Methods
Summary
Our project will begin in February with the setup of the lab space. There will be two test vessels, each containing a different additive along with algae feedstock, with a volume of 1L. The additives used will be whey protein and iron filings. Temperature will be maintained at 22 degrees working within the constraints of the lab space, meaning the real ambient temperature may vary between 19-22 degrees. For maximum flocculation pH will ideally be 6-8.7, but it is expected that some additives will have an effect on this that may affect growth rate. The vessels will experience a 16 hour illumination period using our LED lighting rig, followed by a rest period to simulate natural day and night periods of dark and light. Monitoring will take place Monday-Thursday each week for a period of 4 weeks. One team member will be present in the lab and record the ambient temperature of the lab, the internal temperature within the growth vessels, pH of the growth medium, and optical density for each of our vessels at the start and end of the workday in a shared file, along with any other remarks on the condition of the system.
Challenges
One of the main challenges facing this system is difficulty in maintaining a constant ambient air temperature of 22C within the lab. The space is usually 19C, which means the algae may not be operating at full capacity, however as this study is comparative between two different additives that data will still be valuable in achieving our goal of finding the most influential additive. We will also be monitoring the temperature twice daily to account for any fluctuations.
Pre Analysis Plan
When data collection has been completed the results will be summarised in graphs showing the changes in pH and optical density over time, and compared across each additive profile using statistical analysis to find which additives increase flocculation the most and record if any have a detrimental effect on growth rate.
Protocols
This project has not yet shared any protocols.