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Comparative Study of Rice Straw and Ragi Straw for the Inhibition of Algal Bloom in Fresh Water

Author Affiliations

  • 1 Civil Engineering, Alagappa Chettiar College of Engg and Tech, Karaikudi, Tamilnadu, INDIA

Int. Res. J. Biological Sci., Volume 1, Issue (6), Pages 31-37, October,10 (2012)

Abstract

In recent years, there has been an apparent increase in the occurrence of harmful algal blooms in fresh waters. In this study, it has been attempted to compare the efficiency of rice straw and ragi straw at various concentrations to inhibit algal bloom in fresh water. Algae was collected from a nearby pond, ACCET, Karaikudi, India. Rice straw was collected from rice fields, Thanjavur, India. Ragi straw was collected from Perambalur district. The experiments were carried out in five trays of same dimensions were used among which one was kept control. 2g/l of rice straw was found to inhibit the algal growth at maximum rate. This is due to the release of large amounts of chemicals during the decomposition of the straws. The amount of chemicals released during the process may be differing in various concentrations. pH value was also measured during the experiment. The decreased pH values in the treatment were due to the release of organic acids from the decomposition of rice straw and ragi straw. A possible reason behind increase in COD and change in turbidity was discussed.

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