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Biotechnology. Bioremediation. Key Terms. Bioremediation -The use of living organisms (microorganisms, fungi, green plants) or their products (enzymes) to return the environment to its original condition.
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Biotechnology Bioremediation
Key Terms • Bioremediation-The use of living organisms (microorganisms, fungi, green plants) or their products (enzymes) to return the environment to its original condition. • Immobilization- The action of physically confining or localizing cells in a defined region or space with retention of their catalytic activities or selected portions there of, for repeated and continued use • Algae- A group of plants having no true root, stem, or leaf, and are found in water or damp environments.
Problem - Farm Water Runoff • Chemical fertilizers enhance and promote plant growth • Fertilizer runoff results in high concentrations of phosphates and nitrates in natural water ways.
Results - Excess Phosphates • Phosphate is used by many algae • resulting in overgrowth of algae • depletion of oxygen • Killing marine inhabitants
Solution –Cell Immobilization • Immobilize algae cells in one place so cell can function yet be replaced if necessary.
Types of Immobilization • Chemical Bonding- Chemically linking enzymes to other molecules, resulting often in damaged enzymes. • Absorption- “sticking” enzymes to the surface of materials such as glass, resin beads, carbon particles, ceramic or styrofoam. • Entrapment- encase cell inside a porous, gelatin-like substance, allowing reaction to take place within the cell only.
Entrapment Process • Step 1- Using an eyedropper, squeeze six or seven droplets of sodium alginate solution (seawater extraction) into a Container of calcium chloride solution. • Container should be a beaker containing one to two ounces of the calcium chloride solution.
Step 2 • Let droplets stand for ten to fifteen minutes for the gel to form through the center. • Step 3 • Remove and rinse the beads from the calcium chloride.
Variations in Gel shape • Eyedropper- using eyedropper will produce beads or strings depending ion the height held above the container. • Pour Method- submerging wire mesh in sodium alginate, then pouring calcium chloride solution on top to create a “sheet” of gelatin than can be shaped according to the projects requirements.
Algae Lifespan • Algae metabolize or eat the phosphates in the water. • Algae eventually reach lifespan, resulting in the need to remove and replace algae. • Indicator Mechanism needed
Indicator Mechanism • Visual inspection of system to see when replacement needed. • Electronic sensors monitoring clarity • Inspection of water Ph level.
Replacement of Algae • Replacement many be simply manually replacing them • Replacement using sensors and robotics to accomplish replacement.
Disposal of used microalgae • Spent algae can reprocessed for use as fertilizers once again because of their high phosphate concentration.