Algae Growth Research at Institute of Sustainable Engineering
Algae Growth Research at Institute of Sustainable Engineering from Drew Stroud
Algae Growth Research at Institute of Sustainable Engineering

At the Institute of Sustainable Energy and the Environment (ISEE) in Athens, OH, I contributed to algae-based research projects. Working with a graduate student, I studied the effect various metal meshes had on the acidification rate of water. A better understanding of the relationship between metals and acidification rate could lead to a faster growth rate for algae, improving the economics of algae farming. Also while at ISEE, I monitored the progress of algae growing in a specific wastewater medium. This work was funded by a private client who was interested in building a bioreactor to reduce carbon emissions. While in this role I aided in improving experimental setups, generated accurate data on acidification rates, and gained hands-on experience working with bioreactors and sensitive lab equipment.

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You can see both the experimental setup and part of one of ISEE's bioreactors in this picture. The two tanks, and the rectangluar casing towards the left are apart of the bioreactor. The rectangular case houses a membrane used to introduce more air (or specific gas) into the algal media. What material the membrane is made out of may cause different rates of pH change in the media.
This picture is focused on the experimental setup. Basic media is put into a large flask. A tube then bubbles CO2 into the media and we observe pH change. Samples are collected at various time intervals to be analyzed on the TOC machine.
This particular bioreactor uses flexible, transparent tubing so algae can collect synthesized light provided by a couple of LED panels. The color of the light affects algal growth.
In this setup, industrial wastewater was inoculated with algae and left alone. Light is again provided by an LED panel while the flasks are continuously swirled.
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Algae Growth Research at Institute of Sustainable Engineering

At the Institute of Sustainable Energy and the Environment (ISEE) in Athens, OH, I contributed to algae-based research projects. Working with a graduate student, I studied the effect various metal meshes had on the acidification rate of water. A better understanding of the relationship between metals and acidification rate could lead to a faster growth rate for algae, improving the economics of algae farming. Also while at ISEE, I monitored the progress of algae growing in a specific wastewater medium. This work was funded by a private client who was interested in building a bioreactor to reduce carbon emissions. While in this role I aided in improving experimental setups, generated accurate data on acidification rates, and gained hands-on experience working with bioreactors and sensitive lab equipment.

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Drew Stroud
Mechanical Engineer Focused on Environmental Solutions Indianapolis, IN