Combined coagulation flocculation pre treatment unit for municipal wastewater

The potentials of using the hydraulic technique in combined unit for municipal wastewater treatment were studied. A combined unit in which processes of coagulation, flocculation and sedimentation, has been designed utilizing hydraulic mixing instead of mechanical mixing. Ajar test treatability study has been conducted to locate the optimum dose of the coagulants to be used. Alum, ferrous sulfate, ferric sulfate, a mixture of ferric and ferrous sulfates, and mixture of lime and ferrous sulfate were all tested. A pilot unit was constructed in the existing wastewater treatment plant at El Mansoura governorate located in north Egypt. The optimum dose of coagulants used in the combined unit gives removal efficiencies for COD, BOD, and total phosphorous as 65%, 55%, and 83%, respectively

Ghrelin levels in patients with post hepatitis "C" liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma

Anorexia is a problem of paramount importance that in patients with advanced liver cirrhosis contributes to malnutrition. In turn, malnutrition is a risk factor for the development of life-threatening complications and increased mortality. Ghrelin hormone is an important orexigenic agent that has been postulated to integrate anabolic changes in the body. To measure ghrelin level in Egyptian patients with post-hepatitis C liver cirrhosis with and without hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC] and its correlation with clinical staging. Ghrelin levels were determined in 25 patients with post-hepatitic [HCY] liver cirrhosis, 25 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and 25 healthy subjects [control group]. Ghrelin levels were correlated with the clinical and biochemical parameters. Ghrelin levels were significantly reduced in patients with post-hepatitic liver cirrhosis [52.4 +/- 14 pg/ml], unlike patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who showed markedly elevated levels [453.8 +/- 36 pg/ml] compared to control group [183 +/- 35 .9 pg/ml]. Ghrelin levels were significantly higher in Child C patients in both groups. There was an inverse correlation of Ghrelin with BMI. In the present study, there was significant inverse correlation between ghrelin levels and BMI and significant low ghrelin levels in patients with post HCY liver cirrhosis. However, there was a significant high ghrelin level in HCC patients. Also, ghrelin levels increased markedly in stage C liver cirrhosis and with the development of complications as hematemesis, ascites and encephalopathy

detection of doth fasciolu gigantica circulating antigen and coproantigdn by monoctonal-based sandwich ELISA in diagnosis of human fascioliasis

Human fascioliasis is another important health challenge in Egypt. lip till now and due to many factors. its diagnosis is a problematic issue. In many eases, a considerable damage of the hepatic tissue often occurs before a proper diagnosis could he done. This in turn necessitates finding a reliable. easily applicable and locally affordable diagnostic test to overcome the diagnostic difficulties that handicap prevention and control efforts. The detection of E/S antigens in stool specimens [coproantigens] and in sera of infected humans using a MAb-based sandwich ELISA system. Stool and serum samples were collected from 35 fascioliasis patients having clinical and parasitological evidences of infection, 20 patients harboring other parasites [Schistosoma mansoni and haematobium Wuchereria bancuofti and hydatid cysts] and 25 healthy subjects. A pair of monoelonal antibodies [MAbs: 9F/10B and 5F/6H], raised against both FascioIa gigantica excretory-Secretor [E/S] products and crude antigens respectively, were employed in sandwich ELISA. The lower detection limit of E/S coproantigen assay corresponded to 15 ng/ml, while that of E/S antigen assay in serum corresponded to 50ng/ml. The anti-F gigantica MAb-based sandwich ELISA for antigen detection in collected sera showed 77% sensitivity and 100% specificity with 87% diagnostic accuracy. Coproantigen detection in stool samples showed 94% sensitivity and 100% specificity with 97% diagnostic accuracy. A positive correlation was detected between antigen level in stool samples and its level in corresponding serum samples. This study showed that the use of anti-F gigantica MAb-based sandwich ELISA was more ssensitive for antigen detection in stool samples of fascioliasms patients. Than its detection in their corresponding serum samples, providing a simple, reliable, non-invasive diagnostic method for active human infection

Prophylactic B-lynch suture during elective cesarean section in high risk cases of postpartum hemorrhage

