Growing Algae in Waste Using a Photobioreactor.!!
This time it is NASA that is responsible and the result is a very interesting clean energy alternative… An algae photobioreactor that grows algae in municipal wastewater to produce biofuel and a variety of other products!
Not quite sure what a bioreactor is?
No problem, let us enlighten you. A bioreactor refers to a system or device that supports a biologically active environment. It is usually a vessel inside which a chemical process is carried out that involves organisms or biologically active substances. A photo-bioreactor additionally incorporates some type of light source.
Tell me more about the NASA bioreactor…
It’s called an Offshore Membrane Enclosure for Growing Algae (OMEGA). It consists of large plastic bags inside which forward-osmosis membranes are found. Inside these bags freshwater algae in processed wastewater are grown by photosynthesis. Using energy from the sun, the algae absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and nutrients from the wastewater to produce biomass and oxygen. This biomass can then be converted into abundant and inexpensive fuels!
Omega System (via:newsline)
Any other advantages?
Yes there are two!
- The system utilizes nutrients in wastewater and therefore can be used to remediate water bodies that are contaminated by high nutrient content.
- Algal remains (following the extraction of oil) can be used to produce several different products such as fertilizer, animal feed, cosmetics and other valuable products.
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