Dr V Sivasubramanian
Phycoremediologist and Associate Professor and Head, Plant Biology and Plant Biotechnology, RKM Vivekananda College, Chennai 600004, India, and Director, Vivekananda Institute of Algal Technology (VIAT), Ramakrishna Mission Vidyapith, Chennai 600004, India. Ph: 091-044-24813960; Mobile: +91 9677144453; +91 9381487310: Email: vsivasubramanian@gmail.com
Degradation of emulsion oil waste from a copper smelting industry by micro algae
Selected micro algae from the culture collection of Vivekananda Institute of Algal technology (VIAT), Chennai, were introduced into raw emulsion oil effluent from STERLITE Industries (India), Tuticorin, Taminadu. Scenedesmus bijugatus (Turp.) Kuetz VIAT34 was able to grow very well in the raw oil effluent. Colour change in the oil was noticed right from the day one after inoculation of algal cells. The dark colour of oil changed to pale yellow colour indicating the possibility of degradation and this was verified by UV and GC – MS techniques.
Fig. Test tubes with control oil and oil degraded by algae
WORLD'S FIRST PHYCOREMEDIATION PLANT
Dr V Sivasubramanian, the Phycoremediologist and his team have set up the First Phycoremediation plant at SNAP Industry. Algal remediation technology helps in pH correction of the acidic effluent and complete reduction of sludge formation. SNAP is now a zero disposal company. The phycoremediation plant has been in operation from September 2006. The effluent generated by the industry is highly acidic and of very high TDS ( 25000 mg/L). The entire effluent is evaporated using slope tank. The algal biomass produced is used in Biofertilizer preparation and sold by the Company. The amount of CO2 removed during phycoremediation process is being calculated to claim carbon credits......more ....., CLICK HERE FOR NEWS ITEM IN DECCAN CHRONICLE ON EFFLUENT TREATMENT
