Gas Exchange with Mass Cultures of Algae

The performance of a small photosynthetic gas exchanger is described in which simultaneous measurements of suspension density, O2 production, and CO2 absorption are readily accomplished. The volume of suspension was 6200 ml. With the Sorokin strain ofChlorella pyrenoidosa 7-11-05, this unit produced 4500 cc of O2 per hr at a light intensity of 34,000 ft-c from each of six Quartzline lamps. At any given light intensity, the O2 production was proportional to the rate of CO2 input up to a maximum. The impetus for this study was the consideration of the algal system as a means of oxygen generation in a submarine. Based on the performance of this unit, the power requirement per man for a system having the geometry described would be 52 kw, but reasons are given for the hope that this may be reduced to less than 5 kw.