Organic Feed Research Articles

Inovasi Pakan Organik pada Ternak Ayam Kampung Super

Public nutrition is essential to obtain a healthy and fit body condition, especially during a pandemic like today. The content of vitamins A, C, magnesium, gelatin, phosphorus, and antioxidants in chicken meat can help build the immune system to fight viruses. Besides that, the content of amino acids derived from chicken protein can form antibodies to fight infections. Therefore, raising free-range chickens can be a good business opportunity to fulfill the need for healthy meat from free-range chickens. In addition, it is indicated that the demand for chicken meat in Kendari has yet to be fulfilled, so it must be supplied from other regions. Therefore, raising super free-range chickens can be a promising solution and business opportunity with a maintenance pattern that is not too complicated, where even a not-too-large area of ​​land can be used as a place for its maintenance. Even so, the obstacle free-range chicken breeders face is the slow growth of free-range chickens, which can take 4-6 months to produce 1 kg body weight. But now, this problem can be overcome by the presence of super-free-range chickens or super Javanese chickens, which are the result of crosses between male local native chickens and breeder breeders that have fast growth characteristics. With a maintenance pattern that is not too complicated, where even a not-too-large area of ​​land can be used as a place for its maintenance. The body and flesh still show the type of free-range chicken but with organic care, without drugs, and with organic feed.

Особливості росту дволіток веслоноса (Polyodon spathula Walbaum, 1792) в умовах ставового господарства Лісостепу України

Purpose. To investigate the peculiarities of growth of age-1+ paddlefish depending on water temperature and quantitative parameters of zooplankton development in ponds of the forest-steppe zone of Ukraine. Methodology. Age-1+ paddlefish, a North American zooplanktophagus were reared in polyculture with cyprinids in a 72-hectare pond using semi-intensive technology. The stocking density of age-1 paddlefish with an average weight of 86.5 g was 59 fish/ha, with a total stocking density of 2,402 fish/ha for all objects of polyculture. The intensification measures included fertilization of ponds with traditional organic fertilizers and feeding of carp with feed mixtures based on waste from the processing of agricultural raw materials of plant origin. The study of the intensity of development of the natural food supply and physicochemical parameters of water was carried out according to the methods generally accepted in hydrobiology and hydrochemistry. Determination of piscicultural parameters and growth characteristics of age-1+ paddlefish was carried out using methods common in ichthyology based on the dynamics of body weight gains in absolute and relative values. Findings. The conditions of the pond environment during most of the period of rearing of age-1+ paddlefish met the biological requirements of this species. A periodic decrease in the content of oxygen dissolved in water to 3.3-3.5 mgO2/dm3 was noted, which could negatively affect the growth of fish. Water temperature during the fish breeding period varied between 9.8-26.5oC. The average seasonal biomass of phytoplankton and zooplankton of the pond was 16.49 mg/dm3 and 3.92 g/m3, respectively, with a predominance of Cladocera and Copepoda (respectively, 61.0 and 34.5% in the average seasonal biomass) in the quantitative composition of zooplankton. As a result, age-1+ paddlefish reached an average weight of 1318.3 g with a fish productivity of 45.6 kg/ha and a total pond fish productivity of 1162.6 kg/ha. Maximum relative weight gains of paddlefish of 4.25–4.37% per day were observed during the first half of the growing season (mainly in June) at a water temperature of 22–25oC during the period of increase in zooplankton biomass from 3.79 to 10.11 g/m3. Originality. New data were obtained on the growth characteristics of paddlefish depending on environmental conditions of the ponds of the Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine. Practical value. The study results can be used in the process of improving pond aquaculture technologies in Ukraine. Key words: pond aquaculture, paddlefish, growth, zooplankton, water temperature.

Winter cereal species, cultivar, and harvest timing affect trade-offs between forage quality and yield

