Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A system for growing algae includes a photobioreactor comprising a tubular structure having inner and outer surfaces, an annular space defined between the inner and outer surfaces, an inlet to allow an algae slurry to enter the annular space, and a mechanism configured to produce radially-directed contractions and expansions in the tubular structure. At least one of the inner and outer surfaces is transparent to at least some wavelengths of light useful for growing algae within the algae slurry.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of stopping a larva of a sessile invertebrate in a settlement stage from swimming or crawling in water, by means of irradiating violet light having a wavelength range of 400 to 550 nm to the larva in the settlement stage of the sessile invertebrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for treating a gas, comprising: step (A): collecting a gas comprising carbon dioxide and fine particulate matter; step (B): rinsing the gas with water to obtain a rinsed gas; and step (C): contacting the rinsed gas with a basic solution in a way of co-current flow to absorb the carbon dioxide in the rinsed gas by the basic solution to obtain a treated gas and a weak basic solution; wherein the pH value of the basic solution is between 9 and 14, and the pH value of the weak basic solution is between 8 and 8.5. The method can reduce the content of both fine particulate matter and carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A plant cultivation method includes providing a growth period and a rest period alternately. In the rest period, a dark period and a bright period is alternately provided. In the dark period, an intensity of light applied to a cultivation target plant is lower than a light intensity at a light compensation point. In the bright period, blue light whose wavelength is 400 nm to 500 nm is applied at an intensity that is lower than the light intensity at the light compensation point. A one-cycle time T of repetition of the dark period and the bright period is 2 ?s to 500 ?s. A duty ratio ?T/T of a bright period time ?T to the one-cycle time T is 20% or smaller. The blue light has a photosynthetic photon flux density of 0.001 ?mol·m?2·s?1 to 4.0 ?mol·m?2·s?1.

Abstract: Method of sequestration of carbon dioxide characterized in that it comprises: a step of production of at least one macrophyte plant species floating on an expanse of fresh water in order to form a raft of plant biomass; a step of transportation of said raft of plant biomass from said expanse of fresh water to a sea; a step of dispersal and decomposition of said raft of plant biomass on an expanse of said sea; at least one of said step of production, said step of transportation and said step of dispersal and decomposition being carried out with human assistance.

Abstract: Provided is a continuous microalgae culture module, including an outdoor culture unit, a high-density culture unit, a pigment induced unit, and a harvesting unit. A method of culturing microalgae containing macular pigment is also provided, including sequentially culturing microalgae with medium in the outdoor culture unit and the high-density culture unit, producing macular pigment in the pigment induced unit through different light irradiation, and collecting the microalgal biomass containing macular pigment in the harvesting unit.

Abstract: The present invention discloses biomass compositions for improving shelf life, increasing fruit water retention, and/or decreasing needle-drop in conifer species and methods for making the same. The composition comprises pasteurized microalgae selected from Chlorella, Aurantiochytrium, Scenedesmus, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A combined power conversion and carbon capture and recycling subsystem including a fossil fueled oxidation unit, a physical adsorbent CO2 capture medium, rotor, motor, heater, CO2 compressor, diffuser and water storage tank. Exhaust gas from fossil fuel oxidation is scrubbed of CO2 via passage across a physical adsorbent and then released from the adsorbent via fuel oxidation waste heat. High CO2 concentration scrubber exhaust air is then compressed and fed to a diffuser which facilitates dissociation of the CO2 into water where it is temporarily stored for use in watering plants. Carbon from fossil fuel is recycled back into the environment and permanently stored as biomass by natural means of photosynthesis.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices suitable for growing algae.

Abstract: Methods and systems for efficient culturing of algae in open ponds are described.

Abstract: A greenhouse for underwater cultivation of terrestrial plant species comprising a dome (2) suitable for being filled with air in an underwater environment, provided with an aperture (21) for lower access and made of a material that is impermeable to water and permeable to light, such dome comprising means for restraining to the sea floor, and means for adjusting the level of water/air in the dome itself which must ensure that plant species cultivated in the greenhouse always reside above such level. Inside such dome a system for the automatic irrigation of the cultivated plants is present comprising a tubular structure (3) on which a plurality of mutually spaced holes (31) is provided, inside which supports are placed for housing and cultivating plant species, irrigation water flowing inside such tubular structure and irrigating such supports in order to achieve a hydroponic culture.

