Algae Growth
This project was started as part of the Study Group Mathematics with Industry 2010. Currently continues in collaboration with O. Bokhove and D. van der Sar.
The wastewater from greenhouses has a high amount of mineral contamination and an environmentally-friendly method of removal is to use algae to clean this runoff water. The algae consume the minerals as part of their growth process. In addition to cleaning the water, the created algal bio-mass has a variety of applications including production of bio-diesel, animal feed, products for pharmaceutical and cosmetic purposes, or it can even be used as a source of heating or electricity.
The aim of this work is to develop a model of algae production and use this model to investigate how best to optimise algae farms to satisfy the dual goals of maximising growth and removing mineral contaminants.
The original SWI report can be found on the publication page number [8].
Algae Growth
Image of an algae farm owned by Ingrepro: Image shows overview of the racetrack pond. Image reproduced with permission of Ingrepro, Borculo, The Netherlands. Website www.ingrepro.nl. Photos taken by V.R. Ambati.