Surgical wound healing in radio-tagged adult Pacific lamprey Entosphenus tridentatus held on different substrata

Radio-tagged adult Pacific lamprey Entosphenus tridentatus held in a raceway with Plexiglas-lined walls and bottom healed more slowly and retained sutures longer than fish held in an all-concrete raceway or one with Plexiglas walls and a cobble-lined bottom. On all substrata, healing depended on when sutures were lost, and fish that lost their sutures in <14 days post-surgery healed faster than those that kept sutures longer. Long-term suture retention led to tissue trauma, infection and poor survival.     

Growth kinetics of 1–2 mm and 3–4 mm colonies of Nostoc sphaeroides (Cyanophyta) in outdoor culture

Nostoc sphaeroides Kützing was cultivated in paddlewheel-driven raceway ponds and the growth kinetics of 1-2 mm and 3-4 mm colonies of N. sphaeroides was studied. The biomass productivities in 2.5 m(2) raceway ponds inoculated with 1-2 mm and 3-4 mm colonies were 5.2 and 0.25 g dry wt m(-2) d(-1), respectively. Furthermore, differently sized colonies showed different relative water content, total soluble carbohydrates, chlorophyll a content and density of filaments. This is the first report on mass culture of N. sphaeroides under outdoor conditions.     

Comparison between serum values of pond and intensive raceway cultured channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque)

Blood serum components in channel catfish ( Ictalurus punctatus ) were compared between raceway (with low dissolved oxygen) and pond populations. Normal limits were defined for the pond populations, for each of 18 variables, as ± two standard deviations. Carbon dioxide, blood urea nitrogen, total protein, uric acid, creatinine, sodium, and total bilirubin were all lower in fish raised in raceways. Carbon dioxide and sodium had the greatest reductions; all reductions were statistically significant.
Alkaline phosphatase, inorganic phosphorus, calcium, cholesterol, and glucose values were higher in raceway fish, but only alkaline phosphatase and glucose were significantly higher.     

As integrated culture system for outdoor production of microalgae and cyanobacteria

Cultivation of microalgae in closed photobioreactors suffers from high temperatures, whereas in open raceway ponds the optimal temperature is seldom reached. With an integrated device coupling a raceway pond with a suitably sized and positioned closed system (alveolar panel), the heat accumulated in the panel was efficiently transferred to the pond and a near-optimum temperature regimen for Arthrospira platensis was maintained, with no need for any additional cooling device. The productivity obtained in the integrated system was higher than the sum of the productivities (g reactor⁻¹ day⁻¹) of the pond and panel systems operating separately. This revised version was published online in September 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Optimal control for micro‐algae on a raceway model

We apply numerical optimal control methods to an existing algae growth model with the aim to determine the best performance of the model under known conditions using a variety of decision variables. We transform the system of differential algebraic equations in the existing model to a system of ordinary differential equations which introduces dynamics for average light intensity and chlorophyll. In addition, we allow for variable nitrogen concentration of the inflow as well as variable initial nitrogen concentration of the raceway. Our main focus is on optimizing of the production of lipids. We calculate both open and closed loop optimal controllers and test their robustness. Finally, we also consider raceway depth as a decision variable. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 34:107–119, 2018     

Gait transition speed as an alternate measure of maximum aerobic capacity in fishes

This study demonstrated that the transition from a steady to an unsteady locomotory gait ( U _STmax) in juvenile brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis can be measured easily using a new tilting raceway design and a simple experimental protocol. It was found that U _STmax increased linearly with fork length ( L _F), and that this relationship was statistically identical in fish that swam volitionally in the raceway and those that were forced to perform, although slightly different data processing methods were needed in the latter to achieve this result. Furthermore, the relationship between L _F and U _STmax was statistically identical to that between L _F and critical swimming speed ( U _crit), although L _F in the former relationship explained 83% of the variance compared to 37% in the latter. This finding indicates that gait transition speed can be used to estimate maximum aerobic capacity, with less unexplainable variance than U _crit. Gait transition speeds were also determined from U _crit tests; however, this required measuring and incorporating ground speed into the analysis. U _STmax as determined in the U _crit tests was not significantly different from that measured in the raceway, suggesting that gait transition speed can be measured in raceways or swim tunnel respirometers.     

