Algae as a Biofuel
Results Fall 2010
Biofuels and Algae
Characteristics of Algae
Important Factors for Algae Growth
Scenedesmus dimorphus
Large Scale Algae Cultivation
Light Intensity Experiments
Light Intensity Setup
Light Intensity Growth Curves
Light Intensity Lipid Yields
Nitrate Concentration Experiments
Growth Curve For Nitrate Study
Conclusions about Scenedesmus Dimorphus
Future Work
Future Work Continued
Bold Basal’s Growth Medium

Conclusions about Scenedesmus Dimorphus
Light Intensity Study:
Optimum Light Intensity 400 ft-c to 600 ft-c
Since growth rates are similar=>More economic to use 400 ft-c
Excess exposure to light is detrimental to growth rate and lipid yield
Nitrate Concentration Study:
Optimum Nitrate Concentration between 0.1 g/L and 0.4 g/L
Nitrogen from atm diffuses into solution in Deficient Solution
Excess Nitrate also seems to be detrimental to algae growth
Study still underway