Analytical Laboratory Services
Organic
Biological Analysis
Global mean surface temperatures have increased by 0.6-1.2°F 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
Algal Cultivation for
greenhouse gas recovery
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, O2, 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
Photobioreactor unit
for algal cultivation
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.
Gas Scrubbing System
Gas Scrubbing in the wet processing room
In the wet processing room, a gas-scrubbing system has been investigated. Possible greenhouse gases such as CO2, SO2, 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.