Comparison of growth of Tetraselmis in a tubular photobioreactor (Biocoil) and a raceway pond

Microalgae cultivation systems can be divided broadly into open ponds and closed photobioreactors. This study investigated the growth and biomass productivity of the halophilic green alga Tetraselmis sp. MUR-233, grown outdoors in paddle wheel-driven open raceway ponds and in a tubular closed photobioreactor (Biocoil) at a salinity of 7 % NaCl (w/v) between mid-March and June 2010 (austral autumn/winter). Volumetric productivity in the Biocoil averaged 67 mg ash-free dry weight (AFDW) L^?1 day^?1 when the culture was grown without CO₂ addition. This productivity was 86 % greater, although less stable, than that achieved in the open raceway pond (36 mg L^?1 day^?1) grown at the same time in the autumn period. The Tetraselmis culture in the open raceway pond could be maintained in semi-continuous culture for the whole experimental period of 3 months without an additional CO₂ supply, whereas in the Biocoil, under the same conditions, reliable semi-continuous culture was only achievable for a period of 38 days. However, stable semi-continuous culture was achieved in the Biocoil by the addition of CO₂ at a controlled pH of ~7.5. With CO₂ addition, the volumetric biomass productivity in the Biocoil was 85 mg AFDW L^?1 day^?1 which was 5.5 times higher than the productivity achieved in the open raceway pond (15 mg AFDW L^?1 day^?1) with CO₂ addition and 8 times higher compared to the productivity in the open raceway pond without CO₂ addition (11 mg AFDW L^?1 day^?1), when cultures were grown in winter. The illuminated area productivities highlight an alternative story and showed that the open raceway pond had a three times higher productivity (3,000 mg AFDW m^?2 day^?1) compared to the Biocoil (850 mg AFDW m^?2 day^?1). Although significant differences were found between treatments and cultivation systems, the overall average lipid content for Tetraselmis sp. MUR-233 was 50 % in exponential phase during semi-continuous cultivation.     

Optimization of a raceway pond system for wastewater treatment: a review

Microalgae are photosynthetic microorganisms with potential for biofuel production, CO₂ mitigation and wastewater treatment; indeed they have the capacity to assimilate pollutants in wastewaters. Light supply and distribution among the microalgae culture is one of the major challenges of photo-bioreactor design, with many studies focusing on microalgae culture systems such as raceway ponds (RWP), widely used and cost-effective systems for algal biomass production. This review focuses on possible improvements of the RWP design in order to achieve optimal microalgal growth conditions and high biomass productivities, to minimize energy consumption and to lower the capital costs of the pond. The improvement strategy is based on three aspects: (1) hydrodynamic characteristics of the raceway pond, (2) evaluation of hydrodynamic and mass transfer capacities of the pond and (3) design of the RWP. Finally, a possible optimal design for the RWP is discussed in the context of wastewater treatment.     

Microalgae mass culture: the constraints of scaling-up

There is overwhelming evidence that microalgae would be the logical source of oils for biodiesel production, the best option for CO₂ sequestration and numerous other applications. However, this apparent lucrative approach is still in its infancy. In order to impact on global energy needs, bioremediation and other potential applications, vast quantities of biomass must be produced at a reliable rate and as cost-effective as possible. When extrapolating volumetric rates from laboratory or small-scale outdoor cultures to large-scale outdoor areal production rates, it becomes apparent that many of the potential claims are either misleading or still only a dream. Open raceway ponds are at present the only feasible culture system for the production of millions of tons of biomass. To date, at best photosynthetic efficiencies of around 1.2% have been achieved, but with present understanding and know-how efficiencies of double that should be achievable, especially when vertical mixing is increased in raceway ponds.     

