSM)and an Artificial Neural Network(ANN)model to optimize biodiesel yield.Blend of C.vulgaris and Karanja oils is utilized,aiming to reduce free fatty acid content to 1%through single-step transesterification.Optimization reveals peak biodiesel yield conditions:1%catalyst quantity,91.47 min reaction time,56.86℃reaction temperature,and 8.46:1 methanol to oil molar ratio.The ANN model outperforms RSM in yield prediction accuracy.Environmental impact assessment yields an E-factor of 0.0251 at maximum yield,indicating responsible production with minimal waste.Economic analysis reveals significant cost savings:30%-50%reduction in raw material costs by using non-edible oils,10%-15%increase in production efficiency,20%reduction in catalyst costs,and 15%-20%savings in energy consumption.The optimized process reduces waste disposal costs by 10%-15%,enhancing overall economic viability.Overall,the widespread adoption of biodiesel offers economic,environmental,and social benefits to a diverse range of stakeholders,including farmers,producers,consumers,governments,environmental organizations,and the transportation industry.Collaboration among these stakeholders is essential for realizing the full potential of biodiesel as a sustainable energy solution.

Microscopic analysis on eukaryotic algae and cyanobacteria in nine seasonal lakes and ponds in Vestfjella,Dronning Maud Land,Antarctica

Antarctic continental lakes and ponds are among the most impoverished aquatic environments on earth but many of them support flourishing populations of cyanobacteria,eukaryotic algae,protozoans,and some multicellular animals.In this study,we present results of a microscopic analysis of cyanobacteria and eukaryotic algae from nine diverse types of Antarctic continental water bodies during one austral summer.The results supplement and enlarge our previous studies on the limnological characteristics of the epiglacial and supraglacial lakes and ponds in Dronning Maud Land,an area that has received little attention from limnologists.The taxon with highest frequency among the samples(n=79)was Mesotaenium cf.berggrenii,a eukaryotic Zygnematophyceae,which occurred in 82%of the samples with a maximum cell density of 68 cells·mL^(-1).The taxa with second and third highest frequency were the prokaryotes Gloeocapsopsis(60%)and Leptolyngbya(41%),followed by Chlamydomonas(34%)and Cyanothece(29%).The number of taxa varied between 7-21 among the lakes and ponds,being highest in a supraglacial lake,and lowest in an epiglacial lake.The results did not reveal any obvious correlation between the abundance of any taxa and the water chemistry,but water bodies with inorganic sediments had higher cell densities and biomasses than those without sediment.This suggests the importance of sediment in supporting biological diversity in these ultraoligotrophic lakes and ponds.

Antarctic red algae in dye-sensitized photoelectrochemical cells for water splitting

Phycoerythrin extracted from Antarctic red seaweeds shows promising characteristics to be applied as an anode sensitizer in water-splitting photoelectrochemical cells.Under light irradiation and using an LED lamp,the red-colored protein shows an interesting ability to profit the incident light,as confirmed by the presence of oxygen bubbles next to the electrode surface without applying any external potential.Our results showed that the addition of iodide is helpful to allow the regeneration of the dye;nevertheless,oxygen evolution is not favored.Thermodynamics analysis of the involved semi-reactions is also helpful to understand the observed results.The exploration of Antarctic resources offers then an alternative for the development of green energies,with a particular focus on their use as sensitizers to profit from the sunlight in water-splitting as well as in photovoltaic devices.

Interaction between Biochar and Algae on Problem Soil

An in-vitro experiment was conducted to assess the interaction between biochar and algae on a problem soil. Experiments were performed with and without algae to observe the effectiveness of algae for overcoming the challenges posed by problem soils. At the end of incubation periods, the adsorption and desorption of phosphorus (P) on a problem soil vis-á-vis algal inoculation were determined. Our results showed that different types of biochars adsorbed different amounts of P suggesting that the source of biochar played a crucial role in determining its behavior towards P. Tannery waste biochar significantly adsorbed 147% and 35% more P compared to that of the chicken litter and orange peel biochars respectively. Significant reductions in adsorption were observed when the biochar was used in combination with the algae which could be due to the beneficial effects of algae leading to the amelioration of the problem soil. Adsorption was reduced to 34%, 24% and 20% for the orange peel biochar + algae, chicken litter biochar + algae and tannery waste biochar + algae, respectively compared to the corresponding biochars present as a single solid. Phosphorus (P) desorption was also reduced significantly in presence of algal inoculation. Overall our findings suggest that the application of algae along with biochar in the problem soil could reduce the adsorption of P which would influence the availability of P.

