janak raj khatiwada - biotechnology phd defense
the biotechnology phd candidate, janak raj khatiwada will present his dissertation research on thursday, aug. 15 in atac 2021 at 1 p.m.
thesis title:
exploring potential of freshwater microalgae in northern ontario for bioremediation and
bioenergy production
committee members:
dr. wensheng qin (supervisor)
dr. brian ross
dr. robert mackereth
external examiner: dr. wen chen
this study explored the biodiversity of freshwater microalgae in northern ontario, focusing on their applications in bioremediation and bioenergy production. microalgae play vital roles in aquatic ecosystems but are threatened by habitat loss and pollution. canada occupies the diverse freshwater ecosystems, particularly in northwestern ontario, offers a rich habitat for microalgae. this study isolated, screened and identified the microalgal species from the thunder bay region and also evaluated their potential for wastewater treatment, biofuel production, and biomolecule synthesis. among the different wastewater, unsterile diluted malting effluent found to be optimal for microalgal biomass and subsequent lipid and bioethanol production. additionally, this study found the capabilities of microalgae cells in the adsorption of pet microplastic particles and formation of hetero-aggregation and facilitated the sedimentation. likewise, this study optimized the physical, chemical and enzymatic pretreatment conditions of microalgae for the reducing sugar production using response surface method (rsm). furthermore, the study also optimized the microalgal culture condition in microalgae microbial fuel call (mmfc) for higher bioelectricity production and optimized the condition for biomolecule production from wet microalgal biomass. the study highlights potential of microalgae to for wastewater treatment,
and production high-value biomolecules and biofuels, contributing to sustainable energy and environmental management.
please contact brenda magajna at phd.ses@lakeheadu.ca for more information or the zoom link.