Background

Algae is a classification of eukaryotic specimen which resembles plants in that they are photosynthetic.  Algae is ever present in the waterways and is an integral part of all natural ecosystems. However, as temperature rises and the sunlight is more readily available along with the high levels of nitrogen and phosphates, algae is able to reproduce at an extremely high rate leading to an Algal bloom. Algal blooms cause eutrophication, a process in which a high density of algae causes ecosystem destabilization from the lack of oxygen. The production of Algal blooms is on a rise as a result of unregulated land runoff, allowing for high levels of nitrogen and phosphates to collect within the water bodies. This can cause a high rate of death in marine life and a potential threat to humans as toxic Algal blooms are on a rise as well. One current option to combat Algal blooms is to increase the levels of oxygen in lakes and water bodies to prevent animal death (which is quite expensive) or introduce an algae predator (which can ruin ecosystems).

In water systems, there are two types of algae present - macro and micro algae. The macroalgae is a more plant-like algae and for the purposes of this project, fluctuating algae such as Anabaena which creates a mat (acting like a macroalgal organism) during its blooms. Microalgae are microscopic algal species, and for the purposes of this project refers to the suspended algae species underneath a thick mat of  “macroalgae”.

The objective of this project is to design, fabricate, and test a prototype for an algae collecting machine, capable of being deployed on bodies of water where algal blooms have occurred, and the environment can no longer regulate itself. It is the intention of this project to serve as a gateway for more efficient and practical models in the future. The learning objectives to be met over of the duration of this project include developing a thorough understanding of the equilibrium existing in aqueous ecosystems, in addition to a general understanding of the relevant concepts of fluid dynamics used in propulsion. Technical challenges include the overall fabrication of the machine using fabrication tools and software, and possibly the use of programmable motor controllers to facilitate the machine’s ability to complete the desired task.