Abstract: Although compositions from seaweed have long been sought after for beneficial properties for the skin, the ability to produce efficacious compositions has been elusive. An intra-lamellar gel, produced from marine algae, has been found to enhance the condition of skin and hair. Milt, optionally in combination with intra-lamellar gel, also provides a composition useful for application to the skin or hair.

Abstract: A system for purifying a polluted air by using algae such as Spirulina is capable of reducing carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2), nitrogen oxide (NO.sub.x) and/or sulfur oxide (SO.sub.x) in the polluted air and generating oxygen. That is, this system comprises a culture tank filled with a culture fluid including the algae, an air supply unit for forcing the polluted air into the culture fluid to dissolve carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide and/or sulfur oxide in the culture fluid, and a lighting unit for radiating a light to the culture fluid. By radiating the light to the culture fluid in the presence of carbon dioxide, photosynthesis of the algae is promoted to convert carbon dioxide into oxygen. In addition, the algae use the nitrogen oxide and/or sulfur oxide as a nutrient during the photosynthesis. As a result, the present system can efficiently purify the polluted air to generate a purified air, which is rich in oxygen.

Abstract: A novel and improved method for relieving hydrophobicity of peat moss, bark and rockwool used in horticultural media for plant propagation using an effective level of a composition consisting of certain copolymerized alkane oxides as described. A more effective method of delivering these materials based on a composition of hydrous, amorphous silica using the compositions of the present invention is described.

Abstract: An automatic sprinkling device for a bean sprout culture box assembly including a base box and a stacked culture boxes. The device includes a pump mounted on the base box which pumps water from the base box to the top culture box. The device includes a pump actuating circuit that actuates the pump, a transistor having a base and a collector, and a relay having a first end connected to the collector of the transistor and a second end connected to the pump. A microprocessor having an output is connected to the base of the transistor. A data setting unit is connected to an input of the microprocessor and arranged to input data into the microprocessor. A display unit is connected to the output of the microprocessor and displays data generated by the data setting unit. A memory device is connected to the microprocessor and is arranged to store data set by the data setting unit.

Abstract: A method of sequestering carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) in an ocean comprises testing an area of the surface of a deep open ocean in order to determine the nutrients that are missing, applying to the area a first fertilizer that comprises an iron chelate, and measuring the amount of carbon dioxide that has been sequestered. The method may further comprise applying additional fertilizers, and reporting the amount of carbon dioxide sequestered. The method preferably includes applying a fertilizer in pulses. Each fertilizer releases each nutrient over time in the photic zone and in a form that does not precipitate.

Abstract: An apparatus for culturing microalgae is characterized by comprising:(1) a waterway a to be filled with a suspension containing a culture solution and microalgae and adapted to be irradiated with sun beams while being held in contact with ambient air;(2) an upper hermetically sealed storage tank b for storing said suspension to avoid any contact between the latter and ambient air, said storage tank being provided with a deaeration and a switch valve;(3) an aeration pipe c arranged and apertured in the storage tank b for feeding pressurized gas into the storage tank b; and(4) a pressurized gas feeder d;the upstream end and the downstream end of the waterway a and the storage tank b being linked at the bottom of the storage tank b by way of a water conduit f to form an endless waterway; the upstream end and the downstream end of the waterway a and the storage tank b being linked at the bottom of the storage tank b so as to allow pressurized gas fed through the aeration pipe c to burst out from the bottom of the

Abstract: Compositions, methods and devices for bioremediation that comprise components of constructed microbial mats with organic and inorganic materials are described. The compositions, methods and devices can be used for bioremediation of different individual contaminants and for mixed or multiple contaminants, and for production of beneficial compositions and molecules.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of use of constructed microbial mats, comprising cyanobacteria and purple autotrophic bacteria and an organic nutrient source, in a laminated structure, are described. The constructed microbial mat is used for bioremediation of different individual contaminants and for mixed or multiple contaminants, and for production of beneficial compositions and molecules.

