Benjamin Mears is working on a Pilot Scale Photobioreactor (PSP). A photobioreactor converts carbon dioxide to oxygen through photosynthesis. A specific strain of algae grows inside the reactor while performing photosynthesis. The excess algae grown can be harvested and turned into a useful product. The objective of the research is to study the use of photobioreactors for reducing carbon dioxide in coal-fired power plant emissions. The ultimate goal of the PSP is to grow quantities of algae which can be used for profit, which will offset any cost of reducing greenhouse gases.

Carbon Mitigation Research