Problem Statement
Currently, each stage in algae’s biofuel production requires more energy than it produces. In order for algae to become a true contender in the biofuel race, the entire algae-to-oil pathway must be energy positive and environmentally sustainable. This project addresses each step in the oilgae production: cultivation, harvesting, extraction and transesterification. By identifying the obstacles and refining the processes, formulating an economically and environmentally viable green diesel alternative is in the near future.
1. Which wavelength will provide the highest rate of photosynthesis when enhanced with noble gases? The red-orange light spectrum enhanced with Neon gas or the blue-green light spectrum enhanced with Helium gas? Do these wavelengths outperform a natural light spectrum?
2. Will increasing the pH level of Spirogyra’s growing solution prior to harvesting increase algae biomass recovery? Will Sodium Carbonate increase the pH level of the solution? Can an Iron Oxide flocculant increase matrix formation between the algae and flocculant to produce a chemically-free biomass slurry that is sufficient for lipid extraction?
3. Can Spirogyra’s cell wall be fractured using a three-fold critical cell disruption process that engages osmotic shock, homogenization and sonication? Is it more cost efficient then drying the biomass, chemical extraction and solvent recovery?
4. Can Spirogyra’s lipid oil be transesterified more efficiently utilizing ultrasonication and homogenization with a homogeneous base catalysis?
1. Which wavelength will provide the highest rate of photosynthesis when enhanced with noble gases? The red-orange light spectrum enhanced with Neon gas or the blue-green light spectrum enhanced with Helium gas? Do these wavelengths outperform a natural light spectrum?
2. Will increasing the pH level of Spirogyra’s growing solution prior to harvesting increase algae biomass recovery? Will Sodium Carbonate increase the pH level of the solution? Can an Iron Oxide flocculant increase matrix formation between the algae and flocculant to produce a chemically-free biomass slurry that is sufficient for lipid extraction?
3. Can Spirogyra’s cell wall be fractured using a three-fold critical cell disruption process that engages osmotic shock, homogenization and sonication? Is it more cost efficient then drying the biomass, chemical extraction and solvent recovery?
4. Can Spirogyra’s lipid oil be transesterified more efficiently utilizing ultrasonication and homogenization with a homogeneous base catalysis?