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Research

Research

Research

Summary

The project addresses the Program Area Priority: Crop Protection for Sustainable Feedstock Production Systems. Contamination of cultures and grazing of algae by zooplankton (e.g., rotifers, amoebas and protozoa) represents the most challenging issue for sustainable algal mass culture, preventing algae from being a practical source of oil crops for production of bioenergy and bioproducts. To meet this challenge, we will 1) survey zooplankton contamination in commercial algal production systems; 2) determine biotic and abiotic factors affecting the occurrence, population dynamics and impact of grazing zooplankton on algal crop production; 3) develop a rapid, quantitative diagnostic method and early warning system for the detection of grazing zooplankton using a multiphasic approach; 4) evaluate various chemical and physical means to prevent and treat zooplankton; and 5) develop a comprehensive Best Management Practices Plan (BMPP) for prevention and treatment of zooplankton to ensure sustainable production of algal crops. We will conduct laboratory and outdoor experiments with typical production strains (e.g., Nannochloropsis sp., Chlorella sp. Dunaliella sp. And Cyclotella sp.) grown in both open ponds and closed photobioreactors. We will apply expertise in algology, zoology, cell biology, bio-imaging, genomics and bioinformatics, as well as chemical and physical treatment methods to the study. The proposed project will provide a detailed understanding of the factors influencing the occurrence, population dynamics, impact and control of zooplankton on algal mass culture. The comprehensive BMPP developed will enable sustainable algal crop production for biofuels and bioproducts.

Personnel

Funding

US Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Agriculture and Food Research Initiative

Timeline

February 2011 — January 2016