17-07-2014 дата публикации
Номер: US20140197098A1
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. 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;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 pollutant in the inoculated mixture; andseparating 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.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein said method further comprises the step of inoculating the mixture with a heterotroph that supports the growth of said at least one photosynthetic organism that uses chitin or chitosan claim 1 , or a breakdown product of chitin or chitosan metabolism as a nitrogen source.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein said water has a source selected from the group consisting of a pulp mill claim 1 , a paper mill claim 1 , a well claim 1 , groundwater claim 1 , a pond claim 1 , a lake claim 1 , and a river.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein said at least one pollutant is selected from the group consisting of phosphorous claim 1 , metals claim 1 , ...
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