Are Algae Farms a Solution?
In the 1980s, research programs at the DOE (1) and other labs focused on establishing large algae farms in the most sun-drenched regions of the U.S. Several algae farms were tested in the U.S. based on the use of open, shallow ponds using some source of carbon dioxide waste as algae feedstock. However, these “raceway” designed algae ponds had several disadvantages. (A “raceway” is an oval pond that looks like a race track). 1. Limited biomass production due to the limited pond depth – in these designs the ponds are kept shallow to keep the algae exposed to ample amounts of sunlight 2. High contamination danger with other life forms – open pond system are prone to contamination with other life form which will eventually compete with the algae for important nutrients, therefore, lowering the desired biomass production 3. Dependency on adequate on-site sources of carbon dioxide to assure high biomass production – the availability of suitable and high sources of waste CO2, ideally coal, an
Related Questions
- GreenCell’s algae farms are enclosed and nutrients are recycled to make the most efficient use of resources. Can the GreenCell system use feed water streams that are high in nutrients such as phosphorous and nitrogen?
- My aquarium is suffering from an algae problem, what is the solution?
- Are Algae Farms a Solution?
