Effect of Growth Media Chemical Composition on Algal Biomass Properties

2011 DOT-RITA Center Award

 

Principal Investigators and affiliations:
PI: Dr. Nurhan Dunford (Oklahoma State University, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Department)
Associate PI: Dr. Danielle Bellmer (Oklahoma State University)
Associate PI: Dr. Douglas Hamilton (Oklahoma State University)
Associate PI: Dr. Ning Wang (Oklahoma State University)

Funded: $74,608

Start Date: 7/11/2011

End Date: 6/30/2014

 

Objectives:

1. Select high performance microalgae strains that are suitable for waste water remediation and high oil accumulation.
2. Design, construct and optimize operating conditions for a 25 L microalgae photo-bioreactor system to maximize oil and biomass production yield.
3. Test and improve the non-destructive real-time process monitoring and control system that has been developed at OSU and develop a mathematical model for calibration of sensors to be used to monitor biomass production in 25 L reactor.
4. Study chemical and physical properties of biomass and oil produced by different microalgae strains grown on swine lagoon waste water and vinasse. Examine the efficiency of nutrient removal and carbon dioxide capture during microalgae growth.
5. Train graduate and undergraduate students and extension personnel on microalgae production.