Optimization of Environmental Conditions to Maximize Carbon Dioxide Sequestration Through Algal Growth

<p>The micro-alga Chlorella vulgaris was cultivated under a variety of environmental conditions in various culture media solutions to optimize growth rate and biomass productivity. Efforts during this work investigated growth at the micro-scale in an air-lift bubble system with the goal of interpreting performance characteristics for application to a larger tubular Photo-bioreactor. Maximum growth rates and biomass yields were 0.65 d-1 and 2.003 g biomass/L and achieved in seven days using urea in de-ionized water under a 24:0 Photoperiod (Light:Dark). Additionally growth rates and biomass yields of 0.65 d-1 and 1.964 g biomass/L were achieved over the same time period using commercial fertilizers in Charcoal Filtered Tap Water indicating that the alga is robust and tolerant of a wide range of environmental conditions including nutrient composition and water type. CO2 tolerance was investigated to determine the utility of the alga in power plant flue gas remediation schemes. The alga grew in all CO2-in-Air concentrations between ambient air and 50% CO2 with maximum growth occurring at concentrations between ambient levels and 20% CO2-in-Air. Greatest growth was observed in the culture using 15% CO2-in-Air indicating this particular alga may be appropriate for power plant flue gas remediation (13-16% CO2 in flue gas).</p><p>This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore you will see the original copyright references library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world) and other notations in the work.</p><p>This work is in the public domain in the United States of America and possibly other nations. Within the United States you may freely copy and distribute this work as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.</p><p>As a reproduction of a historical artifact this work may contain missing or blurred pages poor pictures errant marks etc. Scholars believe and we concur that this work is important enough to be preserved reproduced and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.</p>