This study was aiming at comparing prophylactic B-Lynch suture and classic ecbolics during elective cesarean section [CS] in high risk patients for postpartum hemorrhage. This is a prospective randomized controlled study which was conducted at Sohag University Hospital during the period from July 2005 to April 2007. Twenty three patients with a valid indication for elective CS, who have one or more risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage such as placenta previa, repeated CS, or previous history of postpartum hemorrhage, were recruited. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups. Group A [12 patients] was subjected to B-Lynch suture during their elective CS, and group B [11 patients] received classic ecbolics such as IV oxytocin and rectal prostaglandins El analogue [Misopristol 200 mcg tab.]. Both groups were compared regarding intra- and postoperative blood loss, need for blood transfusion, maternal and neonatal morbidities and mortalities. Both groups were similar with regard to the indication of elective CS, risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage, and preoperative hemoglobin level. Intraoperative blood loss and the need for blood transfusion was significantly higher in group B compared to group A. Also, postoperative blood loss through the weight of a special disposable bed linen was significantly higher in group B than in group A in the first 24 hours. Only one patient in group B had subtotal hysterectomy secondary to severe uncontrollable postpartum hemorrhage. All women underwent C.S. with B-lynch in group A were menstruated and one pregnancy occurred at the end of a year of follow up. B-Lynch suture is an appropriate prophylactic technique [safe, effective, and simple] during elective caesarean section in women with potential high risk of developing postpartum hemorrhage

Nitric oxide synthasis implication in indomethacin induced gastric mucosal lesion in albino rats: Immunohistochemical study

Eighty adult male albino rats weighing from 150-250 gm. were used in this study. They were divided into four groups: Group I [control group]: eight rats given distilled water 35 mg/kg subcutaneously. Group II [Indomethacin treated group]: twenty-four rats received indomethacin subcutaneously as a single dose of 35-mg/kg body. Group III [Indomethacin and L-NAME treated rats]: twenty-four rats received L-NAME [NG -nitro-L-arginine methyl ester] intraperitoneally at a dose of 50 mg/kg half an hour before giving the indomethacin intake. Group IV [Indomethacin and L-N treated rats]: twenty-four rats were given L-NIL [N6-[iminoethyl]-L-lysin] intraperitoneally at a dose of 3 mg/k half an hour before giving the indomethacin injection. At the assigned time [after 6, 24 48 and 72 hours], the animals were sacrificed. The stomach was removed. The specimens were processed for paraffin sections at 4 microns and stained by immunohistochemical staining for eNOS and iNOS. Immunohistochemically stained sections were submitted for the image analysis to detect the optical densities of immunoreactivity of eNOS and iNOS in the specimens of studied groups. Immunohistochemically-stained sections with eNOS of the control group revealed the presence of immunoreactivity in the form of brown deposits of variable intensities in blood vessels of the lamina propria and in the deep half of the gastric glands. Immunohistochemically-stained sections with iNOS of the control group revealed immunoreactivity mainly in the cells of the lamina propria and in cells of gastric glands especially at the bases of the glands. Expression of iNOS was less prominent than with eNOS in normal gastric mucosa. In indomethacin-administration rats immunohistochemically-stained sections with eNOS revealed that the level of expression of eNOS was significantly increased after ulcer induction reaching its maximum level at 24 hours then, declined then, started to increase again on the 72 hours group. Immunohistochemically-stained sections with iNOS revealed that there was increase in the level of expression of iNOS reaching its maximum on the 72 hours group. Expression of both iNOS and eNOS was significantly high on the third day Statistical results revealed that expression of iNOS was more than eNOS. In indomethacin and LNAME treated rats, immunohistochemically-stained sections with eNOS revealed decrease in eNOS immunoreactivity from 6 hours until 72 hours reaching its minimum level on the third day. It was also observed that expression of eNOS was less than that in indomethacin only administration group on the 24 and 72 hours but higher than the control. Immunohistochemically-stained sections with iNOS revealed increase in iNOS immunoreactivity from 6 hours until 72 hours reaching its maximum level on the third day. Expression of iNOS was more than that in indomethacin given group or control group. It was observed that iNOS immunoreactivity was higher than eNOS immunoreactivity in this group. In indomethacin and L NIL treated rats, immunohistochemically-stained sections with eNOS revealed increase in eNOS immunoreactivity reaching its maximum level on 48 hours and 72 hours as compared with animals received indomethacin only or received indomethacin and L-NAME Immunohistochemically-stained sections with iNOS revealed decrease in iNOS immunoreactivity reaching its minimum level on the third day as compared with indomethacin and L-NAME given group but higher than the control group, also expression of iNOS was more in 6, 24, 48 hours groups but less in 72 hours group as compared with indomethacin only given group. The eNOS immunoreactivity was higher than iNOS immunoreactivity in this group. The present data suggested that eNOS-derived NO is the most important in terms of affects on the healing process, most likely through its effects on angiogenesis. It could be concluded that inhibition of NOS could have either beneficial or deleterious effects on gastric injury, depending on which isoforrn is being inhibited

role of Nitric Oxide synthases inhibitors in indomethacin induced gastric mucosal lesion in albino rat

