Modeling algal productivity in large outdoor cultures and waste treatment systems

Simultaneous measurement of phytoplanktonic primary production, nutrient and light availability along a turbid, eutrophic UK east coast estuary (the Colne Estuary)

“…Van Spaendonk et al (1993) found that in the Westerschelde Estuary, the Netherlands, high turbidity resulted in light-limited growth of phytoplankton, and calculated a high annual primary production (200 to 300 g C m -2 ) despite the fact that the vertical mixing zone was 5 times larger than the euphotic zone. They concluded that their result corroborated Grobbelaar's (1990) hypothesis that the value of the Z mix :Z eu at which phytoplankton can still be effective producers can be seriously underestimated, and that phytoplankton can still cope effectively with turbid conditions when Z mix :Z eu is > 20.…”

“…With larger Z mix :Z eu ratios, the average time spent by algae in the light decreases, and thus net photosynthesis decreases. Grobbelaar (1990) suggested that the Z mix :Z eu ratio would be the most important factor affecting phytoplankton production in turbid ecosystems, which usually have large Z mix :Z eu ratios. Furthermore, Cloern (1996) suggested that blooms often develop when the effective mixing depth of the water column is reduced by vertical stratification, thereby decreasing the ratio.…”

“…Furthermore, Cloern (1996) suggested that blooms often develop when the effective mixing depth of the water column is reduced by vertical stratification, thereby decreasing the ratio. Values of Z mix :Z eu <5 to 20 have been proposed as necessary for net primary production to occur in an ecosystem (Wofsy 1983, Cloern 1987, Grobbelaar 1990). In the Colne Estuary, the Z mix :Z eu ratios varied only between 0.85 and 8.5, and increased down the estuary as the water depth increased (Fig.…”

Relationship of Algae to Water Pollution and Waste Water Treatment

“…Considering ammonium, carbon dioxide and orthophosphate as main nutrient sources, Oswald determined that oxygen release ratio is 1.5 g O2/1 g algal biomass [40]. Grobbelaar et al reported to oxygen release ratio of 1.9 g O2/1 g algal biomass [41]. Arceivala, accounting latitude, climate and atmospheric conditions, calculated that 4-6% of mean daily solar radiation reaching on treatment pond in 40°N latitude use for new biomass production and production rate of algal biomass may reach 80 kg O2/1 ha-day [42].…”

Reduction of Organic and Inorganic Pollutant from Waste Water by Algae

“…Considering ammonium, carbon dioxide and orthophosphate as main nutrient sources, Oswald determined that oxygen release ratio is 1.5 g O 2 /1 g algal biomass [6]. Grobbelaar et al reported to oxygen release ratio of 1.9 g O 2 /1 g algal biomass [7]. Arceivala, accounting latitude, climate and atmospheric conditions, calculated that 4-6 % of mean daily solar radiation reaching on treatment pond in 40° N latitude use for new biomass production and production rate of algal biomass may reach 80 kg O 2 /1 ha-day [8].…”