Abstract: A bioplastic composition may contain certain biodegradable and renewable components. In some examples, the bioplastic composition includes at least one kind of aquatic macrophyte biomass, which may contain a native composition of protein and carbohydrates, in a blend with one or more types of biodegradable or durable thermoplastic polymers. The aquatic macrophyte composition may provide a balance of both polymeric and reinforcing properties to the blended bioplastic not typically exhibited by terrestrial feedstock such as soy meal or corn starch. Such a bioplastic composition may be formed into molded articles using extrusion, injection molding, compression molding, or the like.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to biological optimization systems for enhancing photosynthetic efficiency and methods of use.

Abstract: A bioplastic composition may contain certain biodegradable and renewable components. In some examples, the bioplastic composition includes at least one kind of aquatic macrophyte biomass, which may contain a native composition of protein and carbohydrates, in a blend with one or more types of biodegradable or durable thermoplastic polymers. The aquatic macrophyte composition may provide a balance of both polymeric and reinforcing properties to the blended bioplastic not typically exhibited by terrestrial feedstock such as soy meal or corn starch. Such a bioplastic composition may be formed into molded articles using extrusion, injection molding, compression molding, or the like.

Abstract: A rebound screen is provided that includes a frame having a base for supporting the screen on a surface and an upwardly extending portion attached to the base. The upwardly extending portion includes a lower horizontal cross member and an upper horizontal cross member joined by a pair of side members. Each of the side members is formed with a curved shape that enables a ball striking a net secured between the side members to rebound off of the net in a direction either back to the individual who threw the ball or in a random direction depending upon the portion of the net and the corresponding curve provided by the side frame members that the ball strikes.

Abstract: Biological optimization systems for enhancing photosynthetic efficiency and methods of use. Specifically, methods for enhancing photosynthetic efficiency including applying pulsed light to a photosynthetic organism, using a chlorophyll fluorescence feedback control system to determine one or more photosynthetic efficiency parameters, and adjusting one or more of the photosynthetic efficiency parameters to drive the photosynthesis by the delivery of an amount of light to optimize light absorption of the photosynthetic organism while providing enough dark time between light pulses to prevent oversaturation of the chlorophyll reaction centers are disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to biological optimization systems for enhancing photosynthetic efficiency and methods of use.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of enhancing the biofuel potential of an algal culture, the ability of an algal culture to provide a biofuel such as a lipid or to be processed to a biofuel, the method comprising: contacting an algal culture with a composition selected to enhance the biofuel potential of an algal culture; and allowing the algal culture to incubate to the point where the potential of the algal culture to provide a biofuel product or be processed to a biofuel product is enhanced compared to when the algal culture is not in contact with the composition. The selected algal species can be a species of a genus selected from the group consisting of: Gloeocystis, Limnothrix, Scenedesmus, Chlorococcum, Chlorella, Anabaena, Chlamydomonas, Botryococcus, Cricosphaera, Spirulina, Nannochloris, Dunaliella, Phaeodactylum, Pleurochrysis, Tetraselmis, or any combination thereof, one suitable species being Chlorella sorokiniana.

Abstract: The disclosure encompasses, among other aspects, mixed algal populations able to survive and proliferate on culture media that have a high proportion of carpet industry wastewater. Embodiments further encompass methods of cultivating mixed populations of freshwater and marine alga comprising a plurality of genera and species to provide a biomass from which may be extracted lipids, or converted into biodiesel by such procedures as pyrolysis. Lipid material extracted from the algae may be converted to biodiesel or other organic products. A combined stream of carpet industry untreated wastewater with 10-15% sewage was found to be a good growth medium for cultivation of microalgae and biodiesel production. Native algal strains were isolated from carpet wastewater inoculated with mixed populations derived from environments exposed to such wastewater. Both fresh water and marine algae showed good growth in wastewaters.