The present work was undertaken to explore the role of nitric oxide synthases [NOSs] inhibitors L-NAME [non-selective constitutive NOS and inducible NOS inhibitor] and L-NIL [selective inducible NOS inhibitor] in the pathogenesis of indomethacin induced gastric mucosal lesions in the early stage of ulcer development and healing [0-3 days]. Eighty adult male albino rats weighing from 150-250 gm. were used in this study. They were divided into four groups: Group I [control group]: eight rats given distilled water 35 mg/kg subcutaneously. Group II [Indomethacin treated group]: twenty-four rats received indomethacin subcutaneously as a single dose of 35-mg/kg body. Group III [Indomethacin and L-NAME treated rats]: twenty-four rats received L-Name [NG initro-L-arginine methyl ester] intraperitoneally at a dose of 50 mg/kg half an hour before giving the indomethacin Group IV [Indomethacin and L-NIL treated rats]: twenty-four rats were given L-NIL [N6- [iminoethyl]-L-lysine] intraperitoneally at a dose of 3 mg/kg half an hour before giving the indomethacin. At the assigned time [after 6 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours] the animals were sacrificed. The stomach was removed and dissected along the greater curvature. The macroscopic lesions in obtained specimens were assessed by magnifying lens and dissecting microscope The numerical data obtained from macroscopic studies of stomach sections were statistically analyzed to obtain the mean ulcer index. The specimens were processed for paraffin sections at 6 microns and stained by haematoxylin and eosin stain; and examined histologically. In the control group, macroscopic and histological examination revealed normal appearance of the gastric mucosa. In indomethacin-administrated group, macroscopic and histological examination revealed time-dependent occurrence of damage in the stomach from 6 hours up to 72 hours reaching maximum damage at 72 hours. After 72 hours, there was evidence of healing process. In indomethacin and L-NAME administrated group, it was observed that pre-treatment with L-NAME significantly enhanced gastric mucosal lesions induced by indomethacin. Macroscopic and histologieal examination revealed significant increase in the mean ulcer index in the mucosa of the stomach as compared with indomethacin only given rats reaching its maximum effect on the third day. No or little evidence of regenerating epithelium on the third day was observed. In indomethacin and L-NIL administrated group, it was observed that pre-treatment with L-NIL significantly reduced but not prevented gastric mucosal lesions induced by indomethacin. Macroscopic and histological examination revealed time-dependent occurrence of damage in the stomach from 6 hours up to 48 hours reaching maximum damage at 48 hours then ulcer index began to decrease on 72 hours. There was decrease in the mean ulcer index as compared with rats given either indomethacin and L-NAME or indomethacin only. Evidence of healing was observed in 48 hours and 72 hours groups. The results of the present study confirmed the importance of NOS inhibitors in the modulation of gastric ulcer healing in early stage of ulcer development [0-3] days. The present data suggested that eNOS-derived NO is the most important in terms of effects on the healing process, most likely through its effects on angiogenesis

Disturbance of some coagulation and fibrinolytic factors in essential hypertension

Hypertension is an established risk factor for acute coronary events. Growing evidence is now apparent that hypertension is accompanied by hypercoagulable and/or hypofibrinoltic state, both of which can be the cause of several cardiovascular risk factors noticed with hypertension. To show the relationship between hypertension and some components of fibrinolytic and coaguIation systems . In this study, the plasma levels of fibrinogen, FVII, D-dimer, t-PA and PAI-I were studied in three groups of male persons. A hypertensive group of patients [16], complicated hypertensive group [16] and a group of normotensive persons [16] were included in this work Patients were selected from outpatient clinic of Cardiology Department, Assiut University Hospital, during the period from December 2001 until December 2002. The mean plasma levels of fibrinogen, FFVII, t-PA, PAZ-I and D dimer before treatment of the hypertensive and complicated hypertensive groups were significantly higher than that of the normotensive group .The mean plasma levels of these factors [except FVII] in the complicated hypertensive group were significantly higher than that of the hypertensive group. After treatment of these groups, the mean plasma levels of all factors decreased significant and there was no significant difference between the two groups. It is clear from this study that there are disturbances in the levels of coagulation and fibrinolytic factors in hypertensive patients particularly in the complicated hypertensive patients. This indicates severity of disturbance of these factors in hypertensive patients making them risk factors for the development of coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, unstable angina, etc

One-lung ventilation under general anesthesia: is it appropriate for thoracic surgery?