Abstract: A method for rupturing microalgae in an aqueous suspension is disclosed. In one embodiment the aqueous suspension is passed through a constriction into a liquid phase at a pressure sufficient to rupture the cells by circulating the aqueous suspension through a constriction in a pump loop at a pressure and a percent recycle sufficient to rupture the cells. Cells of the alga Dunaliella salina can be ruptured by the method of the invention to promote froth flotation and mechanical filtration of the cells for recovery of mixed carotenoids.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for removing CO.sub.2 from the atmosphere. The method comprises the step of delivering a source of nitrogen to the mixed layer of the ocean to cause an increase in the number of phytoplankton in the mixed layer and thereby increase the amount of photosynthesis carried out by the phytoplankton. The source of nitrogen is delivered to the mixed layer at a location where an ocean current will carry the source of nitrogen and phytoplankton over a region of the ocean having a depth sufficient to allow dead phytoplankton and organic material derived from the phytoplankton to fall from the mixed layer and enable carbon originating from the CO.sub.2 to be sequestered from the atmosphere.

Abstract: Process of outdoor thin-layer cultivation of algae in which suspension of algae saturated with carbon dioxide and enriched with necessary nutrients, is distributed on inclined cultivation areas where the suspension of algae is distributed on inclined cultivation areas under turbulent flow which depends on velocity of flow, on coefficient of roughness of the cultivation surfaces, on the thickness of the algal suspension layer and on inclination of the cultivation surface. Between individual cultivation areas carbon dioxide is supplied into the suspension and the suspension flowing from the lowest cultivation area is conveyed into the collecting tank from which it is pumped on the upper edge of the highest cultivation area.

Abstract: A bioreactor for improved productivity of photosynthetic algae includes a tubular housing surrounding a tubular envelope located therein. The housing and envelope define a space therebetween to be filled with fluid. The housing and envelope are made of at least a translucent material and have inlet and outlet ports providing access to the space and the interior of the envelope. A mixer for mixing algae media is disposed inside the envelope. There is also provided a bioreactive system, wherein the envelope contains a fluid of selective refractive index and wherein, for a given geometrical relationship between the housing and the envelope, the radiation concentration power is controlled by modifying the refractive index of the fluid.

Abstract: A process and system are disclosed for recovering mixed carotenoids from the alga Dunaliella salina. The harvested cells are ruptured, typically by circulating the algal suspension at high pressure through a pump loop. The cells can then be dewatered by absorptive bubble separation techniques, including a froth floatation circuit that has a roughing zone and a concentrating zone. If further concentration is desired, the algal concentrate can be mechanically filtered in a cross flow microfiltration unit in the absence of flocculating agents with substantially no loss of carotenoids in the permeate. Various methods for extracting mixed carotenoids and other components from the algae are disclosed, including dense gas extraction, and extractions with natural and synthetic flavorants, and edible oils.

Abstract: A process for dewatering an aqueous suspension of microalgae is disclosed in which the aqueous suspension of the algae is introduced into a bubble column or a modified bubble column for generating a froth of bubbles and adsorbed algal cells that can be separated from the aqueous suspension. In one advantageous embodiment, the bubble column is a multi-stage loop-flow flotation column that has three loop-flow zones, each of which is defined by a draft tube concentrically mounted in the column to divide each loop-flow zone into a riser and the downcomer. Fine bubbles of gas and brine are in cocurrent upward flow in the riser and in cocurrent downward flow the downcomer. A higher gas holdup is promoted in the riser than in the downcomer, thereby circulating the brine in loop-flow upwardly through the riser and downwardly through the downcomer. Liquid communication between adjacent loop-flow zones is substantially eliminated. A froth enriched in algae is generated that can be separated from the aqueous suspension.

Abstract: A control method for operating aqueous Haematococcus spp., such as H. pluvialis, microorganism growth processes is disclosed which can maintain viable growth conditions of this microorganism which have heretofore not been easily reproduced in commercially valuable quantities. The primary control parameters are the degree of turbulence in the aqueous growth medium and the scale of the apparatus relative to the scale of the turbulent eddies in vessels which are partially filled with the aqueous medium directly affect conditions which are required for optimum growth: light exposure, nutrient supply, sedimentation rate, bulk temperature, gas exchange rate and cell integrity. These control elements can be cast in terms of the Reynolds number (N.sub.re), pH, temperature, amount of impinging light, and NO.sub.2 concentration, depending upon the operative chlorophyll growth stages of Haematococcus spp. and its photoadaptive stages of producing astaxanthin.

