Indigenous Algae Bioreactor for Soil Carbon and Fertilizer Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies do not utilize algae as a system for both carbon capture and promoting plant growth, ignoring the secondary benefits of algae in agricultural systems, and there is a need for a method to combat greenhouse gases by capturing carbon in both growth and decay cycles.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the preparation, propagation, and delivery of indigenous microbe-containing samples, specifically algae, to increase their concentration in targeted areas, utilizing bioreactors for algae production, which enhances soil organic carbon, bioavailability of nutrients, and improves crop yields, thereby reducing fertilizer usage and pollution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If algae are used in water purification systems, then water quality is improved, but the algae are discarded as manufacturing waste without utilizing their secondary benefits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recovers discarded algae biomass from water purification systems and repurposes it as a fertilizer product. The algae that would normally be discarded as waste are instead collected, processed, and applied to soils to provide nutritional benefits and carbon capture, thereby eliminating the loss of this valuable substance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful accumulation of algae waste (which would otherwise be discarded) into a beneficial fertilizer product. By processing the discarded algae and applying it to soils, the system transforms what was previously a waste problem into a resource that improves soil health and captures carbon.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional carbon capture methods are used, then carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere, but there is no system that simultaneously promotes plant growth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a system with dual functionality: the algae biomass serves both as a carbon capture medium (removing CO2 during growth) and as a fertilizer that promotes plant growth. This single substance performs multiple functions that were previously required separate systems, making the overall process more versatile and efficient.
3Productivity
If synthetic fertilizers are used to increase crop yields, then plant productivity is improved, but soil health deteriorates and environmental pollution increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical and biological parameters of the fertilizer by using processed algae biomass instead of synthetic chemicals. This substitution maintains or improves crop yields while fundamentally altering the composition from harmful synthetic substances to beneficial organic matter that enhances soil health and reduces pollution.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method significantly increases soil organic carbon, improves soil health, reduces fertilizer needs, and enhances crop yields, contributing to effective carbon capture and improved agricultural productivity while minimizing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
Algae have the ability to adapt to their environment... algae found in soil in the Southwestern deserts have adapted to elevated temperatures, alkaline pH levels, and periods of desiccation
Implementation Method 2
propagating the at least one selected target species of microbe to increase the concentration of the at least one target species of microbe in the at least one cultured sample
Implementation Method 3
algae are known to produce biochemicals such as amino acids, hormones, peptides, and fatty acids that augment the growth of beneficial microorganisms
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein are directed to using microbes such as algae to capture carbon in multiple stages. In some embodiments, during an initial algae growth phase, the system is configured to enable algae to capture carbon dioxide. In some embodiments, a method includes using indigenous algae and/or other microbes from the same environment where the algae and/or other microbes will eventually be distributed. In some embodiments, the initial algae growth phase is a first carbon capture phase. In some embodiments, as the algae grows the carbon dioxide is consumed by the algae while oxygen is released. In some embodiments, once the growth of the algae reaches a maximum capacity of the system, the algae must be expelled from the system to make room for new algae growth which in turn allows for further carbon removal from the atmosphere.