Presentation Type
Poster
Department
Biology
Location
Walker Conference Center B
Description
As space travel becomes more advanced, adequate nourishment and oxygen resources are crucial issues for scientists concerning long-term travel. Arthrospira platensis, also known as spirulina, is a protein rich cyanobacteria that could potentially provide a solution to these issues with minimal energy consumption. Spirulina is known to be used for protein supplementation with various health benefits and pharmacological applications. In addition, spirulina cultures produce high amounts of oxygen through photosynthesis using carbon dioxide. Proliferation and oxygen production are primarily dependent on the spirulina cell structure (straight or coiled). A mixed culture (containing straight and spiral Spirulina cells) and a spiral Spirulina culture were studied under 40 µM, 60 µM, and 80 µM light intensities in order to determine the behavior of cell reproduction and its effects on oxygen production. Six 2.5 L containers with Spirulina were placed under a light and elevated to reach the desired light intensities. Cell reproduction and oxygen production were monitored in 24-hour intervals for a total of 168 hours.
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Included in
Proliferation and Oxygen Production of Arthrospira platensis in Varying Light Intensities
Walker Conference Center B
As space travel becomes more advanced, adequate nourishment and oxygen resources are crucial issues for scientists concerning long-term travel. Arthrospira platensis, also known as spirulina, is a protein rich cyanobacteria that could potentially provide a solution to these issues with minimal energy consumption. Spirulina is known to be used for protein supplementation with various health benefits and pharmacological applications. In addition, spirulina cultures produce high amounts of oxygen through photosynthesis using carbon dioxide. Proliferation and oxygen production are primarily dependent on the spirulina cell structure (straight or coiled). A mixed culture (containing straight and spiral Spirulina cells) and a spiral Spirulina culture were studied under 40 µM, 60 µM, and 80 µM light intensities in order to determine the behavior of cell reproduction and its effects on oxygen production. Six 2.5 L containers with Spirulina were placed under a light and elevated to reach the desired light intensities. Cell reproduction and oxygen production were monitored in 24-hour intervals for a total of 168 hours.