Abstract: A novel and improved method for relieving hydrophobicity of peat moss, bark and rockwool used in horticultural media for plant propagation using an effective level of a composition consisting of certain copolymerized alkane oxides is described. A more effective method of delivering these materials based on a composition of hydrous, amorphous silica using the compositions of the present invention is described.

Abstract: A machine vision system for determining seedlot vigor comprising an imaging device oriented to acquire an image of a germinating seed and an image analyzer for analyzing successive images of a seed and determining growth rate for a root of the seed, to determine the vigor of a seedlot to which the seed belongs. This system determines seedlot vigor independent of environmental germination conditions, measures a parameter which correlates highly with the characteristic of interest, and employs an appropriate experimental design, including sample size and test replication in order to insure that test results match actual final stands obtained from normal commercial production.

Abstract: A method for purifying water includes the steps of establishing a floway for water that has originated in a waterway. The sides of the floway are bounded by a pair of curbs that are disposed in a spaced-apart, parallel relationship. The floway has an inlet end and an outlet end disposed lower than the inlet, so that gravity flow occurs toward the outlet end. An algal growing surface is established between the curbs, so that algae can grow and form a turf. A periodic surge of water is caused to flow along at least part of the floway, which permits bioassimilation of nutrients and pollutants by the algal turf, and also permits a physical trapping of particulates therein. The algal turf is harvested after maturation and is disposed of without permitting the algal turf to reenter the waterway. Harvesting may be accomplished for example, with the use of a wheeled harvester disposed to roll along the curbs.

Abstract: An integrated aquaculture system and method are provided that include interrelated and symbiotic modules for adaptively bioremediating wastewater, producing food in the form of fish, and producing plant biomass for animal feed. The system is ecologically and economically self-sustaining. In one embodiment, the system contains a fish cultivation tank, an algal floway, and a water hyacinth system. Two modes of operation are contemplated: a recycle mode and a flow-through mode. The water hyacinth system includes harvesting, conveying, and chopping apparatus.

Abstract: Methods and compositions or enhancing metal uptake of plants, such as members of the family Brassicaceae, comprise treating the roots, plants, seeds, and/or soil in which the plants are grown, with metal-uptake altering microorganisms, preferably of the bacterial genus Pseudomonas and Bacillus.

Abstract: A floating island with a water-purifying effect of the present invention has a floating body and an agent container. The floating body includes a planter made of a foamed resin, soil contained in the planter and plants planted in the soil. A plurality of openings are provided in the bottom of the planter through which water is supplied to the soil in the planter and roots of the plants grow into water. The agent container stores an oxygen-generating agent therein, which is attached on the outside of the bottom of the planter.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for dewatering an aqueous suspension of microalgae, especially Dunaliella salina, with a Jameson cell. The algal cells are ruptured sufficiently to promote froth flotation of the cells from the suspension. The algal suspension is introduced into the top of the Jameson cell downcomer and passed through an orifice plate therein to generate a free liquid jet of the suspension. The jet is plunged downwardly through a gas and the gas is transported with the jet through a gas and liquid interface into the algal suspension. The momentum of the jet is dissipated, which disperses the gas into fine bubbles. The fine bubbles are intimately contacted with the aqueous suspension in cocurrent downward flow in a collection zone to absorb the algal bodies onto the surfaces of the bubbles. A froth of bubble and algal agglomerates is formed and collapsed to obtain a dewatered algal concentrate.

Abstract: A method of recycling carbon dioxide for enhancing plant growth. The method comprising the steps of collecting carbon dioxide-containing gas, depositing the carbon dioxide-containing gas into an underground void which is substantially free of methane, storing the carbon dioxide-containing gas in the underground void until it cools to a less than ambient daytime temperature, and distributing the stored carbon dioxide-containing gas to plants within a contiguous tract of plants under field conditions.