The use of natural infochemicals for sustainable and efficient harvesting of the microalgae <Emphasis Type="Italic">Scenedesmus</Emphasis> spp. for biotechnology: insights from a meta-analysis

Open raceway ponds are regarded as the most economically viable option for large-scale cultivation of microalgae for low to mid-value bio-products, such as biodiesel. However, improvements are required including reducing the costs associated with harvesting biomass. There is now a growing interest in exploiting natural ecological processes within biotechnology. We review how chemical cues produced by algal grazers induce colony formation in algal cells, which subsequently leads to their sedimentation. A statistical meta-analysis of more than 80 studies reveals that Daphnia grazers can induce high levels of colony formation and sedimentation in Scenedesmus obliquus and that these natural, infochemical induced sedimentation rates are comparable to using commercial chemical equivalents. These data suggest that natural ecological interactions can be co-opted in biotechnology as part of a promising, low energy and clean harvesting method for use in large raceway systems.     

Evaluation of closed photobioreactor types and operation variables for enhancing lipid productivity of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Nannochloropsis sp.</Emphasis> KMMCC 290 for biodiesel production

Previously, we have successfully produced biodiesel using the marine microalga Nannochloropsis sp. KMMCC 290 cultivated in a raceway open pond. Here, we investigated the effects of closed photobioreactors and operating variables on cell concentration and lipid content of the microalga to increase its lipid productivity. The flatplate photobioreactor (FPP) showed higher performance than bubble column and air-lift photobioreactors. Among the variables evaluated, light intensity, aeration rate, and carbon dioxide feeding significantly influenced cell concentration, whereas a simultaneous increase in light intensity and aeration rate, as well as carbon dioxide feeding noticeably increased the lipid content. The lipid productivity in the FPP was 26.7 × 10^-3 g/L/day, which was 16.6 times higher than that produced by the microalga cultivated in the raceway pond, 4.8 times higher than that from the simple flask-grown control culture, and 2.1 times higher than that from the FPP under initial conditions.     

产油嗜碱绿球藻MC-1的烟气适应性

为了降低微藻产油成本和减少温室气体的排放,利用煤炭烟气培养一株具有pH快速漂移和高碱适应特性的产油微藻Chlorococcum alkaliphilus MC-1.首先于15L光生物反应器中分三组(空白组、CO2组和烟气组)进行小体积培养实验,然后在24 m2开放式跑道池中进行放大培养,研究了微藻MC-1对烟气培养的适应性.结果表明,在光生物反应器培养实验中,烟气组的最高生物量浓度、生长速率、藻体总脂含量和CO2固定速率分别为:(1.02±0.07) g/L、(0.12±0.02) g/(L·d)、(37.84±0.58)％和(0.20±0.02) g/(L·d),比CO2组分别提高了36％、33.33％、15.34％和33.33％.在开放式跑道池培养实验中,烟气与纯CO2的培养效果相似,烟气培养下的最高生物量浓度、生长速率、藻体总脂含量和CO2固定速率分别为:147.40 g/m2、14.73 g/(m2·d)、35.72％和24.01 g/(m2·d);烟气培养产出的藻粉中有毒重金属Pb、As、Cd和Cr的含量均低于国家限量标准.实验同时测定了烟气培养下藻液对烟气中CO2、NO和SO2的吸收效果,结果显示,在光生物反应器和开放式跑道池培养中此三种气体的平均吸收率均高于以往研究结果.上述结果说明,该藻能适应烟气培养条件,耦合微藻MC-1产油与烟气减排的室外放大培养是可行的.     

