This book presents the latest developments and recent research trends in the field of plankton, highlighting the potential ecological and biotechnological applications. It critically and comprehensively discusses strain selection, growth characteristics, large-scale culturing, and biomass harvesting, focusing on the screening and production of high-value products from algae, and evaluating carbon dioxide sequestration from fuel gas as a climate change mitigation strategy. The latter areas of research are clearly central to the sustainable development approach that is currently attracting global attention.

Over the decades, much of the literature on has focused on the biological and ecological aspects of phytoplankton found in freshwater, marine and brackish water environments. However, these organisms are known to also inhabit various other environments. More recently, there has been a substantial shift toward the concept of sustainable development and the "green economy" withemphasis on exploiting biological systems for the benefit of mankind. The significance of these plankton cannot be underestimated as they contribute approximately 40% of the oxygen in the atmosphere. Therefore, there is potential for exploitation of this invaluable biomass source that could lead to significant environmental and economic benefits for man.

Providing a comprehensive outline of the most recent developments and advances in the field of industrial applications of these plankton, this book is an excellent reference resource for researchers and practitioners.

Autorentext
Dr. P. Santhanam is an assistant professor at the Department of Marine Science, School of Marine Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India. He obtained his M.Sc, M. Phil and Ph.D Degrees in Marine Biology, from the C.A.S. in Marine Biology, Annamalai University. He has over 19 years of research and 11 years of teaching experience with over 130 publications in national and internationally respected journals, books and proceedings. He specializes in the areas of marine planktonology & aquaculture with reference to biodiversity, taxonomy, biology and culture of phyto and zooplankton for fish larviculture. He has successfully completed 5 major research projects funded by UGC, DST, DBT & SERB (Govt. of India) and is currently involved in 2 major research projects funded by the UGC & MoEF& CC (Govt. of India). He is a member in several scientific bodies and has served as an editorial board member for over 5 journals and as a reviewer for over 25 leading national and international journals. He received the DST Young Scientist Award in 2007, KTSTM Trust Best Researcher Award, and the Prof. Dr. M. Aruchami Award from Kongunadu Arts & Science College & Dr. M. Aruchami Research Foundation for his extraordinary contribution to Indian live-feed aquaculture, especially copepod. He has been expert-member of various committees.  
Mrs. Ajima Begum is currently an assistant professor at the Department of Botany, Tihu College, Tihu, Nalbari, Assam, India. Before joining in Tihu College, she worked as an assistant professor at B. N. College, Dhubri, Assam. She also served as a research investigator at NIRD-NERC, in the project entitled Training-cum-Documentation for Establishing Rural Industries of Medicinal and Aromatic plants in North Eastern Region. She has published over 10 research articles in leading national and international journals and participated in more than 6 national and international level trainings, conferences and seminars.

****Dr. P. Perumal is a professor & head of the Department of Biotechnology, Periyar University, Salem, Tamil Nadu, India. Prior to his appointment at Periyar University, he was a faculty research associate, lecturer, reader and professor at the C.A.S. in Marine Biology, Annamalai University, where he received his Ph. D., Degree in 1989. He is also passed the UGC-National Educational Test in 1985. He has over 30 years of research experience with about 150 publications to his credit. His research interests include molecular taxonomy and live-feed aspects of plankton, fish larviculture and antibiotic principles/drugs from marine bioresources. He has successfully completed many major research projects funded by ICAR, MoES, DRDO, UGC (Govt. of India) and is currently co-ordinating the DST-FIST programme. He is a member of the Academic Council, Senate, Board of Research Studies, chairman of PG-Board of Studies in Biotechnology & Bioinformatics (of Periyar University) and a member of the Board of Studies at various colleges and universities. He was the chairman of the Periyar University Institutional Animals Ethical Committee & co-ordinator of the Periyar University Patent Facilitation Centre & Industrial MOU, an expert-member of the European Commission (EC) Projects Review committee, scientist member of Govt. Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College Institutional Animal Ethics committee and Scientific Advisory committees. He is also a reviewer/editor for several national & international journals.

Inhalt

 An introduction to Plankton.- Methods of Collection, Preservation and Taxonomic Identification of Marine Phytoplankton.- Study on Molecular Taxonomy and Phylogenetic Analysis of Phytoplankton.- Replacement of Fishmeal with Arthospira (Spirulina) platensis and its Use in Freshwater Prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii Juvenile Production.- A Method of Bio-Efficacy Potential of Microalgae (Phytoplankton) for the Control of Vector Mosquitoes.- Isolation, Culture and Application of Marine Microalga Dunaliella salina (Volvocales, Chlorophyceae) as an Aqua Feed Additive.- Strain Selection and Lipid Characterization of Marine Diatoms with Potential for Biodiesel Production.- Bioremediation of Wastewater using A Novel Method of Microalgae Immobilized on Twin Layer Recirculation System.- The techniques in microalgae bioremediation and algal co-product development.- Detection of Cyanotoxins of Cyanobacterial (Microcystis aeruginosa) Strain Using Microtox® Bioluminescence Bioassay.- A method of analysis of pigments in phytoplankton.- Surface bioengineering of diatom by amine and phosphate groups for efficient drug delivery.- A study on the impact of acidification on morphometry, photosynthesis and biochemical composition of phytoplankton.- Distribution of Phytoplankton in Selected Salt Pans of Tamil Nadu, Southeast coast of India.- A study of carbon sequestration by phytoplankton.- Mass Scale Culture and Preparation of Microalgal Paste.- An estimation of antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of microalgae.- A method of extraction, purification, characterization and application of bioactive compounds from phytoplankton.- Potential Harmful Microalgae in Muttukkadu Backwater, Southeast Coast of India.