Abstract: A multistage treatment system for treating nutrient-rich water containing nitrogen compounds, phosphorous compounds, and other minerals. Three or more vessels or stages typically constitute the multistage treatment system. Each stage of the system is a reaction vessel having a first zone containing a substantially insoluble salt for precipitating phosphorous compounds and other minerals, a second zone containing a microorganism retained on an inert substrate for converting nitrogen compounds, and a separation device for removing precipitates from the water. The effluent from the multistage system may be further treated in ponds cultivated with aquatic grass or in a packaged algae filter having a medium for supporting algae growth and an artificial light source.

Abstract: An apparatus for cultivating macrophytes grown on the water surface in a circular basin structure containing a channel of plant growth nutrients water spiraling from the basin structure periphery into the center of the basin structure and then back out again to the periphery. Two spiraling berms, constructed in parallel, define the single, continuous channel of water. A conveyor means is mounted on a rotatable arm that extends from the basin structure center to the basin structure periphery and rotates about the central support. The conveyor means moves laterally along the rotatable arm so as to remain in the center of the channel of water as that arm rotates. A portion of the floating macrophytes on the water surface is harvested one or more times each day and transported to beyond the periphery of the basin structure where the floating macrophytes are available for subsequent processing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hydroponic apparatus for culturing edible sprouts mainly including a top cover, a growth lattice, a shoot lattice, a movable flat cutting means, a first net fixing lattice, a movable net, a second net fixing lattice, and a bottom tray for collecting water, each sequentially superposed on one another from top to bottom. When the sprout crop has grown sufficiently, the top cover is placed onto the growth lattice, and the flat cutting means is first inserted into the hydroponic means between the shoot lattice and the first net fixing lattice to cut off the root portions of the sprouts. Then, the movable net, the first and second net fixing lattices, and the bottom tray with the cut root portions are removed and the rest of the culturing is turned upside down. The flat cutting means is then inserted into the slits formed on the top cover to cut off the top portions of the sprouts. The remaining middle portion of the sprouts can be then washed clean and be packed for use later.

Abstract: A photobioreactor system for efficient oxygen production for a closed ecological life support system (CELSS) is disclosed. Special features of this system include, e.g., the optical transmission system, uniform light distribution, continuous cycling of cells, gravity independent gas-exchange, and an ultrafiltration unit. The fiber optic based optical transmission system illuminates the reactor internally and includes a light source which is external to the reactor, preventing heat generation problems. Uniform light distribution is achieved throughout the reactor without interfering with the turbulent regime inside. The ultrafiltration unit exchanges spent with fresh media and its use results in very high cell densities, up to 10.sup.9 cells/ml for Chlorella vulgaris. The prototype photobioreactor system may be operated in a batch and continuous mode for prolonged periods of time. The photobioreactor may be used to convert CO.sub.2 to oxygen in an artificial lung.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of use of constructed microbial mats, comprising cyanobacteria and purple autotrophic bacteria and an organic nutrient source, in a laminated structure, are described. The constructed microbial mat is used for bioremediation of different individual contaminants and for mixed or multiple contaminants, and for production of beneficial compositions and molecules.

Abstract: A conical floway culture system for cleansing water of pollutants is presented that has a downward slope between the central region and the outer edge and a wall for retaining water within the floway. The water-impervious bottom surface has a texture conducive for growing an algal turf. In use, water is admitted into the floway from the waterway and is permitted to flow over the algal turf. The algal turf bioassimilates the pollutants and thereby cleanses the water, and the water is discharged in a cleansed condition. Mature algal turf is harvested periodically by an angled plowing system having a notched, fixed, or rotating scraper that travels in a downward spiral path, pushing harvested algal turf downslope toward the outer edge.

Abstract: A method of causing somatic cell hybridization between two species of algae by growing somatic algal tissue from each of the two species of algae in close proximity, in a nutrient solution, and isolating and culturing the hybrid somatic shoots that form.

Abstract: A floway for cleansing water of pollutants is presented that has an upstream weir wherein water to be cleansed is admitted, a downstream weir wherefrom water is discharged, and curbs extending between the weirs for retaining water along the sides. The bottom surface is specifically textured conducive for growing a bed of algae to form an algal turf thereon. The algae bioassimilates pollutants from the water and is harvested periodically by a vacuum system having a notched, rotating nozzle at the intake end. An ultraviolet reactor positioned at the downstream end is used to degrade volatile organic compounds. In addition, the water surface is disturbed to change the angle of incidence of light and focus additional light energy on the algae.