Life cycle assessment of biomass production in microalgae compact photobioreactors

This paper presents a life cycle assessment (LCA) of industrial scale microalgae biomass production in compact photobioreactor (PBR) systems (2 × 5 × 8 m) for supplying biofuel/electricity generation processes and synthesis of new materials. Other objectives are as follows: (i) to compare the impact of various raw materials, substances, and services; and (ii) to evaluate environment‐relevant aspects of the proposed system as compared to microalgae raceway ponds. The life cycle inventory assessment shows that (i) only atmospheric CO₂ is used for PBR microalgae cultivation, whereas in raceway ponds, injection of CO₂ from fossil origin is largely required to allow for microalgae growth; and (ii) the PBR daily production rate of dry biomass is currently at 1.5 kg m^?3 day^?1 for each PBR, which is 12.82 times larger than the reported average 0.117 kg m^?3 day^?1 raceway ponds production. It is found that in general the association of the effects of the production of steel, PVC, and the packaging contribute to more than 85% of the total impact in each analyzed category. Therefore, to achieve PBR biomass production impact reduction and sustainability, PVC and steel utilization need to be minimized, as well as packaging materials. Based on the PBR LCA results, that is, due to no CO₂ injection from fossil origin and low area occupation, it is expected that high density production of truly renewable microalgae biomass could be obtained from PBR systems.     

An economical device for carbon supplement in large-scale micro-algae production

One simple but efficient carbon-supplying device was designed and developed, and the correlative carbon-supplying technology was described. The absorbing characterization of this device was studied. The carbon-supplying system proved to be economical for large-scale cultivation of Spirulina sp. in an outdoor raceway pond, and the gaseous carbon dioxide absorptivity was enhanced above 78%, which could reduce the production cost greatly.     

Relationship between standard metabolic rate and parasite-induced cataract of juveniles in three Atlantic salmon stocks

The connection between standard metabolic rate ( R _S) and parasite-induced cataract was investigated in this study. Oxygen consumption rate and cataract of 1 year-old fish in three Atlantic salmon Salmo salar stocks: Lake Saimaa, River Neva and River Teno reared at the same fish farm were examined. The measurements were carried out in winter, in spring before transporting the fish to the outside raceways and in autumn after the raceway period. Fish were exposed to natural Diplostomum spp. infection especially during the raceway period. The prevalence of cataract-bearing fish and cataract intensities ( I _C) differed between the populations. Most cataract-bearing individuals were found in the Saimaa stock and, in addition, the Saimaa stock had higher I _C than Neva and Teno stocks. These findings support the theory of a parasite being most infective to local population. The R _S, however, differed also between the stocks, the Teno stock had higher values compared to the Neva stock in winter. Furthermore, R _S and cataract intensity had a statistically significant positive correlation in autumn. Therefore, the results also reveal a possibility that parasite infection affects R _S of the fish.     

Microalgal biomass production: challenges and realities

The maximum quantum yield (Φ _max), calculated from the maximum chlorophyll a specific photosynthetic rate divided by the quantum absorption per unit chlorophyll a, is 8 photons or 0.125 mol C per mol Quanta light energy. For the average solar radiation that reaches the earth’s surface this relates to a photosynthetic yield of 1.79 g(dw) m^?2 day^?1 per percentage photosynthetic efficiency and it could be doubled for sunny, dry and hot areas. Many factors determine volumetric yields of mass algal cultures and it is not simply a question of extrapolating controlled laboratory rates to large scale outdoor production systems. This is an obvious mistake many algal biotechnology start-up companies make. Closed photobioreactors should be able to outperform open raceway pond cultures because of the synergistic enhancement of a reduced boundary layer and short light/dark fluctuations at high turbulences. However, this has not been shown on any large scale and to date the industrial norm for very large production systems is open raceway production ponds. Microalgal biomass production offers real opportunities for addressing issues such as CO₂ sequestration, biofuel production and wastewater treatment, and it should be the preferred research emphasis.     

Acoustic telemetry to assess post-stocking dispersal and mortality of razorback sucker Xyrauchen texanus

Acoustic telemetry and scuba revealed immediate and high post-stocking mortality of razorback sucker Xyrauchen texanus in Lake Mohave, U.S.A., a Colorado River impoundment. At the conclusion of this 6 month study, only three of 19 (16%) study fish remained active. Concurrently, 20 X. texanus implanted with acoustic transmitters and held in a hatchery raceway remained healthy throughout the experiment and no transmitters were shed. Post-stocking mortality was probably due to predation by striped bass Morone saxatilis , a piscivorous non-native fish.     