Dynamic Analysis of an Algae-Bacteria Ecological Model

In the paper, under the framework of exploring the interaction between algae and bacteria, an algae-bacteria ecological model was established to analyze the interaction mechanism and growth coexistence mode between algicidal bacteria and algae. Firstly, mathematical work mainly provided some threshold conditions to ensure the occurrence of transcritical bifurcation and saddle-node bifurcation, which could provide certain theoretical support for selecting key ecological environmental factors and numerical simulations. Secondly, the numerical simulation work dynamically displayed the evolution process of the bifurcation dynamic behavior of the model (2.1) and the growth coexistence mode of algae and algicidal bacteria. Finally, it was worth summarizing that intrinsic growth rate and combined capture effort of algae population had a strong influence on the dynamic behavior of the model (2.1). Furthermore, it must also be noted that transcritical bifurcation and saddle-node bifurcation were the inherent driving forces behind the formation of steady-state growth coexistence mode between algicidal bacteria and algae. In summary, it was hoped that the results of this study would contribute to accelerating the study of the interaction mechanism between algicidal bacteria and algae.

Phlorotannins from Brown Algae as a Sustainable Aquatic Feedstock for Epoxy Resins

Bisphenol A (BPA) is the primary chemical used in the production of epoxy resins but as of today is not widely available in a bio-based form. BPA is also classified as a substance of very high concern due to its reproductive toxicity and endocrine-disrupting effects. Phlorotannins, a type of polyphenols, offer a promising structural alternative to bisphenol A as a more sustainable option. They are found in high quantities in brown algae, which are already harvested for alginate production. As a result, phlorotannins present an under-researched yet promising marine resource for the chemical industry, particularly in the area of epoxy resin formulation. In this study, a model epoxy resin compound based on phloroglucinol, the simplest phlorotannin, was chosen to explore its reactivity and the thermo-mechanical properties of epoxy resins based thereof. As hardeners well-established systems like isophorone diamine for ambient temperature cure as well as heat-curing anhydrides and dicyandiamide were used. Across all cases, thermosets with glass transition temperatures above 100?C were achieved under cross-linking conditions similar to those used today. One phthalic anhydride derivative yielded a glass transition temperature of 198?C, highlighting the significant potential of these algae-based epoxy resins for industrial uses, such as impregnating resins for fiber-reinforced plastics.

Characteristics and Comparative Study of Chlorophyll-protein Complexes from Siphonous Green Algae

By mild PAGE method, 11, 11, 7 and 9 chlorophyll_protein complexes were isolated from two species of siphonous green algae (Codium fragile (Sur.) Hariot and Bryopsis corticulans Setch.), green alga (Ulothrix flacca (Dillw.) Thur.), and spinach (Spinacia oleracea Mill.), respectively. Apparent molecular weights, Chl a/b ratios, distribution of chlorophyll, absorption spectra, low temperature fluorescence spectra of these complexes were determined, and compared with one another. PSⅠ complexes of two siphonous green algae are larger in apparent molecular weight because of the attachment of relative highly aggregated LHCⅠ. Four isolated light_harvesting complexes of PSⅡ are all siphonaxanthin_Chl a/b_protein complexes, and they are not monomers and oligomers like those in higher plants. Especially, the absence of 730 nm fluorescence in PSⅠ complexes indicates a distinct structure and energy transfer pattern.