Volatile feed costs and extreme weather events are contributing to greater economic risk and precarity throughout much of the United States dairy industry. These challenges have prompted dairy farmers to seek ways to reduce feed imports without compromising milk production. For organic dairy farmers, the need to produce more homegrown forage is exacerbated by the high cost and limited supply of organic feed. Integrating winter cereals for forage as part of a double-cropping system is a potential solution, but increasing the amount of forage in dairy cow rations can reduce milk production if the forages are not managed for optimal quality. Organically managed field experiments in Maryland (MD) and New York (NY) were conducted to address two primary objectives: (1) determine the yield and quality of winter cereals—four cultivars each for barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), cereal rye (Secale cereale L.), and triticale (× Triticosecale Wittm. ex A. Camus.)—grown as forage and harvested at different crop growth stages, and (2) evaluate the trade-offs between yield and quality in relation to winter cereal phenology and harvest date. Mean yield at a commonly harvested growth stage, swollen boot (Zadoks 45), was 1.3, 2.2, and 2.2 Mg ha−1 in MD and 1.8, 2.5, and 2.9 Mg ha−1 in NY for barley, cereal rye, and triticale, respectively. Mean relative forage quality (RFQ) at the same growth stage was 180, 158, and 163 in MD and 179, 156, and 157 in NY for the three species. Overall, cereal rye reached swollen boot stage the earliest, barley produced the highest RFQ and retained high quality the longest, and cereal rye and triticale produced the highest yields. Based on these results, farmers should consider barley cultivars if quality is the priority and winter-hardiness is not a concern; cereal rye cultivars if an early harvest is most important; and triticale cultivars if greater harvest schedule flexibility would be most valuable. These findings can be used to better meet the needs of dairy farmers, enhance double-cropping system performance, and improve the synchronization of harvest timing with the specific needs of lactating dairy cows, dry cows, heifers, and calves.

Organic production of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) using organic certified green pea protein and seaweed. Effects on growth, feed conversion and final product quality.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of novel ingredients such as green pea protein and Ascophyllum nodosum, a brown seaweed for the replacement of fish meal in feeds suitable for organic production. The growth, feed utilization and fillet composition of gilthead seabream were examined under a lab scale trial and based on the results a large-scale field trial was conducted in the facilities of Galaxidi marine farms in order to compare a novel feed with a typical commercial feed suitable for organic production.Final weight, growth rate and somatic indices of the fish fed these alternative ingredients did not show significant differences compared to the control group fed the commercial diet. Muscle protein content was higher in the fish fed the higher inclusion level of green pea protein, whereas lipid content was lower in both experimental diets. Fatty acid composition, in terms of n-3 and n-6 polyusaturated (PUFA), eicosapentanoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acid content was higher in the muscle of the fish fed the experimental diets. In the case of the liver, the fatty acid profile reflected the feed composition, and the fish fed the diet with an inclusion of 19% green pea protein showed a lower content of protein and a higher content of n-6 PUFA, and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA).In view of the results obtained, the ingredients assayed in this study could be used in organic feed formulations as alternatives to fish meal obtained from trimmings since no negative effects were detected neither on fish growth, muscle composition, fish health nor end product quality and nutritional value.

MAIN ASPECTS OF THE MANUFACTURER OF ORGANIC PRODUCTS IN UKRAINE

The article is devoted to highlighting the state and prospects for the development of organic production in Ukraine. The main requirements for the production, classification and labeling of organic products of animal and plant origin are presented. The current legal norms governing their certification and circulation are emphasized. The key provisions regarding evaluation and regulation in this field of activity are reflected. The stages of improvement of the domestic legislative framework of organic production are shown on the way of adaptation to European standards.Purpose. To highlight the state and prospects for the development of organic production in Ukraine and the improvement of the legislative framework of organic production on the way to adaptation to European standards. Materials and methods. Methodical analysis and abstract-logical method for summarizing the criteria for evaluating the formation, development and integration of domestic organic production into the structure of the world production of safe products of animal husbandry and crop production. Results. The article describes in detail the development of the organic movement, which is a promising lever for food security in Ukraine. Therefore, the work on the legal regulation of the activities of domestic producers of organic products does not stop. The legislation is improving in the direction of introducing effective state support in this area at the regional and national levels. Of course, organic feed production, animal husbandry and crop production will continue to exist in parallel with non-organic production. However, the principles and relationship of these systems will depend significantly on the availability of energy sources, plant protection products, fertilizers, soil fertility, care for the preservation of the natural environment, ensuring welfare population and its needs in healthy nutrition. In addition, for the restoration of agricultural lands, demining and bioremediation with the use of bacterial and phytoremediation of soil and water resources should be applied. For this, after the liberation of our state, a return to the peaceful management of the national economy is necessary. We believe in the victory and restoration of Ukraine with the help of allied states and people of good will.

