アグロテクノロジー

概要

Decolorization of Organic Compounds by Controlled Microalgal Culture

Shin Hirayama

This study demonstrates that hydroxyl radicals (·OH) are generated by Chlorella vulgaris under culture conditions where only air is used for aeration, and that these free radicals can be used to degrade organic compounds. Methylene blue was used as a model organic compound and added to a Chlorella culture illuminated with visible light. As a result, methylene blue was essentially bleached entirely. Decolorization was likely due·OH because it was ameliorated by the addition of a radical scavenger (ethanol). Because this system does not require high-energy ultraviolet irradiation or hydrogen peroxide, it is more environmentally friendly than current wastewater treatment methods. Based on these results, we propose a system for decomposing organic matter in a micro algae culture tank, which has a lessened environmental impact than current methods.