NOPR Collection:

Cultivation and harvesting of micro-algae for bio-fuel Production – A review

Fri, 01 Sep 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Cultivation and harvesting of micro-algae for bio-fuel Production – A review Authors: Dineshkumar, R.; Narendran, R.; Sampathkumar, P. Abstract: Although micro-algal biomass can be ‘energy rich’, the growth of algae in dilute suspension at around 0.02–0.05 % dry solids poses considerable challenges in achieving a viable energy balance in micro-algal biofuel process operations. Similarity in density of the algal cells to the growth medium, the negative surface charge on the algae and the algal growth rates which require frequent harvesting compared to terrestrial plants. Micro-algae are harvested by a number flocculation, flotation, centrifugation and filtration or a combination of any of these. This paper reviews the various methods of harvesting and dewatering micro-algae for the production of biofuel. There appears to be no one method or combination of harvesting methods suited to all micro-algae and harvesting method will have a considerable influence on the design and operation of both upstream and downstream processes in an overall micro-algal biofuel production process. Page(s): 1731-1742

Forecasting geodetic measurements using finite impulse response artificial neural networks

Fri, 01 Sep 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Forecasting geodetic measurements using finite impulse response artificial neural networks Authors: Miljanović, Miloš; Ninkov, Toša; Sušić, Zoran; Tucikesic, Sanja Abstract: In this paper, a method for evaluating and forecasting deformation movements present in buildings during tunneling works is described. The data used for processing is gathered from the project ’Prokop’ that has involved tunneling works under residential buildings, all mapped using a geodetic control network, or elevation network. Measurement results from this project are being used by the Finite Impulse Response (FIR) Neural Network as time series to predict future movements/deformations. Page(s): 1743-1750

Biodiversity assessment of crabs, gastropods and bivalves in Chinnapalam creek, of the southeast coast of India

Fri, 01 Sep 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Biodiversity assessment of crabs, gastropods and bivalves in Chinnapalam creek, of the southeast coast of India Authors: Prasanna, J.; Seshapriya, Ve.; Anand, M.; Kumaraguru, A.K.; Rangesh, K. Abstract: Biodiversity assessment of crabs, gastropods and bivalves in the Chinnapalam creek of Southeast coast of India was carried out between February 2012 and April 2012. The species present on the substratum were recorded by 5m² quadrant subdivided by 1m² quadrants. Crab burrow density was recorded by using 1m² quadrant randomly. There are about three crab species (belonging to the family Ocypodidae, Portunidae and Varunidae), five species of gastropod (belonging to the family Ellobiidae, Muricidae and Potamididae) and six species of bivalves (belonging to the family Trochidae, Veneridae and Mactridae) were recorded. Different numbers of burrow density were measured; fiddler crab (Uca) is one of the most conspicuous burrowing organisms found maximum number (48) in mouth region. Soil parameters like pH, nitrogen content, phosphorus, potassium and organic carbon content of Chinnapalam creek was also recorded. Page(s): 1751-1757

Seasonal variation of dominant free-floating Ulva species in the Rudong coastal area, China: Differences of ecological adaptability to temperature and irradiance

Fri, 01 Sep 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Seasonal variation of dominant free-floating Ulva species in the Rudong coastal area, China: Differences of ecological adaptability to temperature and irradiance Authors: Zhang, Jianheng; Huo, Yuanzi; Gao, Song; Yang, Lili; Zhao, Sheng; Li, Jiye; He, Peimin Abstract: In this paper, species compositions and seasonal variations of free-floating Ulva species at Rudong coastal area were investigated during 2009-2011. Based on the sequences analysis of nuclear-encoded ITS and 5S rDNA spacer regions, dominant species of the floating Ulva population at the early stage of the green tide were U. compressa, U.flexuosa, and U. linza, respectively. U. prolifera first appeared in the middle of May and dominated the floating community until June each year. The effects of environmental factors on the growth of four Ulva species were examined in laboratory culture at different combinations of irradiance and temperature. The results showed that the highest growth rate of U. prolifera was 41.8%, which was much higher than the other three Ulva species. Meanwhile, the strong adaptability and tolerance of U. prolifera to extreme conditions also help it survive and bloom in the Yellow Sea. Page(s): 1758-1764