Purple echinaceia for the formation of organic feed phytomixtures

Aim. To establish the biological features of the growth and development of purple coneflower, its yield and chemical composition, and technological suitability for use as components of phytomixtures for the purpose of forming organic feed additives for animal feeding. Methods. Field, laboratory, variational statistics. Results. Research has established that purple coneflower needs careful care in the year of sowing. In the coming years, it will be technologically suitable for the procurement of raw materials for medicinal and fodder purposes. Its yield of green mass for the three years of research was 15.6 t/ha, and the yield of dry mass, respectively, was 3.9 t/ha with fluctuations over the years, respectively 13.2-20.0 and 3.3-4.7 t/ha. The content of crude protein in purple coneflower averaged 16.1 %, and according to this indicator it is equal to leguminous herbs. It contains a sufficient amount of fiber and BER, and the feed is fully supplied with potassium, phosphorus and calcium and has good digestibility. The above-ground mass of purple coneflower contains up to 7.4% of polysaccharides, the sum of chicory and kaftaric acids - from 2.2% to 4.3% and hydroxycinnamic acid from 2.1% in stems and 4.9 and 6.4% in total on dry matter. Conclusions. Purple coneflower is a valuable medicinal and fodder plant, which, having a high yield, is technologically suitable for the preparation of raw materials for the formation of phytomixtures in the feeding of farm animals with the aim of obtaining organic livestock products. The biologically active substances of purple coneflower are polysaccharides and organic acids.

THE ORGANIC FODDER TECHNOLOGIES AND DEVELOPMENT OPTIONS OF THE FARM “MIEZĪŠI”, PREIĻI DISTRICT

The research of fodder cultivation technology of the farm "Miezīši" is carried out in the work, comparing it with the situation in Latvia. Calculations of fodder needs and provision of fodder on the farm have been made. Concerning the production of organic feed Conclusions and proposals have been developed. The research has been developed on the basis of the accounting and review documents of the farm "Miezīši", special literature, publications in periodicals, as well as the laws of the Republic of Latvia and other regulatory documents related to the development of the organic livestock sector.

The assessment of fresh fruit bunches supply chain of palm oil independent smallholder farmers in southeast Sulawesi

Palm oil commodity in Indonesia is the cash crop for smallholder farmers especially in the dry land area. This smallholder has contributed to produce Crude Palm Oil (CPO) about more than 40 percent in the supply chain. This study is aimed to identify downstream and upstream in the line of CPO palm oil. Secondly, is to know the role of the actors in the CPO supply chain and its traceability. This study employed the traceability method of networking of CPO supply chain in Southeast Sulawesi. Indonesia. Two research sites were conducted as the implementation of survey, observation, interviews and Focus Group Discussion (FGD). The respondents have chosen from the downstream to upstream of the CPO supply chain. Independent farmers, middlemen, delivery order, and Fruit Fresh Bunches (FFB) mills to produce CPO have been interviewed as the key informant of this research. Traceability study shows that the main source of FFB came from the core of PT. Damai Jaya Lestari both in the research site, plasma, and independent farmer. In North Konawe, the downstream line that farmers sell the FFB to the middlemen then they bring to the agency who has the delivery order from the CPO mills. Meanwhile, in Kolaka District, Independent farmers sold the FFB to the agency who has the contract with the PT. Damai Jaya Lestari in Plasma Village, Poliggona Sub District. In terms of the green economy, waste such empty bunches were limited access for farmers who wanted to proceed with the waste for organic fertilizer and feeding cows. The role and the traceability study show that independent farmers have no access to utilize the waste of empty bunches, no protection from the Damai Jaya Lestari as the CPO mills, and have no institutional farmers as the farmers group.

Effects of Organic Acid and Feed Restriction Intensity on the Performance and Immune Response of Broilers

Effects of Organic Acid and Feed Restriction Intensity on the Performance and Immune Response of Broilers

The 3-D optimization of an axial mixer propeller through high fidelity simulations

Homogeneous mixing is an important process quality indicator in biogas fermenters for introducing fresh organic feed material to certain bacteria groups such as methanogenic bacteria for anaerobic digestion. Energy consumption for mixing processes is one of the highest operational costs in biogas plants. Thus, it is crucial to carefully consider the energy expenditure per generated thrust (the first performance metric of an axial mixer) for a biogas mixer, since biogas plants are considered as a net carbon zero energy plant. There are several different types of mixers. Axial mixers both high speed and low speed together with paddle mixers are most common among various types of mixers used in fermenter tanks. In this study it is planned to improve conventional axial biogas mixer efficiency using computer aided engineering tools for design and optimization. This goal will be achieved by using a parametric design strategy for blade geometry together with the open source CFD analysis suite OpenFOAM for measuring performance metrics (i.e. power, torque, and thrust). The most efficient design will be chosen from a set of design candidates residing inside a reasonably large parametric state space, via maximizing the thrust to power ratio.

