Thesis
Biological control of Algal blooms in the Swan-Canning river system Western Australia: Evaluation of a Novel Bacterial Treatment
Honours, Murdoch University
2009
Abstract
A bacterial-based algal control product, Environ-8®/BI-CHEM®Pondclear by Novozymes, was tested in a series of microcosm and tank experiments between October 2008 and March 2009 to evaluate if the product was suitable as a short-term intervention technique for algal bloom management in the Swan-Canning River system. Results from the microcosms did not suggest that “Pondclear” bacteria significantly reduced nutrient concentrations and “Pondclear‘s” ability to suppress algal growth could not be verified. Results from fibreglass tank experiments (1200L) suggested that “Pondclear” did not actively attack and lyse algal cells. However, in “Pondclear” treated tanks, both aerated and non-aerated, “Pondclear” accelerated NH4 and NOx reduction. “Pondclear” application resulted in PO4 reduction in “pondclear” no aeration tanks. Furthermore, Pondclear” appeared to suppress algal growth in nonaerated tanks over short periods (several days). Algal growth regularly diminished after “Pondclear” application but reappeared shortly afterwards. Aeration had a negative effect on bacterial proliferation in the tanks, possibly through alteration of environmental conditions. As a consequence of the environmental conditions in the tanks being counterproductive to the development of a representative microbial composition, several aspects regarding ”Pondclear‘s” effectiveness could not be assessed satisfactorily in the tank experiments.
Details
- Title
- Biological control of Algal blooms in the Swan-Canning river system Western Australia: Evaluation of a Novel Bacterial Treatment
- Authors/Creators
- Mario Schmack
- Contributors
- Jane Chambers (Supervisor)Stewart Dallas (Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Murdoch University; Honours
- Identifiers
- 991005541424207891
- Murdoch Affiliation
- School of Environmental Science
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:
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