Abstract: A system comprising a collocated thermal plant, water source, CO2 source and biomass growth module is disclosed. A method of improving the environment by utilizing the system is disclosed.

Abstract: An algal growth system includes a first flexible sheet material mounted on a first frame in a first mounted geometry, the first flexible sheet material having a substantially vertical orientation when mounted on the first frame such that a first height of the first mounted geometry is greater than a first width of the first mounted geometry. The algal growth system also includes a first drive shaft coupled with the first frame, an actuator system coupled with the first drive shaft, a motor coupled with the actuator system. The motor actuates the actuator system and the first drive shaft such that the first flexible sheet material is actuated. The algal growth system also includes a liquid source consisting of a dripper or a mister. The liquid source is configured to direct a contacting liquid to the first flexible sheet material.

Abstract: There is provided a process for growing a phototrophic biomass in a reaction zone, wherein the reaction zone includes a reaction mixture that is operative for effecting photosynthesis upon exposure to photosynthetically active light radiation, wherein the reaction mixture includes phototrophic biomass that is operative for growth within the reaction zone. The process includes supplying at least a fraction of gaseous exhaust material, being discharged from an industrial process, to the reaction zone, exposing the reaction mixture to photosynthetically active light radiation and effecting growth of the phototrophic biomass in the reaction zone, wherein the effected growth includes growth effected by photosynthesis, and modulating distribution of a molar rate of supply of carbon dioxide, being exhausted from the reaction zone, as between a smokestack and at least another point of discharge.

Abstract: Methods of preparing a liquid Chlorella based composition comprising pasteurization and stabilization of a low concentration of mixotrophic or non-mixotrophic Chlorella whole cells are disclosed. The liquid composition can be used to enhance the emergence and growth of plants in low concentration and low frequency soil, foliar, seed soak, capillary action, and hydroponic applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microbial biomass composition produced from a heterotrophic fermentation whose fatty acid profile exhibits an eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) to arachidonic acid (ARA) ratio of about 11:1 or more, an EPA to total co-concentrating fatty acid ratio of about 8:1 or more, extract compositions, and methods of producing such compositions.

Abstract: A computerized process for controlling an air purification system comprises a bioreactor in particular, the system may include a photobioreactor for treating urban air, in particular for CO2 removal. The system may be connected to the sanitation network and/or to a (drinking and/or municipal) water supply network. The connection and the drainage system may in particular maintain a fluidic isolation between the two types of networks. The system may optionally be equipped with measurement sensors and/or actuators that make it possible to control the internal activity of the bioreactor. Various control modes of a grid of bioreactors are described. Data on the status of the connected networks (e.g. water, sanitation, cooling, heating networks) contribute to the control of a network of geolocalized bioreactors. The software aspects are described. The supervision of the grid of bioreactors may in particular be carried out remotely via onboard communication devices.

Abstract: An algal growth system includes a first flexible sheet material mounted on a first frame in a first mounted geometry having a first height and a first width, the first height being greater than the first width, and a second flexible sheet material mounted on a second frame in a second mounted geometry having a second height and a second width, the second height being greater than the second width. The first flexible sheet and the second flexible sheet material are noncontiguous. The algal growth system also includes a motor, the motor being coupled with an actuator system, where the motor actuates the actuator system, and a reservoir.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for the cultivation and processing of high quality macroalgae, particularly for the cultivation of edible seaweed on a commercial scale.

Abstract: The present application relates to a method of controlling an artificial light plant growing system (1). The method includes receiving information indicative of a production demand for a plant type to be grown in the artificial light plant growing system (1) and information indicative of an energy supply for a light source (9) of the artificial light plant growing system (1), and controlling operation of the light source (9) of a plant growing environment of the artificial light plant growing system (1) in dependence on the received information so that the production rate of a plant (8) of said plant type grown in the system (1) versus the production demand and energy supply is optimised. The present application also relates to a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, cause the method of to be performed, a controller (5) for controlling an artificial light plant growing system (1), and an artificial light plant growing system (1).

Abstract: A light control device and method for stimulating plant growth is disclosed. The light control device includes a light source capable of emitting light required for plant growth. The light control device further comprises a plurality of light conversion films rotatably mounted upon a film switching unit arranged around the light source, the film switching unit driven by a motor arranged therewithin. The plurality of light conversion films may further provide a plurality of light spectra required during a plurality of plant growth stages. The light control device determines plant growth stage based on the size and the height of the plants. The motor rotates the film switching unit, based on the plant growth stage of the plants, in such a manner that a light conversion film, associated with the plant growth stage of the plants, is positioned in front of the light source. Such positioning stimulates the plant growth.