Persistence of heterologous Flavobacterium psychrophilum genetic variants in microcosms simulating fish farm and hatchery environments

Flavobacterium psychrophilum, the causative agent of bacterial coldwater disease, causes substantial economic losses in salmonid farms and hatcheries. Some multilocus sequence types (ST) of F. psychrophilum are more likely to be associated with fish farms and hatcheries, but it is unclear if these patterns of association represent genetic lineages that are more adapted to aquaculture environments. Towards elucidating the disease ecology of F. psychrophilum, the culturability of 10 distinct F. psychrophilum STs was evaluated for 13 weeks in three microcosms including sterilized well water, sterilized well water with commercial trout feed, or sterilized well water with raceway detritus. All STs remained culturable in each of the microcosms for at least 8 weeks, with bacterial concentrations often highest in the presence of raceway detritus. In addition, most (e.g., 90%) STs remained culturable for at least 13-weeks. Significant differences in log₁₀ cfus were observed among STs, both within and between microcosms, suggesting potential variability in environmental persistence capacity among specific variants. Collectively, results highlight the ability of F. psychrophilum to not only persist for weeks under nutrient-limited conditions but also thrive in the presence of organic substrates common in fish farms and hatchery-rearing units.     

Open systems for the mass production of photoautotrophic microalgae outdoors: physiological principles

The major physiological principles involved in mass production of photoautotrophic microalgae outdoors relate to sustained trapping of solar energy in as high an efficiency as possible throughout the year.The tactics that should be employed for this goal include the improvement of suitable species, as well as developing culturing devices and proper management protocol aimed to facilitate efficient exploitation of the supper saturating photon flux densities existing outdoors.The most common system used today in industry for outdoor production of microalgae is the open raceway, in which stirring is provided by a paddle wheel. This mode of production suffers usually from many weaknesses, since it does not permit a satisfactory response to the two major variables that limit productivity outdoors — i.e.- solar irradiance and ambient temperature. Sustained production of algal mass the year round requires constant monitoring of the state of the culture and adjusting imputs accordingly. The readily controllable variables relate to mineral nutrients and carbon balance as well as to turbulent streaming in the culture and to the population density.The drawbacks of the open system relate in essence to the lack of temperature control and the long light-path which dictates maintenance of disadvantageously low cell concentrations. The open raceway thus falls short of the requirements necessary to insure sustained, year round high productivity outdoors.It is thus proposed that in the future, closed reactors may become the major production mode of microalgae outdoors.This paper was presented at the Symposium on Applied Phycology at the Fourth International Phycological Congress, Duke University.     

Evaluation of Pacific White Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) Health during a Superintensive Aquaculture Growout Using NMR-Based Metabolomics

Success of the shrimp aquaculture industry requires technological advances that increase production and environmental sustainability. Indoor, superintensive, aquaculture systems are being developed that permit year-round production of farmed shrimp at high densities. These systems are intended to overcome problems of disease susceptibility and of water quality issues from waste products, by operating as essentially closed systems that promote beneficial microbial communities (biofloc). The resulting biofloc can assimilate and detoxify wastes, may provide nutrition for the farmed organisms resulting in improved growth, and may aid in reducing disease initiated from external sources. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomic techniques were used to assess shrimp health during a full growout cycle from the nursery phase through harvest in a minimal-exchange, superintensive, biofloc system. Aberrant shrimp metabolomes were detected from a spike in total ammonia nitrogen in the nursery, from a reduced feeding period that was a consequence of surface scum build-up in the raceway, and from the stocking transition from the nursery to the growout raceway. The biochemical changes in the shrimp that were induced by the stressors were essential for survival and included nitrogen detoxification and energy conservation mechanisms. Inosine and trehalose may be general biomarkers of stress in Litopenaeus vannamei. This study demonstrates one aspect of the practicality of using NMR-based metabolomics to enhance the aquaculture industry by providing physiological insight into common environmental stresses that may limit growth or better explain reduced survival and production.