The study comprised 30 [ASA grades II and III] patients aged 47-72 years, randomly allocated into three equal groups [n=10] according to type of anesthesia administered and number of lungs ventilated: Group I anesthetized using continuous intravenous general anesthesia [GA] with two-lung ventilation [TLV], group II received GA with one-lung ventilation [OLV] and group III received thoracic epidural anesthesia [TEA] combined with GA with OLV. Arterial and venous blood gases, heart rate HR], and mean arterial pressure [MAP] were measured during TLV, 15 [OLV+15] and 30 min after beginning OLV [OLV+30]. Duration of surgery, the number of blood bags used for transfusion, and postoperative analgesia requirements were recorded. Hemodynamic parameters showed nonsignificant changes between patients administered GA, whereas there was significant [P<0.05] decrease in MAP and HR in TEA group and 7 patients required administration of 10 mg of IV ephedrine in group III. OLV resulted in significant [P<0.05] reduction of PaO2, SaO2, CaO2 and Cc02 in groups II and III at OLV+15 compared to group I, and in group III compared to group II. At OLV+30, there was significant [P<0.05] reduction of all measured pamameters in groups II and III compared to group I. and in group III compared versus group II. All patients showed an increased Qs/ Qt% 15 and 30 min after OLV, however, the increase was significant [P<0.05] in groups II and III compared both to group I and to their percentages measured during TLV. Despite the non-significant difference between groups II and III, at OLV+15, there was a significant [P<0.05] increase of Qs/Qt% in group III, at OLV+30 compared to group II. Hemoglobin [Hb] concentrations showed a significant [P<0.05] decrease at OLV+30 in all patients compared to their starting levels. Group II showed the least decrease of Hb concentration. OLV had significantly [P<0.05] reduced the duration of surgery in group II compared to group I and non-significantly compared to group III. Furthermore, OLV had significantly [P<0.05] reduced the need of blood transfusion in both group II and III compared to group I. All patients included in groups I and II required postoperative analgesia, while only 4 patients in group III required additional analgesia. There were no complications encountered with TEA technique. We can conclude that OLV under TEA combined with general anesthesia is not appropriate for thoracic surgical procedures while OLV under continuous general intravenous anesthesia is appropriate for safe thoracic surgical procedures

Assessment of joint damage from analysis of released bone sialoprotein into synovial fluid of rheumatoid arthritis patients

Bone sialoprotein [BSP] was quantified in synovial fluids and sera from rheumatoid arthritis [RA] patients to elucidate whether its release from bone relates to the degree of joint tissue destruction. BSP levels were determined by immunoassays of knee synovial fluids and of sera from 60 RA patients who were classified into 4 groups on the basis of radiographic knee joint tissue damage. Serum levels were compared with 15 matched healthy subjects as a control group. Synovial fluid concentrations of BSP increased with increasing degree of knee joint damage [F=13.5 and P<0.001]. Serum concentrations of BSP were increased above normal [t=5.9 and P<0.001]. but did not relate to the degree of joint damage [F=0.02 and P>0.05]. From these results we concluded that quantification of BSP in the synovial fluid can be useful as a mean for assessing the degree of tissue damage at the molecular level in patients with RA

relation between serum neopterin levels and insulin resistance in obese subjects

This study was conducted on 50 subjects, 30 obese healthy subjects with body mass index [BMI] of 31.897 +/- 2.806 Kg/m2 and 20 normal weight healthy subjects with BMI of 21.649 +/- 1.307 Kg/m2 served as a control group. Serum neopterin, fasting insulin, fasting blood glucose levels and homeostatic model assessment [HOMA] score were determined for all subjects. Compared with the control group, obese subjects had significantly higher fasting insulin concentration, fasting blood glucose levels, HOMA scores and serum neopterin levels. In obese subjects, serum neopterin levels had a significant positive correlation to BMI, fasting insulin, fasting blood glucose and to HOMA scores. In the control group, serum neopterin levels also had a significant positive correlation to BMI and HOMA scores. Z score showed that serum neopterin level was the most sensitive parameter that reflected the actual changes in obese subjects, followed by fasting insulin, then HOMA score and lastly fasting blood glucose

clinical, and ultrasonographic study of shoulder joint disorders and related disability in the elderly

