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Climate Detectives Projects 2023-2024

Project title: Green ideas – using photobioreactors for pollution mitigation

  National selected winner

Ovidius Highschool   Constanta   Romania

Research question

How can we reduce CO2 emissions by using phytoplankton photosistesis capacities.

Summary of the project

The goal of our project is to create an experimental photobioreactor to be used in order to cultivate microalgae (mainly phytoplankton), to fix CO2 and N oxides from the gases resulting from the combustion of fossil fuels, but also to treat wastewater. Thus, greenhouse gas emissions reaching the atmosphere are reduced and photosynthesis is stimulated, which is the basis for the production of algal biomass, which can later be used to extract substances useful in pharmacology, for the production of biodiesel and bioethanol, or can be used as fertilizer. We connect the lab data with the data provided by EO/ satellites in order to see the concentration of chlorophyll at the Romanian Black Sea shore.

Main results and Conclusions

How can we reduce CO2 emissions by using phytoplankton photosistesis capacities.

For the 2 samples we analyzed to have seen a decrease in the volume of the samples, through evaporation, of about 50% in a period of 45 days, with a significant increase in the cell density during the experiment was found; the cell colonies were observed to have increasing sizes, throughout the 16 weeks of observations, and a higher number of cells than initially
During the 5 weeks of sample analysis there was an increase in the chlorophyll concentration by about 20% in the samples exposed to light and with the addition of fertilizer (batch 1) compared to the control samples – from 0, 2 at 0.35 μg chlorophyll/L. Only 5% increases were seen in light-exposed samples
The main components of a photobioreactor are:
1. Light source to provide energy for photosynthesis and algal growth (natural or artificial).
2. Culture vessel (glass, plastic or metal and can take the form of tubes, tanks or bags).
3. Mixing and aeration system in order to prevent stratification and fouling and to provide oxygen for algal growth.
4. Nutrient Delivery System.
5. Harvesting system (centrifuge or filter system).
6. Monitoring and control system: Sensors and controllers to monitor and regulate temperature, light, pH, etc. for algae growth.
The uses and benefits of the photobioreactors are>
• Production of biofuels: biodiesel, ethanol and hydrogen.
• Wastewater treatment: removal of contaminants from wastewater, including nitrogen and phosphorus.
• Air purification: removal of CO2 and other polluting oxides.
• Food and animal feed: production of biomass used for human and animal nutrition (algae biomass is produced 30 times faster than agricultural biomass).
• Pharmaceuticals: Algae are capable of producing numerous substances with potential medical applications.

What’s Next? Actions to make a difference and help lessen the problem

By placing the connected cylinders of a photobioreactor on the external wall of buildings, algal biomass can be obtained, greenhouse gases are captured and an aesthetic aspect can be obtained that can improve the image of the built urban environment. By harnessing the natural photosynthetic capabilities of algae, these photobioreactors offer a sustainable method for capturing carbon dioxide emissions, thereby mitigating the impact of greenhouse gases on the atmosphere. Furthermore, the cultivation of algae for biomass production holds promise as a renewable energy source, potentially reducing dependence on fossil fuels. This fusion of functionality and beauty not only enhances the visual appeal of urban environments but also serves as a tangible reminder of our collective responsibility to innovate for a greener, more sustainable future.

Implementing carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies is crucial. CCS involves capturing CO2 emissions from industrial processes and power plants, transporting it to storage sites, and securely storing it underground or using it for enhanced oil recovery. This prevents CO2 from entering the atmosphere and contributing to global warming.

Projects are created by the teams and they take the full responsibility of the shared data.
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