Project number
16095
Organization
UA Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering
Academic year
2016-2017
The team set out to create a process to remove algae and excess nutrients from an ocean to restore a once-thriving coral reef and the life it supported. Biosphere 2, the Earth systems science research facility in Oracle, Arizona, is equipped with a 700,000-gallon ocean, which the team used as a basis for modeling ocean water reclamation and observing ocean life.
The design concept uses biological and mechanical processes to restore ocean conditions to similar to those found in the Sea of Cortez. These include a hydroponic system with an affinity for nitrogen and phosphorus uptake, ion-exchange columns to remove ammonium and nitrate ions, and drum filters to eliminate the invasion of algae and harmful bacteria.
The design aims to add sand filters, a plate-and-frame heat exchanger, and a 400-nanometer wavelength ultraviolet light. This design will be the basis of a sustainable Biosphere 2 project that ensures the survival of ocean organisms while keeping a low environmental footprint.
The design concept uses biological and mechanical processes to restore ocean conditions to similar to those found in the Sea of Cortez. These include a hydroponic system with an affinity for nitrogen and phosphorus uptake, ion-exchange columns to remove ammonium and nitrate ions, and drum filters to eliminate the invasion of algae and harmful bacteria.
The design aims to add sand filters, a plate-and-frame heat exchanger, and a 400-nanometer wavelength ultraviolet light. This design will be the basis of a sustainable Biosphere 2 project that ensures the survival of ocean organisms while keeping a low environmental footprint.