Production of cyanobacterial or algal biomass using chitin as a nitrogen source

摘要

A process of growing a culture of cyanobacteria or algae using chitin or chitosan as a source of nitrogen for photosynthetic growth is described. This process can be used to remove pollutants from nitrogen-deficient natural waters or wastewaters. Biomass that results from photosynthetic growth on chitin can be used, either as whole cells or the isolated components of the cells, for a large variety of commercial purposes.

主权项

1. A method of treating water to remove at least one pollutant comprising the steps of:
mixing a composition comprising at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of chitin and chitosan, and water containing at least one pollutant; inoculating the mixture with at least one photosynthetic organism that uses chitin or chitosan, or a breakdown product of chitin or chitosan metabolism as a nitrogen source; exposing the inoculated mixture to light; exposing the mixture to carbon dioxide; detecting growth of the at least one photosynthetic organism that uses chitin or chitosan, or a breakdown product of chitin or chitosan metabolism as a nitrogen source; monitoring a level of said at least one pollutant in the inoculated mixture; and separating the solids of the inoculated mixture from the aqueous phase upon reaching a desired level of the at least one pollutant, wherein the aqueous phase has a reduced level of the pollutant.