Eutrophication

Cyanobacteria Defined: Also referred to as blue-green algae.
Autotrophic Classification: Cyanobacteria perform photosynthesis, making them autotrophic bacteria.
Ecological Impact: Difficult to control due to lack of aquatic organisms that consume them; overabundance can result in hypoxic (low oxygen) conditions.
Biodiversity: Various species of cyanobacteria can coexist and proliferate in an ecosystem.

Geographical Significance: Lake Okeechobee, covering an area of 1900 sq km, is the largest freshwater lake in Florida and serves as the 'liquid heart' of the Greater Everglades Ecosystem.
Water Flow: Water from Lake Okeechobee flows southwards towards the Everglades, playing a critical role in the hydrology of the region. (Source: USACE and SEWMD)

Nutrient Loading: Occurs primarily from Central Florida, contributing to the proliferation of cyanobacterial species.
Harmful Species Identified: Notable harmful cyanobacterial species include Microcystis, Anabaena, and Cylindrospermopsis.
Toxins Produced: Cyanobacteria can synthesize more than 80 different congeners of microcystin, which are toxic compounds.
Scale of Blooms: In 2018 and 2019, cyanobacterial blooms covered approximately 60% (1200 sq km) of Lake Okeechobee, posing risks to local communities that use lake water for drinking.
Economic Costs: Estimated medical costs from exposure range from $240 to $560 million, and tourism losses exceed $1 billion due to water quality issues and aesthetic degradation.
Environmental Degradation: Foul odors and air quality problems arise from algal blooms, affecting property values and quality of life. (Data derived from EWG, 2020)

Concept: Investigating the potential to convert waste products from one system (cyanobacteria) as a resource for agricultural development (biofertilizer).

Micro-flotation Technique: The method involves using buoyancy to separate cyanobacteria from water – "Float it up, skim it off".
Algae Harvester: A custom-built mobile algae harvester is capable of processing between 100-175 gallons of water per minute and producing up to 1,000 gallons of algae biomass within an 8-hour operation.

Nitrogen Content Comparison: Typical nitrogen (N) content in poultry manure (PM) used in South Florida is between 1.5 to 2.3%, with an absence of iron (Fe), which is critical as South Florida soils are often deficient in Fe.
Cost Considerations: Chelated iron is expensive, making the iron content in cyanobacteria particularly valuable.

Key Treatments and Measurement Metrics:
- Parameters measured included plant height, stem diameter, shoot dry weight, root dry weight, and overall yield.
- Control and experimental treatments were established:
- Control: Average Values:
  - Plant Height: 45.3 ± 3.68 cm (b)
  - Stem Diameter: 0.78 ± 0.08 cm (a)
  - Shoot Dry Weight: 26.71 ± 4.61 g (b)
  - Root Dry Weight: 5.61 ± 0.88 g (b)
  - Yield: 73.38 ± 5.27 g (b)
- TS (Full Synthetic): Average Values:
  - Plant Height: 62.8 ± 4.81 cm (a)
  - Stem Diameter: 1.08 ± 0.16 cm (a)
  - Shoot Dry Weight: 47.92 ± 6.99 g (ab)
  - Root Dry Weight: 8.37 ± 1.95 g (ab)
  - Yield: 120.98 ± 9.42 g (a)
- TB (Full Biofertilizer): Average Values:
  - Plant Height: 61.3 ± 5.16 cm (a)
  - Stem Diameter: 1.11 ± 0.13 cm (a)
  - Shoot Dry Weight: 55.01 ± 7.62 g (a)
  - Root Dry Weight: 11.58 ± 2.16 g (a)
  - Yield: 130.34 ± 8.78 g (a)
- HH (Half and Half): Average Values:
  - Plant Height: 58.3 ± 3.68 cm (ab)
  - Stem Diameter: 1.05 ± 0.13 cm (a)
  - Shoot Dry Weight: 37.07 ± 3.92 g (ab)
  - Root Dry Weight: 7.59 ± 0.78 g (ab)
  - Yield: 110.18 ± 12.36 g (ab)

SPAD Meter Readings: Leaf chlorophyll content was measured for various treatments throughout the growth period:
- Week 4 to Week 7 SPAD readings demonstrated variability:
- Control, Full Synthetic, Full Biofertilizer, and Half and Half treatments were all evaluated, indicating different levels of chlorophyll content.
- The readings are further illustrated in charts comparing the chlorophyll content through various times.

Project Overview: Focused on using cyanobacteria biofertilizers to improve crop productivity, enhance soil health, and promote agricultural sustainability in Florida.
Financial Overview: Project type includes research and education with a budget of $242,000, ending between March 2021 and March 2024, under Florida International University.
Principal Investigator: Sanku Dattamudi, with contributions from co-investigators across multiple departments at Florida International University.
Other Relevant Agricultural Commodities: Included vegetables such as okra and tomatoes.
Practices Promoted:
- Crop Production
- Nutrient Management
- Organic Agriculture
- Soil Quality and Health

Research Objectives:
1. Evaluate the effects of cyanobacteria biofertilizer against other organic fertilizers (chicken manure, vermicompost).
2. Enhance education and experiences in STEM for young scholars, particularly for women.
3. Increase awareness and dissemination of organic fertilizer options among local farmers.
Experimental Setup: Conducted in raised beds at Florida International University, all fertilizers were prepared and their effects on plant growth were monitored.
Measurements Taken: Included growth metrics over a span of 70 days, comparing effects of cyanobacteria with traditional fertilizers.

Chlorophyll Analysis: Chlorophyll content was reported at various stages, outlining differences based on fertilizer treatments. Notably, decreases were observed in artificial vermicompost and cyanobacteria treatments from weeks 4 to 6.
Conclusions and Insights Knowledge Gained:
1. Gained insights into sustainable agriculture practices and the importance of each fertilizer in plant growth.
2. Learned to measure and monitor critical plant growth parameters using specific instruments such as SPAD and green seeker.
3. Developed laboratory skills related to soil and biomass analysis.

Advantages:
- Low production costs and ease of creation.
- High nutrient content, particularly iron (Fe).
- Favorable C:N ratio and readily available nutrients, promoting nutrient mineralization.
- Proven to enhance crop growth more effectively than control treatments and comparably to synthetic fertilizers.
- Ability to improve soil health remains a focus for future research.