SBIR Phase II: Nutrient Analyzer with Integrated Optics and Glass-Diaphragm Pump for Field Studies

这个小型企业创新研究计划（SBIR）第一阶段项目将需要开发一种微流体比色分析仪，以从必需的无机营养物质（最初是亚硝酸盐和硝酸盐，随后是铵和正磷酸盐）中产生定量的现场测量。该分析仪将主要用于工业农场，在那里种植藻类以生产生物燃料。无机营养物不仅影响藻类生物量的产生，而且影响藻类的脂质含量。最大限度地提高藻类生物燃料的产量需要一系列步骤，每个步骤都与最佳营养浓度有关。由于与藻类生长有关的时间尺度很短，因此必须经常测量营养量。目前，获得营养物质浓度数据的速度太慢，无法实现藻类生产的最大化。这个问题正在通过开发一种小型廉价的比色分析仪来解决，该分析仪将进行实时测量。该仪器的设计针对长期无人值守的现场作业进行了优化，并且最大限度地减少了维护和耗材。它使用epa批准的分析化学物质。之所以选择这些，是因为它们最不容易受到藻类生物反应器和/或池塘中存在的其他化合物的干扰。该项目的广泛影响/商业潜力影响着美国的能源政策。世界正在逐渐耗尽化石石油。可再生生物燃料日益被视为美国能源未来的关键因素。藻类是含油生物质的一种来源，是满足生物燃料需求的主要候选者。它们每英亩生产的燃料比任何其他作物都多，它们有能力在淡水和盐水中生长，它们能够在贫瘠的农业土壤中茁壮成长，这将减轻粮食价格的压力。此外，藻类可以利用废水作为营养原料生长。这减少了废水排放对生态的影响。目前，由于养殖和加工成本高，从藻类生产生物燃料的成本过高。改善对藻类生长的池塘和反应器中无机营养水平的管理将在降低生物燃料生产成本方面发挥重要作用，最终使生物燃料与化石燃料竞争。

This Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) Phase I project will entail the development of a microfluidic colorimetric analyzer to yield quantitative field measurements out of essential inorganic nutrients (initially nitrite and nitrate, thereafter ammonium and orthophosphate). This analyzer will primarily be used in industrial farms where algae are grown to produce biofuel. Inorganic nutrients affect not only the amount of algae biomass generated, but also its lipid content. Maximizing algae biofuel production requires a series of steps, each associated with an optimal nutrient concentration. The amount of nutrient must be measured on a frequent basis as the timescales associated with algae growth are short. Currently, nutrient concentration data is obtained at rates that are too slow to permit maximization of algae production. This problem is being addressed through the development of a small inexpensive colorimetric analyzer that will perform real-time measurement. The design of this instrument is optimized for prolonged unattended field operations, and minimal maintenance and consumption of supplies. It uses EPA-approved analytical chemistries. These have been selected because they are the least susceptible to interference from other compounds present in the algae bioreactors and/or ponds.The broader impact/commercial potential of this project effects US energy policy. The world is gradually running out of fossil oil. Renewable biofuels are increasingly seen as a key element of the US energy future. Algae, a source of oily biomass, are a leading candidate to meet biofuel needs. They can yield more fuel per acre than any other crops, they have the capability to grow in freshwater, as well as saltwater, and they are able to flourish in poor agricultural soil, which will reduce pressure on food prices. Furthermore, algae can grow using wastewater as nutrient feedstock. This reduces the ecological impact of wastewater discharges. Presently, the production of biofuel from algae is cost prohibitive due to high culturing and processing costs. Improving the management of inorganic nutrient levels in ponds and reactors where algae are grown will play a significant role in lowering biofuel production costs, ultimately making biofuels competitive with fossil fuels.