(Moved) Mass Algae Farm for Carbon Sequestration

In summary, the conversation discussed the idea of cultivating algae on a large scale by building massive ponds, seeding them with initial culture of algae, and repeating the process of filtering and dehydrating the algae. The speaker had some questions about algae's growth rate, factors that can increase biomass production and doubling rate, and its sensitivity to contamination. It was mentioned that doubling periods can vary depending on species and conditions, and that seeding the pond with algae would likely result in better growth. It was also suggested that fertilizing the ocean may be more effective for carbon capture.
  • #1
BrandonBerchtold
46
6
Summary:: Not looking for concrete answers, just want to spitball some ideas about the basics of Algae cultivation and implications of scaling to large scale.

So the idea is this:

Build massive ponds and seed them with an initial culture of algae.
Wait one doubling period and filter out half the population.
Dehydrate this filtered algae and burry it.
Repeat.

Obviously the devil is in the details and the scale of such an operation would be colossal, but I have a couple questions about algae in general:

1) What sort of doubling periods can I expect from algae? Is 5 doublings per day (with only natural sunlight) reasonable? I've seen this value quoted before but that was likely in ideal lab conditions, not an open air pond. Are there strains that surpass this value in nature? Does bubbling air through the water and agitating the water significantly improve the doubling rate?

2) Are there any growth hormones, nutrients, environmental stimuli that can increase biomass production / doubling rate?

3) Is algae generally sensitive to contamination? It seems algae seems to pop up in any standing body of water so I'd assume they are pretty hardy, though not sure if this is the case in kilometer scale ponds.
 
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  • #2
1) Doubling periods would depend on species and conditions.

3) Algea will show up but your results will be better if you seed your pond.

Fertilizing the ocean would probably more effective in many ways. The algae 9or things that eat them) will sink to the bottom of the ocean when they die.

There was an extensive thread on this recently,
https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/algae-carbon-capture.1004876/.
 

What is a mass algae farm for carbon sequestration?

A mass algae farm for carbon sequestration is a large-scale system that uses algae to capture and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Algae are photosynthetic organisms that naturally absorb carbon dioxide as they grow.

How does a mass algae farm help with carbon sequestration?

The algae in a mass algae farm absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis. This carbon is then stored in the algae biomass, which can be harvested and processed into various products, such as biofuels or bioplastics, effectively sequestering the carbon for long periods of time.

What are the benefits of using a mass algae farm for carbon sequestration?

There are several benefits to using a mass algae farm for carbon sequestration. Firstly, algae can sequester large amounts of carbon relatively quickly, making it a more efficient process compared to other carbon sequestration methods. Additionally, the harvested algae biomass can be used for various commercial products, providing economic benefits. Furthermore, algae farming does not require arable land, making it a sustainable solution for carbon sequestration.

What are the potential drawbacks of using a mass algae farm for carbon sequestration?

Some potential drawbacks of using a mass algae farm for carbon sequestration include the high energy and resource requirements for maintaining the farm, as well as the need for suitable locations with ample sunlight and access to water. There may also be concerns about the impact on local ecosystems if the algae is not properly managed.

Is a mass algae farm for carbon sequestration a viable solution for mitigating climate change?

While a mass algae farm for carbon sequestration has the potential to sequester large amounts of carbon and provide economic benefits, it should not be considered a standalone solution for mitigating climate change. It can be a part of a larger strategy for reducing carbon emissions, but it is important to also focus on reducing carbon emissions at the source and transitioning to renewable energy sources to effectively combat climate change.

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