A preliminary investigation into the potential use of a hydrocyclone to concentrate entomopathogenic nematodes from suspension

摘要

A 32-mm diameter hydrocyclone was used to investigate whether the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema carpocapsae could be recovered and concentrated from a dilute suspension. By altering the sizes of the underflow and overflow apertures of the hydrocyclone, it was possible to recover high percentages of the nematodes from the initial suspension in reduced volumes of fluids. All underflow and overflow configurations tested gave an increased concentration of nematodes in the underflow of between 1.26 and 4.55 times the initial feed concentration. The highest nematode concentrations were achieved with a 4-mm underflow and an 8-mm overflow. It is proposed that through further refinements of hydrocyclone performance, it may be possible to utilise hydrocyclones in the recovery and harvesting processes of in vitro nematode production systems.