Efektivitas Larva Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia Illucens) dalam Mereduksi Pakan Limbah Organik Sawi Putih dan Daun Singkong

Black Soldier Fly (BSF) is an insect that reduces organic waste by utilizing its larvae which will extract energy and nutrients from vegetable waste such as mustard and cassava leaves waste, fruits, food scraps, animal carcasses, and feces as food ingredients. This study aimed to see the effectiveness of BSF larvae in reducing feed organic waste of chicory and cassava leaves. The method used in this research is a laboratory and experimental scale experiment. The results of this study showed that the effectiveness of BSF larvae in reducing organic waste feed on cassava leaf waste samples was 57% for 1x3 feeding frequency, but decreased in 1x1 feeding frequency, which was 40%. While the percentage value of sample reduction by BSF larvae in chicory samples was 53% for 1x3 feeding frequency, but experienced a decrease in 1x1 feeding frequency, which was 38%. The effectiveness level of BSF larvae in reducing waste samples can be said to be effective at 1x3 feeding frequency.

The effect of supplementation perilla seeds (Perilla frutescens) in the diets on feed consumption and digestibility nutrients on ducks

This study aims to determine the digestibility of perilla seeds (Perilla frutescens) in 3 levels (0, 2.5, and 5%) in rations given to local ducks. The research material used was male Mojosari ducks (Day Old Duck) with as many as 90 tails, with an average initial body weight of 35.36 grams. The ration consists of ground corn, pollard, fine bran, soybean meal (SBM), vitamin premix, and perilla seed supplementation. Livestock was separated by three treatments, P0: 100% basal ration without supplementation of Perilla frutescens L seeds; P1: 97.5% basal ration + 2.5% supplementation of Perilla frutescens L. seeds; P2: 95% basal ration + 5% supplementation of Perilla frutescens L. seeds. Duck ducks are kept for two months. The variables observed were crude protein digestibility, crude fat, crude fiber, and organic matter. The results showed a very significant effect (P <0.05) on the digestibility of crude protein, crude fat, and crude fiber and an insignificant effect (P> 0.05) on the digestibility of organic matter and feed consumption. Supplementation of perilla seeds can increase the digestibility of fat and fiber but decreases protein digestibility.

The Training for Triharjo Village’s Stockbreeders on Production of BSF Larve’s Oil as Potential Cosmetic Raw Material

Indonesia has seen a rise in Black Soldier Fly maggots. Maggot farming offers great economic diversification. BSF (maggot) larvae may eat many organic materials, making them special. This helps bioconvert organic waste, which can damage the environment and harm people's health if not treated properly. Protein-rich maggots are animal feed ingredients. Serious maggot cultivation can create new jobs. This maggot culture has a hidden gem that must be removed. Maggot oil studies still produce animal feed. Maggot oil is antibacterial and emollient, making it a cosmetic and medicinal ingredient, according to worldwide studies. Cosmetics use fats as viscosity enhancers or emulsifiers. As a proof of concept, BSF larvae fat will be used in hand cream compositions to show its potential in organic waste processing, animal feed, and health and beauty additives. Naturally, national and international scientific journals and social media have not broadly shared this information and talents. The Cosmetic Engineering study program's Community Service Team shares information, insights, and talents to connect research, education, and community applications. The ITERA Cosmetics Engineering team will train maggot breeders in Triharjo village to increase maggot production and diversify maggot products to boost sales.

Reviu: Ayam petelur organik

Laying hens are one type of poultry that is widely cultivated by breeders for their eggs. Organic products are trending currently because of their better health effects. This research was conducted with a literature study approach and used descriptive analysis. Based on the study we obtained, it was known that the maintenance of organic laying hens must be carried out with organic requirements from all aspects like land, cages, breeds, sources of feed that must be 85% organic sources, was not use chemicals, plants must free from chemical, not use antibiotics or chemical drugs on the treatment (or perhaps with a conversion period) in sick hens. Constraints on the source of organic feed ingredients as well as marketing and consumers of organic products in several areas had made organic farming not widely applied in Indonesia. Organic laying hens have lower egg weight (58 g) and egg production (90%) compared to conventional laying hens (57.5-63 g, 92.31%). However, the mortality rate and the number of broken shell eggs in organic chickens (4%, 1.5%) were better than in conventional laying hens (8.8-9.7%, 3.9%). Based on this study, it can be concluded that the quality and advantage of organic livestock produced has the potential to increase the interest of Indonesian farmers to raise organic livestock.