Biological Characteristics and Pathogenicities of Shewanella algae and Shewanella abalone from Babylonia

[Objective] The biological characteristics and pathogenicities of Shewanella algae and Shewanella abalone from Babylonia were studied in this paper. [Method]The hemolytic bacteria were isolated from the hepatopancreas of Babylonia suffered from proboscis edema with blood agar plate. The dominant bacterial community in the ill Babylonia was identified by 16 S r DNA sequence analysis, and the bacterial cultural and biochemical characteristics and pathogenicities were studied. [Result]The Shewanella bacteria, including Shewanella algae and Shewanella abalone, are the dominant bacterial community in Babylonia suffered from proboscis edema.The colony characteristics of Shewanella algae in nutrient agar medium, TCBS agar medium and CHROMagar vibrio colored medium were similar to those of Shewanella abalone. Shewanella algae possessed β-hemolysis and Shewanella abalone possessed α-hemolysis in the blood agar plate. The biochemical reaction of Shewanella algae and Shewanella abalone was all of non-fermentation type. The results of artificial infection test showed that half lethal dose（LD50） of the test strains of Shewanella algae was 10-5.50/0.1 ml. The test strains of Shewanella algae have strong toxicity, and could cause mice and chickens to die of sepsis with mortality of100%. The mortality of Babylonia infected with Shewanella algae was 10%; while the survived Babylonia lost the ability of moving and intaking for a long time, but they were not suffered from proboscis edema. There was no death in mice or chicks infected with Shewanella abalone, but their livers and spleens were slightly hyperemic and swelling. There was also no death in Babylonia infected with Shewanella abalone, but their intaking and moving ability was lost for a short time.[Conclusion] Although Shewanella algae and Shewanella abalone were the dominant bacteria in Babylonia suffered from proboscis edema, they were not the main pathogenic bacteria for proboscis edema. Shewanella algae had strong pathogenicity to mice, chicks and Babylonia, while Shewanella abalone showed no marked pathogenicity to those experimental animals in this study.

Indication Function of Aquatic Algae for Environment

In order to better monitor N and P pollutants, heavy metals, pesticides and other organic pollutants in water areas, we researched sensitivity and tolerance of aquatic algae on water environment and effects of the pollutants on algae population, analyzing toxin and enrichment of pollutants on algae. The results indicated that aquatic alga is a better indicator for some pollutants in water, for which water contamination can be surveyed and analyzed rapidly.

Study on the Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Blue Algae in Lake Dianshan in Summer

To understand the spatial and temporal variation characteristics of blue algae in summer in Lake Dianshan,the phytoplankton in Lake Dianshan from June to September in 2009 was surveyed. It found 11 genera and 28 species blue algae in total. Microcystis,Oscillatoria and Chroococcus were the main composition communities of blue algae in Lake Dianshan in summer. In the survey period,the average density of blue algae in Lake Dianshan was 16.48×106 cells/L which changed during 1.01×106-59.76×106 cells/L. The characteristics were:September > July > August > June. The mass propagation and aggregation of Microcystis in September caused that the water blooms phenomenon in the partial water areas was serious. In the space,the average density of blue algae in the west and southwest parts of Lake Dianshan was bigger than in the east and southeast. When the nutritive matter was sufficient,the temperature was the main factor which affected the generation and disappearance of blue algae water blooms. The wind direction was also an important factor which affected the distribution of blue algae.

Analysis on the Eutrophication and Algae Blooms of Hongfeng Lake Reservoir in Guizhou

[Objective] The research aimed to know the ecological environment pollution characteristics of Hongfeng Lake water area and the evolution rule,which provided the theory basis for improving the water quality condition.[Method] Based on the investigation and research of indoor and outdoor,the water quality,aquatic ecosystem,pollution characteristic of sediment and occurrence law of algae blooms in Hongfeng Lake were comprehensively analyzed by combining with the relevant literatures.[Result] Hongfeng Lake was in moderate-heavy eutrophication situation,and the water quality was V-bad V class.The sediment accumulated a lot of nutrient salt,which was the important pollution source of eutrophication in Hongfeng Lake Reservoir.The aquatic ecosystem degraded,and it was easy to form the algae blooms.[Conclusion] The pollution treatment of Hongfeng Lake was extremely urgent.

