Microbial Potentiometric Sensors for Determination of Algal Biomass and the Impacts of Nutrient Loading

No real-time commercial technologies exist: (1) to measure and understand changes in algal biomass, including predictions of algal blooms as environmental conditions fluctuate (temperature, sunlight, nutrient concentrations); (2) optimize and validate the biomass produced over time; and (3) developing an economical method to valorize the carbon sequestered (biomass produced) that can be used as a basis to compensate producers. A microbial sensor system developed for subsurface environments will be modified for the real-time measurement of algal growth and development in surface environments: ponds, lakes, canals. A portable, filed-deployable instrument will be designed, fabricated and tested to determine the changes in algal biomass. The design of the system will allow field deployments at a final cost structure affordable for users allowing valorization of carbon sequestration programs. The final system will allow users to study and valorization of inputs to algal biomass (sun, moisture, nutrient concentrations) to determine the impact to growth and development with the primary goal of optimizing the biomass produced for the given inputs.