How does spirulina algae forms?4 answersSpirulina algae forms through various cultivation methods and environmental conditions. It can be grown in alkaline environments with techniques ranging from open systems like ponds to closed systems like photovoltaic reactors. Utilizing deep sea water as a medium can also lead to mass production of spirulina algae. Specific steps in spirulina cultivation include pre-disinfection, culture medium preparation, inoculation, and introduction of carbon dioxide, creating a low light environment for filament cultivation. Additionally, a spirulina breeding device with features like emitting diodes, temperature relay, and air pump aids in maintaining suitable growth conditions for spirulina. The culture method involves steps like solid culture medium preparation, inoculation, three-dimensional culture, harvesting, and spray drying, ensuring low germ content and high efficiency in spirulina production.
What are the disadvantages of adding algae powder to the cement paste?4 answersThe disadvantages of adding algae powder to cement paste include potential reductions in compressive strength and hindrance to the hydration reactions of calcium silicates, leading to a permanent hindrance effect on hardening. Studies have shown that the compressive strength of cement paste can decrease significantly with higher concentrations of algae powder, especially beyond 5 wt %. Additionally, the presence of algae powder can lead to the formation of new hydration products with altered composition and micromorphology, deviating from the expected hardened cement compounds. Furthermore, the strength of concrete mixed with dried algae was found to be inversely proportional to the dry algal content, indicating that mixes with higher algae content may not perform as well as pure cement mixes.
How is spirulina grown?4 answersSpirulina is grown using various techniques and conditions. Mixotrophic cultivation, utilizing solar energy for aeration and illumination, accelerates biomass growth, with a rooftop m-Si solar panel powering the process. Environmental parameters like pH, temperature, and micronutrient richness influence Spirulina growth, with closed systems like photovoltaic reactors reducing contamination risks. Alternative carbon sources like taro and cassava flour can replace traditional carbon sources in growth mediums, reducing production costs significantly. A spirulina breeding method involves creating a low light environment for filament cultivation using fluorescent sticks and optimizing the culture medium with malic acid and calcium hydroxide for enhanced reproduction. A spirulina culture device with a tubular culture duct, a culture tank, and a pump controlled by a linear motor optimizes growth conditions by monitoring salinity and pH concentration.
What are the specific chemical compounds in algae powder that contribute to the strength properties of cement paste?4 answersAlgae powder contains specific chemical compounds that contribute to the strength properties of cement paste. The studies by Chahbi et al. and Niveditha et al. found that the addition of algae powder to cement paste increased its compressive strength. The research by Sarbini et al. and Britt and Kangas showed that seaweed powder, specifically from Eucheuma Cottonii, acted as a binder in polymer modified concrete and improved its mechanical properties. The chemical characterization of the algae powder conducted by Niveditha et al. using XRD and SEM revealed the presence of chemical components that enhanced the strength of cement mortar. Although the specific chemical compounds in algae powder were not mentioned in the abstracts, it can be inferred that the beneficial effects on the strength properties of cement paste are likely due to the unique composition of the algae powder, including its mineral content and binding properties.
How does the performance of algae-based cement paste compare to traditional cement paste in terms of strength and durability?5 answersAlgae-based cement paste exhibits a concentration-dependent reduction in compressive strength compared to traditional cement paste, with a plateau at 5 wt % biomatter content. At and above this concentration, the strength reduction exceeds 80% after 91 days of curing, indicating a permanent hindrance effect on hardening. The addition of algae powder to cement paste can increase compressive strength, with the optimal addition being 10%. However, when the addition increases to 20%, the properties start to decrease. Microalgae can be used to induce the formation of calcium carbonate and seal micro-cracks in cement mortar, with S. platensis showing better strength and crack healing compared to Syn. elongatus. The integration of microalgae into cement has the effect of self-healing and can potentially improve crack healing. Algae-based concrete, such as Bi-Layer porous concrete, promotes marine bio-fouling and biodiversity, as demonstrated by the amount of micro-algae on the concrete surface after testing.
Can spirulina platensis be co cultivated with chlamydomonas reinhardtii?4 answersSpirulina platensis can be co-cultivated with Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is a green microalgae with potential in biofuels and bio-products production, while Spirulina platensis is widely regarded as a superfood. Both species have been studied extensively, and their cultivation methods have been optimized. The process for culturing Spirulina platensis involves adding specific nutrients to sterile water and adjusting the pH. On the other hand, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii can be cultivated heterotrophically, using acetic acid as a carbon source. While there is no specific mention of co-cultivation of these two species in the abstracts, it is possible to cultivate them separately and potentially combine them in a co-culture system. Further research is needed to determine the optimal conditions and benefits of co-cultivating Spirulina platensis and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.