Abstract: Controlled release fertilizer compositions which release fertilizer at a controlled rate over an extended period of time are employed in aquaculture treatment methods whereby nutrients are efficiently and effectively released into closed aquatic ecosystems such as ponds, lakes, watersheds and other aqueous environments over a period of time in order to enhance the growth of phytoplanktonic algae populations in the water and to thereby promote marine life populations.

Abstract: A method of growing tissue culture callus on a nutrient substrate comprises the steps of preparing a semi-solid slab of the nutrient substrate and placing it on top of a honeycomb-like forming plate, which defines a plurality of hollow passages surrounded by thin walls. A series of the callus is deployed on the slab, so that each callus is located in alignment with one of the passages. The callus are allowed to grow to a desired extent under conventional conditions. A pneumatic pressure is then applied to the slab so that it becomes pushed through and sliced by the walls of the forming plate into a respective number of blocks, each carrying a single plant, and ejected out of the bottom side of the forming plate for further plantation thereof.

Abstract: A control method for operating aqueous microorganism growth processes is disclosed which can maintain viable growth conditions for many types of microorganisms which have heretofore not been easily reproduced in commercially valuable quantities. The primary control parameters are the degree of turbulence in the aqueous growth medium and the scale of the apparatus relative to the scale of the turbulent eddies in vessels which are partially filled with the aqueous medium directly affect conditions which are required for optimum growth: light exposure, nutrient supply, sedimentation rate, bulk temperature, gas exchange rate and cell integrity. These control elements can be cast in terms of the Reynolds number (N.sub.Re) and controlled dimensions of the apparatus (L.sub.K) in relationship to the scales of turbulent eddies to define the dissipation .lambda..sub.K as L.sub.K /L.

Abstract: A biomass management system using sunlight during the daytime for purifying water having impurities. The biomass management system of the present invention is adapted for use in an impoundment holding water which has an inlet for delivering impure water into the impoundment and an outlet for delivering purified water out of the impoundment. A first type of rooted bottom dwelling plant grows on the bottom of the impoundment and removes some of the impurities in the water. A plurality of elongated channels float on the surface of the water in the impoundment above the bottom dwelling plants. Each of the plurality of the elongated channels are secured in the impoundment in a substantially North-South orientation. Each of the plurality of elongate channels have a holding region with inwardly shaped sides. A second type of floating rootless plant grows in the holding region on the surface of the water in each of the channels and removes some of the impurities in the water.

Abstract: A floway for cleansing the water of a waterway containing nutrients and other pollutants, utilizing growing attached algal turf, the floway utilizing at least two elongate curbs spaced apart in a parallel relationship. A growing surface for algae is disposed between the curbs, on which growing surface, selected algae are caused to grow and form an algal turf able to bring about bioassimilation of nutrients and pollutants, as well as the physical trapping of particulates contained in water caused to flow over the algal turf. Water from the waterway is directed to flow through the floway and over the algal turf. A mobile harvester is provided for removing mature algal turf containing nutrients and pollutants assimilated and trapped by the algal turf, such harvester being of a width commensurate with the spacing of the curbs, so as to be supported therefrom. The harvester contains a vacuum pickup system, including an intake plenum for harvesting mature algal turf.

Abstract: This invention relates to remedial bacterial systems in a constructive mat including ensiliaged material, particularly constructed mixed microbial mats for specific bioremedial applications. Preferably, the constructed mixed microbial mat comprises ensiled grass clippings with a cyanobacteria and a chemotrophic bacteria.

Abstract: A growth promoter for aquatic plants, which increases the carbonate concentration in water to promote the growth of aquatic plants and contains phosphate as an active component, and a method for applying said growth promoter, which comprises placing an aqueous solution or dispersion of the growth promoter in a container of which one end is narrowly opened and placing the container in water in a water tank thereby to allow the growth promoter to ooze through the narrowly opened end.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the purification of a liquid effluent containing pollutants, particularly metals and/or radionuclides, as well as to a process for purifying the effluent.An object of the invention is to provide a continuously functioning purifying apparatus.This object is achieved with the aid of an apparatus incorporating a confinement enclosure containing a support in which are immobilized living cells of photosynthetic microorganisms. The support is made from a material transparent to light rays. The apparatus also incorporates a mechanism for introducing and circulating the effluent to be treated and a culture medium within the enclosure.

