Organic Analysis: Biological Technology

Global mean surface temperatures have increased by 0.6-1.2oF since the late 19th century. The 20th century's 10 warmest years all occurred within the last 15 years. Increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases (CO2, CH4, SOx, NOx, and ozone) are likely to accelerate the rate of climate change. Among those gases, carbon dioxide is the biggest concern to the scientists. Our major research programs conducted in this field are to develop an advanced biological technology for effective and efficient recovery of greenhouse gases resulting from the production and use of fossil fuels. Photosynthetic microalgae can play a huge role in carbon sequestration, because they have high photosynthetic rates per unit biomass and can be cultivated in a compact space. The ultimate goal of the project, therefore, is to construct a closed photobioreactor, which will utilize 100% of the CO2 during algal cultivation.