Using Macroaglae as a bioremediator near nutrient-rich estuaries

Abstract

Estuary ecosystems are becoming increasingly pressured by excess nutrients from terrestrial human activities such as agriculture and industrial waste that is produced. This increase in excess nutrients of Nitrogen and Phosphorous can cause drastic changes in the natural cycling of nutrients through a process known as eutrophication. With the increase in awareness of bioremediation as a possible environmental management of pollution, this study attempts to identify the most effective macroalgae in the uptake of excess nutrients in order to be used in nutrient-rich estuaries in order to prevent the process of eutrophication that may lead to a dead zone. Macroalgaes proposed for this study (Chaetomorpha linum, Gracilaria tikvahiae, and Caulerpa racemosa) show not only ecological benefits but also economical benefits for coastal areas across the globe. Each species of algae was exposed to high concentrations of nitrate and phosphate and observed for a total of nine hours for each nutrient. Test samples were taken at twentyminute intervals in order to better determine which algae species is more efficient in the uptake of nutrients for better environmental management near nutrient rich estuaries. It was found that there was no significant difference in the uptake of nitrate (p-value=.05), but for phosphate, Gracilaria tikvahiae was statistically more efficient than Chaetomorpha linum (p=.012) and Caulerpa racemosa (p=.029). This study was done in order to better understand environmental management of excess nutrients using different algae species and furthering the knowledge for bioremediation techniques.