BiotechnologyBioremediation

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.