Bulletin Autumn 1977

human effluents can be used t o produce edible protein, while cotton waste, sawdust , banana leaves and cereal straw can grow edible mushrooms, and, in turn, the spent composts can become good organic fertilizer. Recycling of wastes will also help to reduce the pollution hazard. The RUPP is therefore carrying out the following streams of research: (1) Production of food protein from treated sewage wastes (2) Production of straw mushroom from cotton waste and used tea leaves Production of Food Protein from Treated Sewage Wastes The effluent and sludge from this University's Sewage Treatment Plant is used for intensive aquacultures through successive steps in the food chain of algae, shrimp, fish, etc., and for the cultivation of certain economic plants. The dumping of large amounts of effluent carrying nutrient materials into the shallow Tolo Harbour would cause severe environmental hazards. These nutrients can be cleansed up from the effluent by using an efficient algae culture system, which, at the same time , is capable of producing food and plants of economic value. This research project is to be carried out in two parts: (1) Selection of suitable algae specie s for cultivation with sewage effluent and sludge and of plant species of high economic value for hydroponic cultures; (2) Determination of the effectiveness of removin g nutrients by the algae cultures from the sewage effluent and sludge. Research results may be applied to mariculture on a large scale. Production of Straw Mushroom from Cotton Waste and Used Tea Leaves A neglected source of high quality protein is edible mushrooms, which can be eaten directly and are palatable. Mushrooms in general can supply additional protein in meeting the great demand create d by the increasing world population. The straw mushroom, in particular, is suitable in the tropical/subtropical countries for this purpose.