Abstract: A culture for the production of xanthophylls comprising Nospongiococcum excentricum ATCC 40335 and mutants thereof. The culture having a dry cell weight xanthophyll content of at least about 0.65% and being capable of growing to a cell density of greater than about 40 grams per liter. The culture also comprising: carbon, phosphate, sulfate, iron, magnesium, and nitrogen.

Abstract: Substantially pure, pyrogen-free beta-1,3-glucan is produced by cultivating Euglena cells in a defined growth medium and under specified conditions that provide a cell mass comprising 70% to 90% beta-1,3-glucan on a dry weight basis, separating the cell mass from the supernatant, extracting the cell mass with methanol and chloroform, acid-washing the extracted cell mass, and washing the acid-treated material with water.

Abstract: A method of causing somatic cell hybridization between two species of non-filamentous algae by growing somatic algal tissue from each of the two species of algae in close proximity, in a nutrient solution, and isolating and culturing the hybrid somatic shoots that form.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a process for producing zeaxanthin which includes mutating algal microorganisms, selecting from said mutated microorganisms a microorganism capable of producing zeaxanthin, culturing the selected microorganism in an effective medium to produce zeaxanthin, and recovering zeaxanthin produced by the selected microorganism. The present invention also provides microorganisms capable of producing zeaxanthin, formulations containing zeaxanthin produced by the disclosed process and the use of such formulations to enhance pigmentation and to reduce damage caused by reactive oxygen species and phototoxic molecules.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the selective production of polyunsaturated fatty acids from a culture of microalgae of Porphyrium cruentum. The process comprises growing a biomass by culturing the microalgae in a photobioreactor under optimum culturing conditions, removing a portion of the resulting biomass, and subjecting the removed portion to a temperature decrease. The result is the selective increase in the quantity of a given polyunsaturated fatty acid within the microalgae biomass.

Abstract: Aqueous solutions of partial hydrolysates of algae, optionally labelled with stable isotopes, are used as growth media for cells.

Abstract: Disclosed is an open ocean farm structure for attachment of macroalgal plants. The farm structure is made up of linear elements connected with nodes to form a three dimensional truss. The linear elements are composed of tubes containing solid rods which are screw connected to the nodes. The ends of the tubes abut the nodes so that screwing the rods into the nodes puts the tubes in compression. The truss structure thus formed is strong and flexible. Because the truss structure is made of tubes having minimal cross-sectional area, the structure is relatively transparent to the forces of wave motion.

Abstract: The invention provides an aquaculture complex for high protein crop production of a duckweed clone suitable for human consumption comprising a body of water in combination with duckweed clones, the majority of said clones being characterized by having less than three roots per clone, said roots being less than 15 mm in length and having at least two attached fronds, at least one of said fronds being characterised by a frond thickness greater than 1 mm and a frond length greater than 4 mm.

Abstract: The invention is a method for using periphyton to treat flowing water in a waterway. The periphyton reduces the quantity of undesirable chemicals polluting the water. Fish, in turn, control the density of periphyton by grazing on the periphyton and convert the undesirable chemicals associated with the periphyton into removable forms such as fish tissue or fish feces.

Abstract: The present invention provides an axenic mass culture apparatus comprising a light source for illuminating an entire surface of a culture liquid in a culture tank. According to the present invention, it is possible to achieve a light-illuminating type high-speed axenic mass culture of biotic cells.

Abstract: A photobioreactor for the cultivation of photosynthetic microorganisms is disclosed wherein a plurality of baffles are mounted in the photobioreactor tank forming hollow cavities which enable the insertion of light sources through openings in the tank wall. The baffles shield the light sources housed therein from the liquid photosynthetic culture contained in the tank thus facilitating electrical connections with the light sources and the maintenance thereof as well.