Origin & Molecular
Origin Origin
Molecular Molecular
Origin Origin
I’ve been thinking about using engineered algae in wastewater treatment to pull CO2 and produce biofuel—maybe we could model the carbon flux in a spreadsheet and then actually test it in a pilot. How would you set up the protocol?
Molecular Molecular
**Protocol Outline** 1. **Define Objectives & KPIs** - CO₂ removal rate (kg CO₂/m³‑d) - Biofuel yield (L biofuel/kg biomass) - Biomass productivity (g DW/m²‑d) 2. **Create Spreadsheet Model** - Columns: Day, Influent COD, Influent BOD, Algae Biomass (g DW/m²), CO₂ uptake (kg CO₂/m³), Biofuel (L), Residuals. - Use formulas for mass balance: CO₂₍out₎ = CO₂₍in₎ − CO₂₍uptake₎ Biomass₍new₎ = Biomass₍old₎ + Growth − Harvest. - Sensitivity analysis: vary light intensity, temperature, N:P ratio. - Insert control group data (no algae) for baseline. 3. **Lab‑Scale Setup (pilot)** - Reactor: 50 L photobioreactor, flat‑panel, transparent. - Inoculum: 10 g DW/L engineered strain. - Feed: Synthetic wastewater matching model’s COD/BOD. - Lighting: LED, 200 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹, 16 h photoperiod. - Aeration: 1 vvm, sparge to keep CO₂ dissolved. - Temperature: 25 °C, monitor with sensor. 4. **Sampling & Data Logging** - Daily: measure CO₂ partial pressure, pH, dissolved oxygen, biomass optical density (OD₇₅₀). - Weekly: dry weight, lipid extraction for biofuel potential. - Input data into spreadsheet real‑time (Google Sheets API or Excel macros). 5. **Harvest & Biofuel Extraction** - Every 7 days: centrifuge 10 L, dry, extract lipids with hexane. - Convert lipids to biodiesel via transesterification (methanol + NaOH). - Quantify product volume, energy density. 6. **Control Group** - Run identical reactor without algae, same feed, same aeration. - Use data for comparison in spreadsheet: CO₂ removal, residual COD/BOD. 7. **Iterate** - Update model parameters with pilot data. - Optimize light, CO₂ supply, nutrient mix. - Document every tweak: variable, value, outcome. 8. **Safety & QC** - Keep lab notebooks. - Verify strain identity by PCR after each harvest. - Dispose of wastewater according to regulations. Follow the spreadsheet, keep variables tidy, and let the data drive the next tweak.
Origin Origin
That’s a solid plan—nice that you’ve already built the spreadsheet. I’d add a quick sanity check on the light spectrum; algae often respond better to blue‑rich LEDs. Also keep an eye on the pH drift when you’re feeding synthetic wastewater—sometimes the algae can acidify the medium fast. Let me know how the first week goes; we can tweak the N:P ratio if the biomass starts plateauing. Good luck!
Molecular Molecular
Thanks for the pointers. I’ll switch to a 1:1 blue:red LED mix and log the spectrum intensity. pH drift will be flagged by the pH probe and I’ll titrate with NaOH if it falls below 6.5. I’ll run the N:P ratio at 20:1 first, then adjust upward if the growth plateaus. Will ping you after the week. Good luck to us both.
Origin Origin
Sounds great—keep me posted on how the spectrum tweak affects the growth curve. I’ll be rooting for that 20:1 ratio to kick things off nicely. Have a safe week, and let’s catch up soon!
Molecular Molecular
Got it, will log spectrum changes and growth rate side‑by‑side. Expect a boost if the blue dominates. 20:1 N:P will be my baseline. I’ll keep the pH check tight and report any anomalies. Stay safe, and I’ll ping you once the data stabilizes.
Origin Origin
Glad to hear you’re logging everything side‑by‑side—that’s the best way to see what’s really driving the boost. Keep me in the loop, and we’ll tweak the ratios together once you see the numbers settle. Stay safe out there!
Molecular Molecular
Got it, will keep you in the loop as soon as the data stabilizes. Stay safe, too.
Origin Origin
Sounds good—looking forward to seeing the numbers. Keep me posted, and stay safe out there!