The present study was carried out on 100 elderly persons [65-80 years old]. They were 36 males and 64females. The objective was to determine the prevalence of shoulder disorders and to identify the associated disability in this age group, using clinical as well as ultra-sonographic methods The results showed that shoulder disorders, affecting one or both shoulders, were present in 39% of this age population The Commonest disorder was frozen shoulder occurring in 14%, while the least identifiable disorder was rotator cuff rupture affecting 3%. Disability related to the shoulder was present in 84% of this age, was correlated to a significantly reduced [P<0.005] range of shoulder movements and was greatly enhanced by shoulder disorders. We concluded that regular assessment of the shoulder joint in persons above 60 years may identify those with subtle signs of shoulder diseases, in the hope of early treatment to improve the quality of their Life

Progesterone and spread of spinal anesthesia for cesarean section: comparison between singleton and twin pregnancies

The spread of spinal anesthesia in parturients with singleton and those with twin pregnancies was compared in relation with progesterone levels in plasma and CSF. Twenty unpremedicated parturients with uncomplicated pregnancy scheduled for cesarean section were allocated to two groups: Group I = 10 singleton mothers and group II = 10 with twin pregnancy. Both groups received spinal anesthesia with hyperbaric bupivacaine 10 mg [2 ml of 0.5%]. Progesterone levels in CSF and plasma were estimated just before the procedure. A statistically significant difference in the cephalad spread of spinal anesthesia [group I up to T5 and group II up to T3] was found. The mechanisms of higher cephalad spread of spinal anesthesia in the twin group may be a decrease in CSF fluid volume due to shunting of blood from the compressed inferior vena cava to extradural venous plexus and increased nerve sensitivity to the local anesthetic because of increased concentrations of progesterone. The twin pregnancy group had heavier placentae and greater daily production of progesterone

Comparative study between clinical assessment, laboratory markers, synovial fluid analysis and thermography in joint inflammation of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

In this study the thermographic index [TI] of the knee joint was compared with the other parameters of joint inflammation of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis [JRA]. Twenty patients with JRA were included in the study [70% females and 30% males]. The mean age of our patients was 9.9 +/- 2.5 years. Ten healthy children matching our cases as regard; sex, age and weight served as a control group. All the patients were subjected to clinical assessment [joint score], laboratory investigations [ESR, CRF, HB%], synovial fluid analysis [TLC and glucose] and TI measurement. A significant correlation was observed between the joint score, ESR, HB% and TLC of the synovial fluid Insignificant correlations were reported between the joint score and CRP and between the TLC, CRP and HB%. The glucose level in the synovial fluid insignificantly correlated with all the other clinical and laboratory variables. The TI was found to be significantly correlated with the joint score, ESR, HB% and TLC of the synovial fluid while, it was found to be insignificantly correlated with the CRP and the glucose level of the synovial fluid. It is concluded that the TI is a good index for the assessment of joint activity in JRA with an equivalent efficacy to the other clinical and laboratory parameters of joint inflammation

Study of fibrinogen level by different methods

Fibrinogen levels were considered a useful indicator in several pathological conditions. An accurate measurement of this protein is there-fore recommended. This study was carried out to determine precision and comparatibility of results obtained by six different methods for fibrinogen estimation: clotting assay [clauss method]. Dry clot weight method, centrifugation after heating, quantitation of thrombin clottable protein, radial immunodiffusion and precipitation by salting out method. The results revealed that Radial Immunodiffusion and clauss methods were comparably the most precise, accurate and specific methods. However, Radial Immunodiffusion method lacks the reliability to distinguish between biologically active clottable fibrinogen and some of its clottable and non clottable fibrinogen derivatives, it is relatively expensive and time consuming. Clauss method was more reliable as it measure biologically active fibrinogen, easy to perform and needs a small sample of plasma and is free from interference

Comparative assessment of inflammation in the knee joint of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

