Organic Analysis: Biological Technology
Global mean surface temperatures have increased by 0.6-1.2oF
since the late 19th century. The 20th century's 10 warmest years all occurred
within the last 15 years. Increasing concentrations of greenhouse
gases (CO2, CH4, SOx, NOx, and ozone) are likely to
accelerate the rate of climate change. Among those gases, carbon dioxide is
the biggest concern to the
scientists.
Our major research programs conducted in this field are to develop an
advanced biological technology for effective and efficient recovery of
greenhouse gases resulting from the production and use of fossil fuels.
Photosynthetic microalgae can play a huge role in carbon sequestration,
because they have high photosynthetic rates per
unit biomass and can be cultivated in a compact space. The ultimate goal of
the project, therefore, is to construct a closed photobioreactor, which will
utilize 100% of the CO2 during algal cultivation.
Algal Cultivation
 Various strains of microalgae in cultivation
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 Algal Cultivation for greenhouse gas recovery
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In the clean room, various strains of microalgae have been cultured
considering parameters such as pH, dissolved oxygen, ammonia, carbon dioxide,
optical density, algal cell density, light intensity, and temperature. The
laboratory is equipped with two fume hoods attached with various types of
lamps, a UV-Visible spectrophotometer, a centrifugal separator, gas analyzers
for sensing CO2, O 2, H2S, and
SO2, ion selective electrodes for sensing various emission
gases, pH meters, microscopes, and electric ovens. |
Photobioreactor
 Photo Bioreactor array of 50 light sources
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 Photobioreactor unit for algal cultivation
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In addition, optical studies related to the algal cultivation have
extensively been performed. A photobioreactor unit composed of 50 individual
light sources and bioreactors has been set up in this laboratory. The system
was very effectively utilized in previously sponsored projects, and will be
modified for future programs. There have been a couple of photobioreactors
constructed and applied to the algal cultivation. At the present time,
a 10-L photobioreactor is being constructed.
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Gas Scrubbing System
 Gas Scrubbing in the wet processing room
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In the wet processing room, a gas-scrubbing system has been investigated.
Possible greenhouse gases such as CO 2,
SO 2, etc. have been
successfully separated and utilized for nutrients to support algal
growth. An efficiency of almost 99% for greenhouse gas recovery
has been achieved.
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Researchers
Dr. J. Hwang is the Principle Investigator of the
DOE supported CO2 Bioscrubber Project.
Dr. M. Jeong is assisting Dr. J. Hwang in managing the daily activities in
the project. She is an analytical chemist with
a biology background and supervises the
work of undergraduate and graduate students (Biology
and Chemical Engineering majors at Michigan Technological University).
| For More Information contact: |
Dr. Jim Hwang, Director, IMP
Dr. Mijeong Jeong, Post Doctoral Research Scientist
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| Voice:(906) 487-2600 | Michigan Technological University |
| Fax:(906) 487-2921 |
Institute of Materials Processing |
| E-mail: jhwang@mtu.edu
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Houghton, Mi. 49931 |
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Characterization
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