BLUE-GREEN ALGAE TOXINS AND LIVER CANCER

Microcystins (MCYSTs) isolated from blue-green algae,are hepatotoxic polypeptides.It will induce severe intrahepatic hemorrhage and liver necrosis at low concentrations in rats and mice.MCYST- LR is one of MCYSTs which consists of 2 variable L- amino acids(leucine and arginine),3 D-amino acids and 2 unusualamino acids(including Adda).MCYSTs bind to protein phosphatase 1 and 2A,and strongly inhibit their activities.The resultant increase of phosphoprotein was referred to be involved in tumor-promoting activity in liver.According to the above results and animal study,MCYST-LR is a potent liver tumor promoter.There were 9 positive from 30 samples of pond-ditch water in high endemic county-Haimen by high-peformance liquid chromatograph and 3 already confirmed by liquid chromograph/mass spectrometer.The quantities of MCYSTs were different between drinking water of liver cancer cases and controls groups.122±0.057and 0.072±0.044μg/200ml respectively) by ELISA. It is not easy to remove by conventional water treatment procedures.The relationship between MCYSTs and oncogenes and anti-oncogenes are under studying.

A Simple Method of Isolating Algae

[Objective] The research aimed to improve the method of isolation of algae.[Method] The samples were cultured in liquid medium after pre-culture in natural medium.[Result]12 species of algae were isolated from the sample.[Conclusion] The method is useful and easy to be handled.

Effect of Tropical Algae as Additives on Rumen <i>in Vitro</i>Gas Production and Fermentation Characteristics

Algae have become an area of intensive research in many fields of study. Areas of application are becoming increasingly diverse with the advent of technologies particularly in the mass production of algae biomass. Algae contain complex bioactive compounds and these are gaining importance in emerging technologies with nutritional and environmental applications. In this study, a preliminary investigation evaluated 15 species of algae from the major categories of marine and fresh water algae for their potential as inclusions in ruminant diets for management of greenhouse gas emissions. It was hypothesized that algae would positively affect rumen fermentation and gas production while reducing methane production. The hypothesis was tested using an Ankom automated gas monitoring system and rumen fluid from Bos indicus steers fed tropical forage diets. The results were variable between algae species with some showing a significant reduction in total gas and methane production, with others increasing gas and fermentation. The red and brown algae stand out as having potential for greenhouse gas mitigation with the brown alga Cystoseira having the most prominent effect. The effects observed on fermentation may be manipulated through dosage management and beneficial effects could be potentially maximized by preparing combinations of algal supplements. It has been demonstrated in this study that algae have the potential to assist in rumen fermentation management for improved gas production, and greenhouse gas abatement.

Analysis of the Meteorological Conditions for Outbreak of Blue-green Algae in Hongze Lake

Based on the data of 18 cases during the past 30 years from 1978 to 2007,the major meteorological conditions for outbreak of blue-green alga in Hongze Lake were analyzed.The results showed that the main meteorological conditions that affected the production and outbreak of blue-green alga were unusual high monthly average temperature,less precipitation and more sunshine hours in ten days.Through the selection of 1 or 0 factors on the values of above meteorological conditions over the years,if the conditions were accorded with the outbreak of blue-green alga,the factor was signed as 1,or it would be signed as 0;if there was outbreak of blue-green alga within ten days,it was signed as 1,or it would be signed as 0;crossing interrelated and integrated prediction method was adopted to establish the prediction equation for outbreak of blue-green alga,the historical fitting rate was 87.5%,and the predicting accuracy rate in 2008-2009 was 87.5%.In addition to meteorological conditions,outbreak of blue-green alga was also influenced by industrial pollutions,etc.,which should be considered in the forecasting procedures.

Effects of Algae in Tufa Landscapes of Huanglong Scenic Area

Algae play a crucial role in the evolution of earth and life on earth,and also the cycle of matter.With its unique physiological and ecological properties and strong reproductive capacity,algae deeply influence the formation and development of karst.During the formation of tufa landscapes in Huanglong Scenic Area,the coloration,precipitation and corrosion of algae acting on tufa always concordantly exist.The algae living in water add gay colors to the tufa landscapes.The carbonate precipitation facilitated by algae is an important biological cause of the formation of tufa.As the external environmental conditions change,for instance,the shortage of karst water in tufa landscapes,the coloration and powerful corrosion of algae will stand out,which will badly affect the development and visual value of tufa landscapes.By studying the functions of algae in the tufa landscapes of Huanglong Scenic Area,this research was to provide scientific basis for the future study and protection of tufa landscapes.

