Download PG Candidates - UKZN`s School of Life Sciences

Algal Technologies Lab
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Towards
understanding
thermal
stress
tolerance
mechanisms of zooxanthellae in South African corals
The present study is aimed at investigating the aspects of
the physiology and morphology as well as genetic
identification of zooxanthellae in response to increasing
temperatures and light intensities in the intertidal rocky
pools of KwaZulu Natal coastline. This project explores the
devastating effects of coral bleaching associated with rising
sea surface temperatures and light due to climate change
and other anthropogenic activities. Coral bleaching has
become a major global threat to reefs. In corals, both coral
animal and the zooxanthellae play critical roles in resilience
Siviwe E. Babane (MSc. Candidate)
and resistance to bleaching. Details of these roles are still
poorly understood.
BSc Biological Sciences
Walter Sisulu University (Unitra),
BSc Hons. Zoology
Walter Sisulu University (Unitra),
MSc. Marine Biology
University of KwaZulu Natal (Life Sciences)
Supervisor(s)
Telephone: 031 260 1634
Cellphone: 073 012 0167
Email: [email protected]
Dr. Aluwani Nemukula
Dr. David Glassom
Study of Microbial Communities in Brine Evaporation
Ponds: Analysis and Identification of the TOC Problem
This study aims to identify the cause of the increased
numbers of the green algae Dunaliella salina (D. salina)
cells in the brine evaporation ponds at the Botash
Production site. The D. salina cells are causing an increase
in Total Organic Carbon (TOC) in the final products of salt
and soda ash produced at the site which prevents these
products from being sold as the TOC levels are above the
stipulated limit. This project will aim to identify the exact
Vrishthi Rambaran (MSc Candidate)
cause of the increase in the amount of D. salina cells
present in the ponds and also determine if there are any
BSc Microbiology and Genetics (University of the
Witwatersrand)
other casuists of the TOC problem besides the algae cells.
BSc Hons Microbiology (University of the
Witwatersrand)
Supervisor(s)
MSc Biological Sciences (University of Kwa Zulu
Natal)
Dr. Aluwani Nemukula
Prof Y Naidoo
Telephone: 031 260 1634
Cellphone: 084 752 4609
Email:[email protected]
Dr. Paul Joslin
High-value products from microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris)
Chlorella vulgaris is a freshwater species of algae which
produces highly valuable compounds. These compounds
possess immense potential the medical, cosmetic, culinary
spheres and has been shown to be viable environmentally
friendly source of energy.
The following study aims to analyze the various high value
metabolites found in the biomass of Chlorella vulgaris.
Chlorella vulgaris will be subjected to culturing in a BG-11
before harvesting and extracting the various compounds. It
will also be introduced in a medium which contains sodium
acetate to view the impact on lipid concentrations present
Reuben Riley Rampersad (Hons Candidate)
BSc Biological Science (University of Kwa-Zulu
Natal),
Telephone: 031 260 1634
Email:[email protected]
Supervisor(s)
Dr Aluwani Nemukula
Development of Genetic Engineering Techniques in
Dunaliella salina
This study aims to determine the potential of
Dunaliella salina as a candidate for genetic
engineering by applying techniques previously
used on other microalgae species. D. salina is a
microalga that thrives in salt evaporation ponds
and is one of the best sources of beta-carotene in
the world, a valuable natural product. It can cause
problems for salt and soda ash producers by
contaminating and lowering the quality of their
products and its biomass is costly to remove.
Brendan Sean Stanley (Hons. Candidate)
Through the use of genetic engineering techniques,
BSc Marine Biology (University of Kwa-Zulu Natal)
the beta-carotene production of D. salina could be
Telephone: 031 260 1634
maximised, creating a new revenue source for
Cellphone: 083 540 8955
these same companies.
Email: [email protected]
Supervisor(s):
Mr. Aluwani Nemukula