Abstract: A solution for controlling mildew in a cultivated area is described. The solution can include a set of ultraviolet sources that are configured to emit ultraviolet radiation in an ultraviolet range of approximately 260 nanometers to approximately 310 nanometers to harm mildew present on a plant or ground surface. A set of sensors can be utilized to acquire plant data for at least one plant surface of a plant, which can be processed to determine a presence of mildew on the at least one plant surface. Additional features can be included to further affect the growth environment for the plant. A feedback process can be implemented to improve one or more aspects of the growth environment.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Methods of preparing a liquid Chlorella based composition comprising pasteurization and stabilization of a low concentration of mixotrophic or non-mixotrophic Chlorella whole cells are disclosed. The liquid composition can be used to enhance the emergence and growth of plants in low concentration and low frequency soil, foliar, seed soak, capillary action, and hydroponic applications.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for biomass cultivation (preferably using algae) incorporating photo bio-reactor (PBR) technology coupled with a heat sink to increase energy efficiency. An external PBR array is coupled to an indoor storage tank system with a volume equal to or greater than the volume of the PBR array. A controller can be used to optimize the growth of biomass by optimizing three key growth parameters: exposure to sunlight, temperature and nutrients. The indoor tank system serves as a reservoir where algae can be protected from harsh ambient conditions, minimizing the cost of energy for heating and cooling that would normally be incurred to accommodate ambient temperature swings caused by weather if the biomass is always stored in an outdoor PBR array. During cold winter nights, the biomass can be brought indoors to conserve thermal energy.

Abstract: A method of enhancing plant growth comprises a) selecting a mobile, self-contained system comprising a mobile structure, a vessel supported by the structure for receiving water and nutrients, a recirculating pump, a generator powering the pump, and a discharge line adapted for discharging contents of the vessel directly into an irrigation system; b) introducing into the vessel water and nutrient; c) moving the system; d) after moving, coupling the discharge line to an irrigation system or spray; and e) pumping the water and nutrient in the vessel with the pump out of the vessel through the discharge line directly into the irrigation system or spray.

Abstract: Methods and systems for efficient culturing of algae in open ponds. Further, the methods include a method for culturing algae in an open pond medium that is free of any concentrated supply of CO2, and no concentrated source of CO2 is used to supply carbon for culturing the algae. Also, the algae are cultured in the open pond which has a pH above 9.5. In addition, the open pond medium has incorporated therein an inorganic carbon buffer at a specified concentration under conditions for obtaining an increased biomass. Also, the pH above 9.5 permits sufficient increased fixation of atmospheric CO2 into the open pond medium.

Abstract: A hydroponic electroculture system is disclosed for use in a hydroponic growing environment. In at least one embodiment, an at least one electroculture unit is positioned in fluid communication with the hydroponic growing environment and provides a conductive core comprising an absorbing layer sandwiched between a pair of opposing first and second conductive layers; each of the first and second conductive layers being in electrical communication with an at least one electrical wire. With the absorbing layer saturated with the fluid of the hydroponic growing environment, an electrical current is selectively delivered to each of the first and second conductive layers which, in turn, forms a reaction within the absorbing layer that causes an off-gassing of oxygen and hydrogen in the form of bubbles to be delivered, along with the electrical current in the fluid, to the roots of an at least one plant in the hydroponic growing environment.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing data transmission, and, more particularly, to methods, systems, and apparatuses for implementing data transmission utilizing techniques used for transient state computing with optics. In various embodiments, a photo-transmitter system of a chromatic transient state data transmission system might send, over optical transmission media, a data signal comprising a series of chromabit values, by emitting, using a set of colored light emitters, a combination of colors representing each chromabit value. A photo-receiver system of the chromatic transient state data transmission system that is communicatively coupled to the photo-transmitter system via the optical transmission media might receive the data signal, each distinguishable color as detected by each photoreceptor corresponding to a combination of emitted colors.

Abstract: The present invention provides a practical and economical means of growing of kelp and other types of macroalgae in large quantities on and in the ocean. Through the use of catenary principles and innovative structural designs, efficient designs emerge that translate into lightweight and low-cost components. The novel design described allows cost-efficient macroalgae farming at scales and at depths unsuitable for present macroalgae farming techniques. The device and methods described present a means of farming these seaweeds for the purpose of providing food, chemical feed stocks, and a biomass suitable for the production of biofuels.