Bioconversion of cellulose into bisabolene using Ruminococcus flavefaciens and Rhodosporidium toruloides

In this study, organic acids were demonstrated as a promising carbon source for bisabolene production by the non-conventional yeast, Rhodosporidium toruloides, at microscale with a maximum titre of 1055 ± 7 mg/L. A 125-fold scale-up of the optimal process, enhanced bisabolene titres 2.5-fold to 2606 mg/L. Implementation of a pH controlled organic acid feeding strategy at this scale lead to a further threefold improvement in bisabolene titre to 7758 mg/L, the highest reported microbial titre. Finally, a proof-of-concept sequential bioreactor approach was investigated. Firstly, the cellulolytic bacterium Ruminococcus flavefaciens was employed to ferment cellulose, yielding 4.2 g/L of organic acids. R. toruloides was subsequently cultivated in the resulting supernatant, producing 318 ± 22 mg/L of bisabolene. This highlights the feasibility of a sequential bioprocess for the bioconversion of cellulose, into biojet fuel candidates. Future work will focus on enhancing organic acid yields and the use of real lignocellulosic feedstocks to further enhance bisabolene production.

A proteomic approach to identify biomarkers of foal meat quality: A focus on tenderness, color and intramuscular fat traits

Foal meat is considered a healthy alternative to other meat sources and more environmentally sustainable. However, its quality is highly variable and there is lack of knowledge about the molecular mechanisms underlying its determination. Genotype and diet play a relevant role as the main factors that can allow a control of the final quality and the use of high-throughput analytical methods such as proteomics is a way to achieve this lofty goal. This research aimed to study-two breeds (Burguete and Jaca Navarra) supplemented with two different finishing diets: conventional concentrate and straw (C) vs silage and organic feed (S). The proteomic approach built a library of 294 proteins that were subjected to several statistical and bioinformatic analyses. Burguete breed finished with concentrate produced higher meat quality in terms of tenderness, intramuscular fat and color lightness mainly due to the high abundance of energy metabolic proteins. Tenderness was correlated to myofibrillar proteins (ACTA1, MYBPH, MYL1 and TNNC1) and energy metabolic proteins (ALDOA, CKM, TPI1 and PGMA2). Regarding color, the main pathways were energy metabolism, involving several glycolytic enzymes (ALDOA, PKM, PFKM and CKM). Oxidative stress and response to stress proteins (HSPA1A, SOD2 and PRDX2) were further involved in color variation. Moreover, we revealed that several proteins were related to the intramuscular fat accordingly to the breed. This study proposed several candidate protein biomarkers for foal meat quality that are worthy to evaluate in the future.

Studies on the Comparative Effect of Organic and Synthetic Feed on the Growth and Serum Metabolites of Broiler Chicks

Introduction: Modern broiler production efficiency is built on the improved feed for high growth and egg output. Growth performance of broilers greatly influenced by the feed contents. Objective: The objective of this study was to analyze the impact of organic and synthetic feed on the growth, feed utilization and serum metabolites of broilers chicken. Material and Methods: This experiment was conducted for 28 days on broiler chickens. Broilers were divided into five treatments such as T0, T1, T2, T3 and T4. Control group T0 received basal diet. T1 and T2 received organic feed. T3 and T4 received synthetic feed. Results: All the feed were given at the levels of 3% and 6%. Feed were given orally in the form of pellets. Practical implication: Growth performance were observed and recorded at weekly basis. After the completion of trial, blood sample were taken for the analysis of serum metabolites. Conclusion: Results showed that value of WG, absolute weight gain and SGR were increased significantly (p<0.05) in combine treatment T2 (6% organic feed) with respect to T0 (control group). Feed intake and FCR was significantly (p<0.05) in treatment T2. Serum metabolites i.e. cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose and total protein were significantly analyzed (p<0.05).The result of present study explained that T2 having organic feed showed better growth performance of broiler chickens. Keywords: broilers chicken, feed requirement, weight gain, FCR, serum metabolites,

PERSEPSI PETERNAK BEBEK TERHADAP PROGRAM USAHA MIKRO TELUR ASIN ASAP DI DESA SLOROK KECAMATAN DOKO KABUPATEN BLITAR

Cultivation ability is determined by how farmers perceive their business, if they have a good perception, the management provided will also be better. When the research starts from July 2021 to February 2022, the informant selection technique used is non-probability sampling with a purposive selection of informants logic. Determination of key informants is done by taking informants from 4 Hamlets, the data analysis used is the Miles and Huberman Model. Breeders have a positive perception of the smoked salted egg program, a positive perception evidenced by the components and the perception process. Information taken is smoked salted egg center, smoked salted egg processing, and marketing. Farmers argue that this program can advance the village, farmers cannot retrieve information on organic feed.

