Research
Follow our research investigating microalgae's bioremediation capabilities.
​
Our research focuses on the bioremediation capabilities of Nannochloropsis oceanica through controlled cultivation in agricultural wastewater. Our selection of this specific algal species is due to existing research that demonstrates its suitability for wastewater remediation and its relatively quick cultivation time of 15 days, making it an ideal candidate for our project.
1
Cultivation Medium
While awaiting arrival of our Nannochloropsis oceanica sample, we created a cultivation medium for Chlamydomonas reinhardtii due to it's availability.
2
Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Chlamydomonas reinhardtii growing in our cultivation medium.
_edited.jpg)
3
Creating Synthetic Agricultural Wastewater
Lack of access to authentic agricultural wastewater prompted us to create two synthetic alternatives.
4
Second Cultivation Medium
A modified cultivation medium was necessary for the cultivation of Nannochloropsis oceanica.
Image on the right depicts one of the constituent stock solutions.
5
Inoculation with Nannochloropsis oceanica
The cultivation medium and two synthetic agricultural wastewater solutions were inoculated with Nannochloropsis oceanica.
6
Algae Removal via Centrifugation
Algae was removed from our solutions via centrifugation, in preparation for testing pollutant concentrations.
7
Nitrate and Phosphate Concentration Tests
Final concentrations of organic pollutants were measured using spectrophotometer analysis, and subsequently compared to initial concentrations before algal growth. Our results show a removal rate of 15% of all nitrates and 35% of all phosphates in the solution, over a period of 10 days.
