In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein are directed to using microbes such as algae to capture carbon in multiple stages. In some embodiments, during an initial algae growth phase, the system is configured to enable algae to capture carbon dioxide. In some embodiments, a method includes using indigenous algae and/or other microbes from the same environment where the algae and/or other microbes will eventually be distributed. In some embodiments, the initial algae growth phase is a first carbon capture phase. In some embodiments, as the algae grows the carbon dioxide is consumed by the algae while oxygen is released. In some embodiments, once the growth of the algae reaches a maximum capacity of the system, the algae must be expelled from the system to make room for new algae growth which in turn allows for further carbon removal from the atmosphere.

Floating ponds for the cultivation of algae are disclosed. The floating ponds consist of a buoyant framework, a liner, a culture, and a mooring system. Submersible floating ponds are disclosed with a buoyant framework built from tubes that may be filled or partially filled with, for example, air, or water, or the surrounding water, or the culture, and thereby the present invention provides a framework in which the buoyancy may be modulated. Use of submerging lines and spools are disclosed to control the orientation and depth of the floating pond during submersion.

A system for growing algae includes a pivot arm pivotally coupled to a pivot connection positioned in a pond containing water and algae, and a mixing device coupled to the pivot arm and extending into the pond to mix the water and the algae as the pivot arm rotates.

The present invention relates to a particulate material separation assembly. It comprises a filtration membrane and an antifouling device. The antifouling device comprises one or more magnets and a plurality of magnetisable particles. The one or more magnets cause the plurality of magnetisable particles to self-assemble into dynamic bristles, thereby forming a brush. The particulate material separation assembly is particularly useful in the context of micro algae harvesting.

The invention relates to the production of microalgae biomass. The microalgae contained in a suspension of water and microalgae are continuously phototrophically or mixotrophically cultivated in a cultivation module (1), which is passed multiple times by the suspension and has a gas part and a liquid part with a liquid supply (3), by supplying light from at least one artificial light source (5) and nutrients. According to the turbidity established by sensors, volume fractions of the suspension are repeatedly discharged from the cultivation module (1) for the harvest of microalgae and removed by means of a centrifuge (7). The cultivation of the microalgae occurs in an climate chamber forming the cultivation module (1), which is operated using water. Alongside a regulating of the temperature of the suspension, there also occurs a regulating of its pH value via the controlled addition of buffer ions and a regulating of the redox potential of the suspension and thereby also of its microbial contamination by controlling the light and nutrient supply, as well of a metered addition of oxygen. In addition, after the removal of microalgae, the remaining suspension is irradiated with UV light in order to kill unwanted microbial contamination before being returned into the cultivation module (1).

A process of growing a phototrophic biomass in a reaction zone, including a reaction mixture that is operative for effecting photosynthesis upon exposure to photosynthetically active light radiation, is provided. The reaction mixture includes phototrophic biomass that is operative for growth within the reaction zone. In one aspect, the carbon dioxide supply is modulated in response to detected process parameters. In another aspect, inputs to the reaction zone are modulated based on changes to the carbon dioxide supply. In another aspect, dilution of the carbon dioxide-comprising supply is effected. In another aspect, pressure of the carbon dioxide-comprising supply is increased. In another aspect, water is condensed from the carbon dioxide-comprising supply and recovered for re-use. In another aspect, the produced phototrophic biomass is harvested at a rate which approximates a predetermined growth rate of the phototrophic biomass.

The present disclosure provides methods and materials for the cultivation and/or propagation of a photosynthetic organism. Such methods may comprise the use of a lamp assembly that comprises a plurality of circuit boards, each comprising at least three edges, arranged in a substantially spherical shape defining an interior lamp assembly volume, wherein the plurality of circuit boards comprise a first planar surface in contact with the interior lamp assembly volume and an opposing second planar surface comprising light emitting diodes (LEDs); and a barrier that surrounds the plurality of circuit boards forming the substantially spherical shape.

Provided herein scalable system and processes for cultivation and production of photo synthetic microorganisms.

A radiation-emitting optoelectronic component may include a semiconductor chip or a semiconductor laser which, in operation of the component, emits a primary radiation in the UV region or in the blue region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The optoelectronic component may further include a conversion element comprising a first phosphor configured to convert the primary radiation at least partly to a first secondary radiation having a peak wavelength in the green region of the electromagnetic spectrum between 475 nm and 500 nm inclusive. The first phosphor may be or include BaSi.sub.4Al.sub.3N.sub.9, SrSiAl.sub.2O.sub.3N.sub.2, BaSi.sub.2N.sub.2O.sub.2, ALi.sub.3XO.sub.4, M*.sub.(1−x*−y*−z*) Z*.sub.z*[A*.sub.a*B*.sub.b*C*.sub.c*D*.sub.d*E*.sub.e*N.sub.4-n*O.sub.n*], and combinations thereof.

System and methods for monitoring the growth of an aquatic plant culture and detecting real-time characteristics associated with the aquatic plant culture aquatic plants. The systems and methods may include a control unit configured to perform an analysis of at least one image of an aquatic plant culture. The analysis may include processing at least one collected image to determine at least one physical characteristic or state of an aquatic plant culture. Systems and methods for distributing aquatic plant cultures are also provided. The distribution systems and methods may track and control the distribution of an aquatic plant culture based on information received from various sources. Systems and methods for growing and harvesting aquatic plants in a controlled and compact environment are also provided. The systems may include a bioreactor having a plurality of vertically stacked modules designed to contain the aquatic plants and a liquid growth medium.