Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

I went through this project regarding biofixation of co2 using algae
http://www.odec.ca/projects/2008/sidd8g2/
I have a some doubts about the procedure
1.Why is the bottle pumped with air?
2.Why was ferric nitrate addd to it?
3.Why were the bottle put in the rotator and agitated?
4.After the experiment is over, can the algae for the presence of Calcium carbonate be tested and how?
5.Instead of a gas censor can anything else be used to test the presence of co2?
6.Can the sand with ocean water be sterlised by keeping it in a vessel and heating on a gas stove?
7.Are all the procedures followed for the culture of algae?

Can you explain me the process briefly ,
Reply is needed urgently, I have to complete my project within 3 days

Hi,

You have now posted about four different projects on the forums. Can you please tell us which one you are actually doing? In order to do a project successfully, you need to do some background reading; once you complete this reading, the procedures should generally be clear.

When you find a project on the web that involves using complicated equipment, it is generally required, so if you don't have the equipment, I suggest you look for a project that does not mention using it. If you need a project to do that does not include complicated equipment, I suggest you take a look at the Science Buddies' project guide; you can find the link in the top left corner of your screen. There are many great projects that do not require specialized equipment.

I have decided to do co2 fixation using algae.I have done some research about the habits and habitats of algae. Algae grow in the stagnant waters, so I was not able to understand why is it supposed to be rotated?

As it says in the procedure, the rotation is done to keep the water aerated. Remember, in order to fix CO2 using photosynthesis, algae need access to oxygen. And if you think all algae grow in stagnant water, think again--there's plenty of algae in the intertidal zone, for example .

How to check the presence of co2 in a flask? Can the amount of co2 be checked by using some readily available items. Help needed urgently.

HI,

Some methods for measuring CO2 are discussed in this thread: https://www.sciencebuddies.org/mentorin ... =29&t=5107 . Take a look and see if anything works for you.

science buddies rules!!!!!!!!!!!
I made a project on bioremediation of co2 using algae and it is selected for the regional(ie the next level after school).I thank you all for your abled guidance and seek your advice to improve my project.

Congratulations! You'll be competing at a more advanced level but don't be nervous, you have a very original and sophisticated project. Remember that ScienceBuddies is here whenever you have a question about your project.

Good luck at regionals!!

Hi!
In my project I showed the differences in the pH when the water is provided with Co2 (the pH reduces)and then the algae grow in the same water to make it alkaline.In this way algae can be grown near coal factories to absorb the co2 emitted.I also produce ethanol by fermenting algae which can be used as a fuel.
My teacher asked me about how much co2 can be absorbed,the disadvantages of the algal growth in water,how do I reduce the foul smell of water and how to increase their efficiency.Please answer them ,REPLY NEEDED URGENTLY.

Hi,

These are all questions that it seems should be fairly easy to answer based on your background research and your experimentation. How much ethanol did you produce using how much algae? That should tell you how much CO2 can be absorbed, if you look up how many CO2 molecules it takes to make one ethanol molecule. It sounds like you already encountered some of the disadvantages of growing algae in your background research, so that you should be able to answer. Furthermore, the project you originally pointed us to discussed how to increase the algae's efficiency. So, I suggest reading back through your background research--I think you'll find the answer to a lot of these questions.