Abstract: An algal growth system including a first flexible sheet material mounted in a first mounted geometry such that the height is greater than the width of the first mounted geometry, and a second flexible sheet material mounted in a second mounted geometry such that the height is greater than the width of the second mounted geometry, the first flexible sheet and the second flexible sheet material being noncontiguous, a motor, the motor being coupled with an actuator system, where the motor actuates the actuator system, and a reservoir.

Abstract: Photobioreactors having a vertically-oriented enclosure with a thin panel shape, systems, and methods for using the same to culture productive organisms to accumulate biomass and/or make biofuels or other chemical products.

Abstract: An elongated hollow optical waveguide (1) is described, as can be used in particular in a photobioreactor for supplying phototrophic organisms both with light and with nutrients. The optical waveguide (1) has a casing (3) made from transparent plastic, which surrounds a hollow core (5). The hollow core has a diameter of at least 1 mm, preferably at least 3 mm or at least 1 cm. A plurality of openings (7) with a diameter of at least 0.5 mm, preferably at least 1 mm, is constructed in the casing (3). Light can propagate through the transparent casing and preferably exit laterally (19) along the entire optical waveguide (1). Nutrients (15) can be conveyed through the hollow core (5) into the interior of the photobioreactor. Conversely, portions of the solution, to which organisms have been added, can also be sucked through the hollow core (5), for example in order to analyze the same.

Abstract: A method includes identifying a chlorophyll concentration/optical density (CCpOD) value using a chlorophyll concentration measurement of an autotroph culture and an optical density measurement of the autotroph culture. The method also includes identifying a change in the autotroph culture using the CCpOD value. The change in the autotroph culture can be identified by determining whether the CCpOD value falls outside upper and lower control limits. The upper and lower control limits can be identified using a specified number of previously-determined CCpOD values, which can be calculated when the autotroph culture is in a known healthy state. Multiple CCpOD values can be calculated, and an alarm can be generated if a specified number of the CCpOD values (such as one or more) fall outside the upper and lower control limits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photobioreactor for microalgae cultivation having a bubble circulation structure, which allows gas flowing into a cultivation space to generate a vortex and thus circulate microalgae, thereby improving cultivation efficiency of the microalgae. A photobioreactor for microalgae cultivation according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cultivation panel major body having the cultivation space into which the microalgae are injected to be cultivated; a gas supply pipe provided at a lower portion of the cultivation panel major body to pass through the cultivation space in a transverse direction and thus discharge inflow gas; and at least one vortex forming partition extending in a transverse direction from an internal wall of the cultivation panel major body and formed to have an arc shape and thus cause a vortex to an ascending current of gas supplied through the gas supply pipe.

Abstract: A plant-cultivating method is provided which comprises a step (A) of irradiating a plant with a red light and a step (B) of irradiating a plant with a blue light, wherein the step (A) and the step (B) are independently carried out for a predetermined period of time under cultivation conditions such that a fertilizer is used for each of the step (A) and the step (B), of which at least the fertilizer used for the step (A) is applied in the form of a nutritious liquid containing fertilizer ingredients and further carbon dioxide added therein. Preferably, a nutritious liquid is applied at each of the step (A) and the step (B), and the nutritious liquid applied at the step (A) contains carbon dioxide at a concentration higher than that in the nutritious liquid applied at the step (B).

Abstract: Provided in one embodiment is a method of treating a source water, comprising: providing a source water containing an amount of silicon-containing molecules; and exposing the source water to a plurality of organisms, whereby the amount is reduced after the exposure.

Abstract: Contaminating material is extracted from a body of water by providing a floating bed on which plants such as Cat Tails can be grown with their roots hanging into the body of water over an area where extraction of contaminating material from the body of water is required, growing the plants to take up the contaminating material from the body of water and harvesting the upstanding plant mass by moving the bed to a harvesting machine which cuts away the plant mass leaving at least part of the root mass to continue growing into a new season. The bed can be returned to a location for the next season.

Abstract: A system for converting flue gas into useable bio-oil based compounds using algae comprises a grow tank enclosing multiple processing cells wherein each cell incorporates light emitting columns and a moveable grate to stir the algae and nutrients, and a flue gas distribution system configured to cool the flue gas, mix the gas with water, adjust the pH of the water, add nutrients—including a lipid trigger—to the water, and distribute the water to the processing cells through bubblers.

