Modeling Bio-Fuel Production Through Algal Growth: Growth Kinetics
Location
CSU Ballroom
Start Date
16-4-2013 10:00 AM
End Date
16-4-2013 12:00 PM
Student's Major
Mechanical and Civil Engineering
Student's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Mentor's Name
Stephen Druschel
Mentor's Department
Mechanical and Civil Engineering
Mentor's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Description
It is known that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have the potential to alter earth's climate for the foreseeable future and many of Earth's natural resources such as water and phosphorus will also become scarce in the coming years as economically viable sources of these materials run out. A viable alternative to GHG emissions has not yet been conceived and could take many years to implement once found. While these alternatives are being explored it will be necessary to reduce GHG emissions as much as possible while still being able to have necessities such as electricity and transportation. The production of bio-fuel from micro-algae can address this concern. Oil production from high lipid content algae can be used with little to no modification to the energy infrastructure of the United States. Methane can also be harnessed through anaerobic digestion after oil extraction to further enhance the production of bio-fuels from algae. This work proposes to analyze growth characteristics using algal samples from southern Minnesota and comment on the feasibility of constructing large scale bio-reactor plants centered around bio-fuel production.
Modeling Bio-Fuel Production Through Algal Growth: Growth Kinetics
CSU Ballroom
It is known that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have the potential to alter earth's climate for the foreseeable future and many of Earth's natural resources such as water and phosphorus will also become scarce in the coming years as economically viable sources of these materials run out. A viable alternative to GHG emissions has not yet been conceived and could take many years to implement once found. While these alternatives are being explored it will be necessary to reduce GHG emissions as much as possible while still being able to have necessities such as electricity and transportation. The production of bio-fuel from micro-algae can address this concern. Oil production from high lipid content algae can be used with little to no modification to the energy infrastructure of the United States. Methane can also be harnessed through anaerobic digestion after oil extraction to further enhance the production of bio-fuels from algae. This work proposes to analyze growth characteristics using algal samples from southern Minnesota and comment on the feasibility of constructing large scale bio-reactor plants centered around bio-fuel production.
Recommended Citation
Muir, Steven. "Modeling Bio-Fuel Production Through Algal Growth: Growth Kinetics." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 16, 2013.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2013/poster-session-A/41