Comparison of Lipid Properties and Cadmium and Lead Content in Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) Meat from Three Feeding Grounds.

Simple SummaryAs a product originating from the most natural living conditions with free foraging, red deer (Cervus elaphus) meat is becoming increasingly popular among consumers. A greater supply of this type of meat can be ensured by dynamically developing red deer farming on permanent grasslands. The study presents a comparison of the properties of lipids and the content of cadmium and lead in the LL and SM muscles of red deer kept in forest, organic farm, and conventional farm feeding grounds. The greater species and phytoncide diversity in the organic feeding ground enriched the quantitative profile and significantly increased the content of beneficial polyunsaturated fatty acids (FAs) (CLA—conjugated linoleic acid, ALA—alpha-linolenic acid, AA—arachidonic acid, and EPA—eicosapentaenoic acid) and the sum of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), n-6 PUFA, and n-3 PUFA, in comparison with conventional farm and forest feeding grounds. It also contributed to a significantly lower n-6/n-3 ratio in both muscles. The study provides valuable data on the nutritional value and ecological safety of venison, which should be regarded as a health-enhancing food product. Furthermore, the present results can help breeders to make decisions about the locations of farms and the choice of red deer nutrition strategies.The aim of the study was to compare the properties of lipids and the content of cadmium and lead in the meat of red deer (Cervus elaphus) kept in a forest feeding ground (FFG) and on organic and conventional farms in Poland. Longissimus lumborum (LL) and Musculus semimembranosus (SM) muscles were collected for the study from 36 red deer carcasses in an equal sex and age ratio (3 and 4 years old). From April to October, the animals consumed only the vegetation growing in the feeding grounds. The floristic and phytoncide composition, as well as the fodder value, of the feeding grounds were assessed. Additionally, the intramuscular fat and cholesterol content, the profile, sum, and ratios of fatty acids (FAs), lipid nutraceutical parameters, and cadmium and lead content were determined in LL and SM. The plant composition comprised 116 species in the organic feeding ground (OFG) and 78 species in the conventional feeding ground (CFG). The LL and SM muscles of the red deer from the organic and forest feeding grounds exhibited significantly lower amounts of fat and cholesterol than those from the conventional system. The differences in the fatty acid composition between the three groups were quite small. Differences in intramuscular fat content contributed to a higher percentage of PUFAs in the FFG and OFG, in comparison to the CFG. In all types of feeding ground, the cadmium (0.002 to 0.008 mg/kg) and lead (0.009 to 0.019 mg/kg) content determined in the meat did not pose a threat to consumers.

Membrane fouling during algal blooms: Impact of extracellular algal organic matter feed and membrane surface properties

Extracellular organic matter (EOM) released by algae during algal blooms have been reported to present significant challenges for ultrafiltration (UF) fouling management. However, current understanding of the impact of complex interactions between biopolymers in EOM and the impact of membrane surface properties including pore size and roughness on subsequent fouling behaviour is limited. In this study, EOM from Dolichospermum circinale (DC), two strains of Microcystis aeruginosa (MA555 and MA564), and Chlorella vulgaris (CV), were characterised and filtered with three polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) UF membranes. Fouling rate across algal species was found to decrease in the order MA564 > DC > CV > MA555. The high fouling rate of MA564 was attributed to complex carbohydrate aggregation and covalent protein-carbohydrate interactions forming glycoproteins. The biopolymer networks present in MA564 also enhanced fouling reversibility, potentially through electrostatic repulsion interactions with the membrane surface. For DC and MA555, the behaviour of short-term fouling was observed to depend on biopolymer content. Membrane surface roughness influenced the fouling behaviour of DC and MA555, while smaller pore size generally resulted in lower irreversible fouling for all species due to reduced impact of pore blocking. Biopolymers and low molecular weight neutrals (LMWN) were observed to bind to membrane surfaces and pore walls leading to greater chemical cleaning demand for DC and CV, respectively. This study demonstrated the significance of complex biopolymeric interactions elucidated by detailed characterisation methods and the role of membrane pore size and roughness on EOM fouling behaviour towards more effective UF management during algal blooms.