Abstract: The apparatus herein relates to the large-scale production of photosynthetic microorganisms, especially algae. More particularly it relates to control of large size aqueous photosynthetic bioreactor systems to obtain such products from many microbial strains, which have heretofore only been cultured in laboratory environments in small containers.

Abstract: A method of rapid simultaneous inoculation of cyanobacteria to multiple commercial-scale closed photobioreactors for the production of a target molecule such as ethanol.

Abstract: An apparatus for water filtration, that includes a macroalgal attachment means defining a first macroalgal attachment surface and a bubbling means including, a housing defining a gas inlet and a set of gas bubble ports, and a coupling means. The coupling means secures the macroalgal attachment means to the bubbling means and aligns the first macroalgal attachment surface with the set of gas bubble ports such that a first portion of the gas bubbles to be produced by the gas bubble ports are directed to travel along the first macroalgal attachment surface in contact with the first macroalgal attachment surface.

Abstract: The invention provides an algae cultivation system and a process for cultivating algae. The algae cultivation system includes a conduit system having a first portion exposed to illumination and a second portion occluded from illumination that is capable of containing and moving a first type of algae, and a heat exchanger in thermal contact with the second portion of the conduit system. The algae cultivation system also includes a vertical conduit connected to the first portion of the conduit system and extending vertically upward from the first portion of the conduit system, a gas collection chamber communicating with an upper end region of the vertical conduit, and an algae processing unit that is capable of processing algae from the first portion of the conduit system, and that directs the extracted sugar, water and nutrients into the second portion of the conduit system to interact with the second type of algae therein.

Abstract: Embodiments of algaculture systems to generate biofuel are herein provided. In one embodiment, an algaculture system includes a photo-bioreactor (PBR) including pump/tank assembly in communication with an input portion of a solar collector. The pump/tank assembly may act as a reservoir and/or agitator for a mixture of algae, water and nutrients (hereinafter, “algae media”) which mixture may be pumped into the solar collector. The solar collector may comprise a plurality of interconnected tubes (in various configurations) with a plurality of axial vortex flow generators positioned at an intake portion of each tube. Sensors, ports for input of nutrients and gasses, and ports for removal of gasses may be located in fittings between sections of tubing. An output portion of the solar collector may be in fluid communication with a continuous harvester which may redirect mature algae for processing thereof.

Abstract: A method for cultivating algae can include providing a body of water in a substantially enclosed system. The enclosed system can have a length of channel and a cover. The method can optionally include circulating the body of water through the enclosed system under positive pressure conditions. The positive pressure should prevent ingress of any external atmosphere or material. Further, the method can include cultivating the algae in the body of water at conditions which promote growth. Likewise, a system for cultivating algae can include a channel with a cover, water in the channel, and a pump to introduce positive pressure into the system.

Abstract: A system for culturing photosynthesizing microorganisms includes a source of a gaseous fluid a mixer that creates micron bubbles within an aqueous medium using the gaseous fluid. The mixing chamber holds the aqueous medium including the micron bubbles before the micron bubbles and aqueous medium are mixed with a culture of photosynthesizing microorganism in a reaction chamber.

Abstract: A process for the production of useful materials to sustain manned space missions on Mars, as well as the kit of materials and apparatus for implementing the same, is described. Said process uses as raw feedstock only natural resources available in-situ, namely Mars atmosphere and regolith. The kit allows to implement the process of the invention by providing all materials and apparatus that will be used on the Martian soil.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the concentration of zooplankton in a continuous zooplankton culture system. The system may include a transmissiometer, a sample tube, a first sample containing water and microalgae, and a second sample containing water, microalgae, and zooplankton. The concentration of zooplankton in the system may be calculated by comparing the transmissiometer output from the first sample and the second sample, wherein each of the outputs are obtained by moving each sample into the sample tube such that the transmissionmeter is positioned to take a reading across the tube.

Abstract: A light pipe for use in aqueous environments comprising an optical rod capable of total internal reflection, and disposed in the optical path of a light source such as a light emitting diode or other source. The optical rod has frosted and unfrosted portions, such that the light is propagated distally along the rod at the unfrosted portions, but a portion of the light is coupled out of the rod into the aqueous environment at each of the frosted portions. The relative sizes of the frosted portions are arranged so that substantially the same light power is coupled out of the rod at each frosted section, thus facilitating rapid and uniform growth of algae in the aqueous environment.