Algae Photobioreactor
An algae photobioreactor (PBR) is a device that can contain and grow algae. This self contained system is a controllable environment in which to grow algae, and where the supply of light, nutrients, carbon dioxide, air, and temperature can be regulated. See the section on Algae Media for more information on culure characteristics. As an algae photobioreactor is a totally enclosed system it is generally more expensive than an open system. However, there are several major advantages as the bioreactor can prevent or at least minimise contamination (from other algae species and bugs), and allows easier cultivation of one algae strain. It also offers better control over a range of other growing conditions , like the pH, light, carbon dioxide, and temperature. In addititon to this a closed system reduces evaporative water losses, and has lower carbon dioxide losses which all-in-all means higher cell concentrations. In other words there are more grams of algae produced per litre of water. One of the products that can be grown in these systems is Spirulina, which is thought to have been a food source for the Aztecs and other Mesoamericans. Cortés' soldiers even described the harvesting and sale of algal cakes from Lake Texcoco. More recently at a UN World Food Conference, Spirulina was lauded as the 'best food for the future' and a number of Aid agencies are providing high protein algae powder mixed with flour to starving people. NASA and the European Space Agency have also indicated that Spirulina might be one of the primary foods to be grown during long space missions. Lately in the news there are reports that NASA and a commercial company are exploring the process of making biofuels from algae. Other uses include cosmetics, animal feed, and fertiliser. This certainly is an exciting and rewarding area! Want to explore for yourself?
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