In this study the thermographic index [TI] of the knee joint was compared with the other parameters of joint inflammation of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis [JRA]. Twenty patients with JRA were included in the study [70% females and 30% males]. The mean age of our patients was 9.9 + 2.5 years. Ten healthy children matching our cases as regard :sex, age and weight served as a control group. All the patients were subjected to clinical assessment [oint score], laboratory investigations [ESR, CRP. HB%], synovial fluid analysis [TLC and glucose] and TI measurement. A significant correlation was observed between the joint score, ESR, HB% and TLC of the synovial fluid. Insignificant correlations were reported between the joint score and CRP, and between the TLC, CRP and HB%. The glucose level in the synovial fluid insignificantly correlated with all the other clinical and laboratory variables. The TI was found to be significantly correlated with the joint score, ESR, HB% and TLC of the synovial fluid while, it was found to be insignificantly correlated with the CRP and the glucose level of the synovial fluid. It is concluded that the TI is a good index for the assessment of joint activity in JRA with an equivalent efficacy to the other clinical and laboratory parameters of joint inflammation

clinico-pathological study on seronegative arthropathies

Fifty patients with a seronegative arthropathy were evaluated. 40 of them had no apparent associated primary disease [idiopathic], 5 with bilharzial arthropathy, 3 with ankylosing spondylitis and 2 with Reiter's syndrome. They were 40 males [60%] with a mean age of 29.4 years and 20 females [40%] with a mean age 29.5 years. The mean duration of the disease was 2.25 years. All the patients were examined clinically and radiologically with a histopathologic study of some enthesopathic specimens. Peripheral arthritis was present in 60% patients, while 40% had arthralgia. The knee and the sacroilii were the highly affected joints. All the patients had enthesopathic signs, where tenderness at the insertion of the planter aponeurosis and Achillis tendon was highly observed. All the patients shared the same radiological abnormalities of periosteal reaction, marginal irregularity, erosions, calcification, sclerosis and spurs. Radiological calcaneal abnormalities were highly associated with enthesopathic signs. Histopathological enthesopathic changes were comparable in all the patients. The results indicated that striking similarities existed between different entities of the seronegative arthropathy groups

role of surgery in the management of resistant tennis elbow

The aim of this work was to evaluate the role of surgery in the management of prolonged disability in patients with tennis elbow not responding to conservative and physiotherapeutic measures. Thirty patients with pain and tenderness confined to the lateral epicondyle were selected. They were 21 males [70%] and 9 females [30%] whose mean age was 40.2 +/- 5.9 years and mean duration of illness was 5.9 +/- 1.2 months. A course of ultrasonic therapy for 3 weeks was started followed by steroid injection on weekly basis for another 3 weeks. Improvement of pain score was encountered in 80.7% of patients, while degree of tenderness was better in 83.4% and functional disability decreased in 83.4%. Six patients had unfavorable outcome after 8 weeks of conservative therapy. Five cases of these patients were selected for surgical release of the common extensor origin with remarkable improvement encountered in all of them and they were able to resume their previous activities in a period ranging from 4 to 8 weeks

Chronic obstructive airway disease: outcome after high abdominal surgery

Twenty four patients with severe obstructive airway disease who required elective high abdominal surgery were studied for the postoperative outcome. All of them had FEVI between 0.3 and 1 liter. The outcome of surgery was successful after their operations. Two patients only required postoperative artificial ventilation. The best predictors for the use of postoperative ventilation were the arterial PO2 whether the patient was dyspnoeic at rest

Nutrient enrichment and its effects on growth and metabolism of chlorella vulgaris and phormidium laminosum

In this study, the dry weight and chlorophyll a content of Chlorella vulgaris and Phormidium laminosum progressively increased with elevation of phosphate and nitrate doses supplemented to the culture media. The accumulation of total carbohydrates in both organisms were suppressed at all phosphate levels, but in Phormidium, it was stimulated under nitrate treatments. Both salts singly caused a drop in nitrate uptake which was associated by decrease in protein and total nitrogen contents. All phosphate levels stimulated the phosphorus absorption from the media and the phosphorus contents of both organisms while, the nitrate effect showed no constant trend. Irrespective of some fluctuations there was a clear trend for the mixture effects which are expressed by increase in dry weight, chlorophyll a, total carbohydrate accumulation, nitrate uptake, phosphorus uptake and contents in both algae. Total nitrogen and protein accumulation were adversely affected in most mixture treatments. Lowering the concentration of either phosphate or nitrate in both algal cultures below control levels suppressed the growth and inactivate the physiological processes. The N/P uptake ratios were generally decreased following limitation and/or enrichment with nitrate and phosphate