Cultivation and conversion of marine macroalgae. [Gracilaria and Ulva]
Research was conducted on the development of an alternative ocean energy farm concept that would not be dependent upon deep ocean water or other extraneous sources for its nutrient supply and that could be located in shallow, near shore, and protected coastal ocean areas. There are five tasks reported in this document: determination of the annual yield of Ulva in non-intensive cultures; evaluation of the effect of carbon concentration on Gracilaria and Ulva yields; evaluation of spray/mist culture of Ulva and Gracilaria; species screening for the production of petroleum replacement products; and synthesis analysis, and economic energy evaluation of culture data. An alternative concept to open ocean culture is a land-based energy production system utilizing saline waters from underground aquifers or enclosed coastal areas. Research was performed to evaluate growth and biomass production of all macroscopic algal species that could be obtained in adequate quantity in the central Florida area. A total of 42 species were grown in specially adapted burial vaults. These included 16 green algae (Garcilaria 4 weekshlorophyta), 2 brown algae (Phaeophyta), and 18 red algae (Rhodophyta). Of these, the most successful and suitable species were a strain of Gracilaria (a red seaweed) and Ulva (a green seaweed). These two species have a high carbohydrate content that may be anaerobically digested to methane gas. Well-nourished Gracilaria will double its biomass in 1 to 4 weeks, depending on the season, water flow, and other variables. After its biomass has doubled (i.e., from 2 to 4 kg/m/sup 2/) the incremental growth is harvested to return the crop to a starting density. Enrichment of the new starting crop following harvest could conceivably be accomplished onsite at the seaweed farm, but the rapid uptake and storage of nutrients by depleted seaweeds makes possible a simpler process, known as pulse fertilization.
- Research Organization:
- Harbor Branch Foundation, Fort Pierce, FL (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC02-83CH10093
- OSTI ID:
- 6711668
- Report Number(s):
- SERI/STR-231-2360; ON: DE84004522
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Portions are illegible in microfiche products. Original copy available until stock is exhausted
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Biomass production, anaerobic digestion, and nutrient recycling of small benthic or floating seaweeds
Related Subjects
ALGAE
AQUACULTURE
PRODUCTIVITY
SEAWEEDS
ANAEROBIC DIGESTION
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
COASTAL WATERS
CULTIVATION
GROWTH
LIPIDS
METHANE
NUTRIENTS
ALKANES
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
BIOCONVERSION
DIGESTION
HYDROCARBONS
MANAGEMENT
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PLANTS
PROCESSING
SURFACE WATERS
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WASTE PROCESSING
AQUATIC SPECIES PROGRAM
BIOMASS
CARBON
COST
ECONOMICS
GRACILARIA
ULVA
140504* - Solar Energy Conversion- Biomass Production & Conversion- (-1989)