1. Jeffrey Yau and Christina George Manhasset Science Research
Developing New Working Protocols and Bioreactor Designs to Enhance Biomass Growth and Energy Yield in Schizochytrium limacinum and C.reinhardtii
Jeffrey Yau and Christina George
Manhasset Science Research

2. Background
The use of bioreactors to combat the growing problem of greenhouse gases has been extensively studied in recent decades.
(Chisti, 2007)

3. Mostly due to car emissions and industrial factories. (Hopwood,
The U.S. has reported a 3.3% increase of carbon dioxide emissions in the past year
Mostly due to car emissions and industrial factories. (Hopwood,
2007)
The red line shows the trend together with seasonal variations. The black line indicates the trend that emerges when the seasonal cycle has been removed.

4. Raceway Pond Design
A raceway pond is made of a closed loop recirculation channel
(Chisti, 2007)

5. Tubular Photo Bioreactor Design
Consists of straight transparent tubes either made out of glass or plastic (also known as solar collectors)
(Chisti, 2007)

6. Control: Airlift Design
A self-contained bioreactor
Utilizes a baffle to re-circulate the bacteria in suspension
Taken on: December 21, 2008

7. Organism: S.limacinum Contains pigments for photosynthesis
Known to contain EPA, DHA, and omega-3 fatty acids
Reliable source of oil production for biodiesels
(Kamlangdee, 2003)

8. Organism: C.reinhardtii
Contains an enzyme called hydrogenase that allows creation of hydrogen
(Tiede, 2008)
Ability to produce hydrogen under anoxic conditions
(Fouchard, 2005)
Magnified 3000X

9. Tubular Photo Bioreactor design for algal cultures
Molina Grima; et al (2001): Experiment on tubular photobioreactors using P. tricornutum
Tested tubular diameter on the amount of sunlight that penetrated through the culture broth

10. Polyunsaturated fatty acids production by Schizochytrium sp.
Kamlangdee (2003): Experiment on polyunsaturated fatty acids production by Schizochytrium sp.
Found single isolate reliable in production of DHA

11. Hydrogen as Clean Fuel Via Continuous Fermentation by Anaerobic Photosynthetic Bacteria
Continuous hydrogen production via fermentation of synthesis gas
(Najafpour, 2003)

12. Purpose
Therefore the purpose of this experiment was to create a bioreactor design that would enhance growth rate and energy yield in Schizochytrium limacinum and C.reinhardtii

13. Hypothesis
Null Hypothesis: No difference will be found in either bioreactor design
Alternate Hypothesis: A significantly more amount of growth in both micro-organisms will occur in the Tubular Photobioreactor compared to the Raceway Pond

14. Photo Bioreactor utilizing Airlift Bioreactor
Methodology
Problem: What is the most efficient design for a photo bioreactor to enhance the energy yield and growth rate of Schizochytrium limacinum and C.reinhardtii?
Control Group:
-Growth medium under normal conditions.
-Growth rate in Airlift Bioreactor
Independent Variable 1:
Growth of Schizochytrium limacinum
Dependent Variables:
-Oil Extracted from Hexane
-Hydrogen collected from C.reinhardtii
-Three different sized tubes (0.01m, 0.012m, 0.019m)
An ANOVA test will be used to statistically analyze the data (p<.05). The Scheffe post hoc test will be used.
Schizochytrium limacinum will be obtained from atcc.org. The Glucose Yeast Extract Medium will contain 1g of Yeast Extract, 1g of Peptone, 5.0g of Glucose, and 1L of 15% Natural Seawater in a 1000mL Volumetric flask. The yeast extract, glucose, and the Natural Seawater will be obtained from Carolina Biological. Peptone will be obtained from Flinn Scientific.
Growth Projection: 4 weeks
Independent Variable 2:
Growth of C.reinhardtii
Photo Bioreactor utilizing Airlift Bioreactor
Measurement of Biomass yield (once daily from start of experimentation) using Aquafluor Fluorometer
C.reinhardtii will be obtained from Carolina, the Biological Vendor. The C.reinahrdtii will be cultured in a fresh water tank, with a 12 hour supply of light, and oxygen. The algae will be kept at around 70 degrees Fahrenheit and cultured with a 10% Algal growth medium.
Raceway pond utilizing and producing the algae’s energy
Measurement of Biomass yield using Spectrophotometer (Wavelength at 610nm)
Measurement of the effect of carbon dioxide on pH levels (Using Co2 Sensor on GLX and pH paper)