# US 2014/0197098 A1 · Production of Cyanobacterial or Algal Biomass Using Chitin as a Nitrogen Source

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- Number: US 2014/0197098 A1
- Document ID: US20140197098A1
- Status: Published application
- Kind: A1
- Application number: 14/181,387
- Filed: 2014-02-14
- Published: 2014-07-17
- Earliest claimed: 2011-03-25
- Assignees: The University of Montana
- Applicants: The University of Montana
- Inventors: Carrine Blank; Nancy W. Hinman
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20140197098A1

## CPC

- C02F 3/34: characterised by the microorganisms used
- A01G 33/00: Cultivation of seaweed {or algae}
- C02F 3/322: {use of algae}
- C12N 1/12: Unicellular algae; Culture media therefor (as new plants A01H13/00)
- Y02A 40/80: in fisheries management
- Y02W 10/37: using solar energy
- C02F: TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE (separation in general B01D; special arrangements on waterborne vessels of installations for treating water, waste water or sewage, e.g. for producing fresh water, B63J; adding materials to water to prevent corrosion C23F; treating radioactively-contaminated liquids G21F9/04; regeneration of reactants for recirculation into processes, see the relevant places for the processes)
- A01G: HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING (picking of fruits, vegetables, hops or the like A01D46/00; propagating unicellular algae C12N1/12)
- C12N: MICROORGANISMS OR ENZYMES; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF; PROPAGATING, PRESERVING, OR MAINTAINING MICROORGANISMS; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING; CULTURE MEDIA (microbiological testing media C12Q1/00)
- Y02A: TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02W: CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT OR WASTE MANAGEMENT

## Abstract

A process of growing a culture of cyanobacteria or algae using chitin or chitosan as a source of nitrogen for photosynthetic growth is described. This process can be used to remove pollutants from nitrogen-deficient natural waters or wastewaters. Biomass that results from photosynthetic growth on chitin can be used, either as whole cells or the isolated components of the cells, for a large variety of commercial purposes.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A method of treating water to remove at least one pollutant comprising the steps of:
mixing a composition comprising at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of chitin and chitosan, and water;
inoculating the mixture with at least one photosynthetic organism that uses chitin or chitosan, or a breakdown product of chitin or chitosan metabolism as a nitrogen source;
exposing the inoculated mixture to light;
exposing the mixture to carbon dioxide;
detecting growth of the at least one photosynthetic organism that uses chitin or chitosan, or a breakdown product of chitin or chitosan metabolism as a nitrogen source;
monitoring a level of pollutant in the inoculated mixture; and
separating the solids of the inoculated mixture from the aqueous phase upon reaching a desired level of the at least one pollutant, wherein the aqueous phase has a reduced level of the pollutant.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein said method further comprises the step of inoculating the mixture with a heterotroph that supports the growth of said at least one photosynthetic organism that uses chitin or chitosan, or a breakdown product of chitin or chitosan metabolism as a nitrogen source.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein said water has a source selected from the group consisting of a pulp mill, a paper mill, a well, groundwater, a pond, a lake, and a river.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein said at least one pollutant is selected from the group consisting of phosphorous, metals, polychlorinated biphenyls, and humic substances.

### Claim 5

A method of treating water to remove at least one pollutant comprising the steps of:
mixing a composition comprising at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of chitin and chitosan, and water;
exposing the mixture to light;
exposing the mixture to carbon dioxide;
detecting growth of at least one photosynthetic organism that uses chitin or chitosan, or a breakdown product of chitin or chitosan metabolism as a nitrogen source;
monitoring a level of pollutant in the mixture; and
separating the solids of the mixture from the aqueous phase upon reaching a desired level of the at least one pollutant, wherein the aqueous phase has a reduced level of the pollutant and is clean water.

### Claim 6 (depends on 5)

The method of claim 5, wherein said method further comprises the step of inoculating said mixture with a heterotroph that supports the growth of said at least one photosynthetic organism that uses chitin or chitosan, or a breakdown product of chitin or chitosan metabolism as a nitrogen source.

### Claim 7 (depends on 5)

The method of claim 5, wherein said water has a source selected from the group consisting of a pulp mill, a paper mill, a well, groundwater, a pond, a lake, and a river.

### Claim 8 (depends on 5)

The method of claim 5, wherein said at least one pollutant is selected from the group consisting of phosphorous, metals, polychlorinated biphenyls, and humic substances.