Effects of the sunscreen ultraviolet filter,oxybenzone,on green microalgae

Ultraviolet(UV)filters are widely used in sunscreen and personal care products due to their ability to give protection to our skin from UV radiation.Oxybenzone,commonly known as benzophenone-3,is one type of UV filter found as the active ingredient in many pharmaceutical products.Although oxybenzone has been extensively studied as an environmental toxicant in the ecosystem,little is known about its toxicity effects on microalgae.The effects of oxybenzone on growth(measured as OD620 nm,chlɑand carotenoids)and macromolecular composition of polar microalgae(Chlorella UMACC 400 and Chlorella UMACC 401)and temperate microalgae(Chlorella sp.,Chlamydomonas reinhardtii,Scenedesmus quadricauda)were investigated.These microalgae were cultured in triplicate and exposed to different oxybenzone concentrations(0,100,200,300 and 400 mg·L-1),at 4℃and 18 for polar and temperate species respectively,for 96 h.The oxybenzone concentrations used℃represent a range from environmental to extreme concentrations to understand the impact of this toxicant on microalgae.The results showed that the highest concentration of oxybenzone(300 and 400 mg·L-1)had adverse effects on growth rate and biomass of these microalgae.However,exposure to oxybenzone concentrations ranging from 200 mg·L-1 to 400 mg·L-1 did not have significant effects on S.quadricauda growth.The exposure to oxybenzone at higher concentrations also led to changes in cell structure after 96 h.Generally,protein and carbohydrate content of all microalgae except S.quadricauda increased with increasing oxybenzone concentrations.Protein content increased significantly when cells were exposed to oxybenzone,though effects were greater in the polar species,suggesting that it could be one of the adaptive strategies that enabled these microalgae to tolerate oxybenzone.Further investigation is required to determine the effects of oxybenzone on other features of microalgal performance at relevant environmental concentrations.

Efficiency of Antioxidant Compounds from Macro Edible Algae

Antioxidant efficiency was studied in fresh edible algae： Cladophora, Microspara and Nostochopsis spp. from Nan River, Nan province. The samples were collected from Pua and Tha-Wang-Pha district, studied antioxidant activity and compared the antioxidant efficacy of the extracts from the three fresh edible algae with a standard solution, 3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole （BHA）. This study found that an extract ofNostochopsis spp. was the highest antioxidant activity to DPPH free radical between 32.1 and 87.5, the highest amount of beta-carotene was 4.71-7.09 mg/g and the highest amount of phenol in fresh edible algae extracts from Microspora was between 9.37 and 37.02 mg/g. The highest vitamin C in Microspora was between 110.41-138.53 mg/100 g.

SCREENING FOR ANTIBACTERIAL AND ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITIES IN SOME MARINE ALGAE FROM THE FUJIAN COAST OF CHINA WITH THREE DIFFERENT SOLVENTS

Three different solvents viz ethanol, acetone and methanol toluene (3:1) were used to extract antibiotics from 23 species of marine algae belonging to the Chlorophyta, Phaeophyta and Rhodophyta. Their crude extracts were tested for antibacterial and antifungal activities. Among them, the ethanol extract showed the strongest activity against the bacteria and fungi tested. Four species of the Rhodophyta ( Laurencia okamurai, Dasya scoparia, Grateloupia filicina and plocamium telfairiae ) showed a wide spectrum of antibacterial activity. Every solvent extract from the four species was active against all the bacteria tested. The test bacterium Pseudomonas solancearum and the fungus Penicilium citrinum were most sensitive to the extracts of marine algae. In general, the extracts of seaweeds inhibited bacteria more strongly than fungi and species of the Rhodophyta showed the greatest activity against the bacteria and fungi tested.

Mutual effects of nitric oxide and iron on the growth of marine algae

Experiments on the effects of nitric oxide （NO） and iron on the growth of marine microalgae Skeletonema costatum were conducted. The results are as follows： exogenous NO could increase the growth rate of marine algae and raise the biomass remarkably under iron-deficient conditions. But it was a complicated process that the phytoplankton growth was influenced by NO and iron, which was controlled by the NO concentration, the nutrition level of the culture medium and the iron concentration, etc. Meanwhile, the iron concentration in the medium also has a direct influence on the growth and NO release capacity of the algae. Therefore, the effects of NO and iron on the growth of marine phytoplankton were mutual.