DIY Algae Reactor - مفاعل الطحالب – SCOPES-DF
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Lesson Details

Subjects*
Design, Science
Age Ranges*
18+,
Fab Tools*
3D Printer, Laser Cutter, Computers,
Author
Studio 5
Additional Contributors
Ilaria La Manna, leyla tawfik, Soumia Dedeche

Author

Studio 5
Studio 5
Other
In line with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology’s Digital Youth Strategy, STUDIO 5 is mainly aimed at nurturing youth as digital learners by sharpening their 21st century learning skills, as they develop in an all-pervasive digital environment. In… Read More

Summary

Celebrate Earth Day with our DIY Algae Reactor Workshop! Designed for teens aged 18-24, this hands-on session explores the science of algae cultivation to boost oxygen production. Participants will build their algae reactors, fostering creativity and environmental stewardship. Let’s make a difference—one algae reactor at a time.

 

احتفل بيوم الأرض في ورشة عمل مفاعل الطحالب الذي يمكنك صنعه بنفسك! تهدف هذه الجلسة العملية إلى استكشاف علم زراعة الطحالب لتعزيز إنتاج الأكسجين، وهي مصممة لليافعين الذين تتراوح أعمارهم بين 18 و24 عامًا. سيقوم المشاركون ببناء مفاعلات الطحالب الخاصة بهم، لتعزيز الإبداع وحماية البيئة. لنحدث فرقًا — مفاعل طحالب واحد في كل مرة.

 

Learning outcomes

  • Algae Biology: Participants will delve into the intricacies of algae as living organisms, exploring their biology, ecological roles, and significance in environmental systems.

 

  • Electronics Fundamentals: Through practical exercises, attendees will grasp the basics of electronics, gaining insight into components, circuits, and electronic systems crucial for constructing algae reactors with integrated monitoring capabilities.

 

  • Introduction to Coding: This workshop will introduce participants to coding essentials, offering a beginner-friendly introduction to programming languages and concepts relevant to controlling electronic systems within algae reactors.

 

  • Environmental Awareness and Sustainability: By examining the nexus between algae cultivation, oxygen production, and environmental well-being, participants will cultivate a deeper understanding of sustainability issues and the imperative for adopting eco-conscious practices.



  • Integration of Science and Technology for Environmental Solutions: Through a holistic approach, participants will explore how the synergy of science, technology, and engineering can be leveraged to address environmental challenges, fostering innovation and problem-solving for a more sustainable future.

 

 نتائج التعلم

بيولوجيا الطحالب: سيستقصي المشاركون تعقيدات الطحالب ككائنات حية، واستكشاف بيولوجيتها، أدوارها البيئية، وأهميتها في النظم البيئية.

 

أساسيات الإلكترونيات: من خلال التدريبات العملية، سوف يتعلم المشاركون أساسيات الإلكترونيات، ويكتسبون نظرة حول المكونات والدوائر والأنظمة الإلكترونية الضرورية لبناء مفاعلات الطحالب مع إمكانية تحكم متكاملة.

 

مقدمة عن البرمجة: ستعرّف ورشة العمل هذه المشاركين على أساسيات البرمجة، وستقدم تمهيداً سهلاً للمبتدئين عن لغات البرمجة والمفاهيم ذات الصلة بالتحكم في الأنظمة الإلكترونية داخل مفاعلات الطحالب.

 

الوعي البيئي والاستدامة: من خلال دراسة العلاقات الرابطة بين زراعة الطحالب وإنتاج الأكسجين والسلامة البيئية، سيعمل المشاركون على فهم أعمق لقضايا الاستدامة وضرورة اعتماد ممارسات صديقة للبيئة.

 

تكامل العلوم والتكنولوجيا من أجل الحلول البيئية: من خلال منهج شامل، سيستكشف المشاركون كيف يمكن الاستفادة من التكامل بين العلوم والتكنولوجيا والهندسة لمواجهة التحديات البيئية، وتعزيز الابتكار وحل المشكلات من أجل مستقبل أكثر استدامة.

What You'll Need

Preparation for the workshop

During the workshop participants learn about Algae as living organisms, electronics, coding and the environment! 

 

To run the workshop there is some preparation to do. Here are the materials to prepare before the workshop.

 

 

STEP 1 – Finding some bottles to up-cycle and make 2 holes on one cup and 1 hole on the other cup (1)

STEP 2 – Laser cut the file attached named “Air pulp holder” (we used acrylic but plywood could be a great choice as well) (9)

STEP 3 – Find a tube (aquarium type), the diameter should be 4mm to fit the Air Pump (5)

STEP 4 – Find some T shape connectors (1x Participant) (8)

STEP 5 – Collect some Algae samples or you can order them online (in this way you will have a pure culture)

STEP 6 – You can additionally 3D print a case for the Air Quality Sensor (12)

 

Electronics per participants

  • 1x Air pump (7), 1x 12V charger (6), 1x adapter (10), 2x clip cables (4), 1x MQ3 sensor (11), 1x Arduino UNO (13), 7 Jumpers (F to M) (3), 1 cable to connect the Arduino, RGB LEDs light.

 

Nutrients in each bottle 

  • 200 ml Water
  • 2 ml Bicarbonate of soda 
  • 0.5 ml Salt 
  • 1 ml NPK 
  • optional: Fe2+

 

Now you are all set!

Lesson Materials

The Instructions

What are we going to make today?

مفاعل الطحالب DIY Algae Bioreactor

Feed the algae!

Fill the bottles with the algae culture, nutrients and bottles. We used two bottles because this way it balances the power of the air that is pushed inside the bottle (Alternatively you can also use a bigger container.

Assembly التركيب

Add the tubes, the air pump and the air pump holder Follow the construction as shown in the picture.

What is Arduino?

لتشغيل المفاعل سنستخدم الاردوينو To operate the reactor we are going to use Arduino

Let’s write the code to read the sensor - لنكتب البرمجة لقراءة المستشعر.

Use this code to read the MQ3 sensor and start monitoring AQ in the room. Connect the Arduino board to the computer and run the Arduino IDE. وصل لوحة الأردوينو بالكمبيوتر وقم بتشغيل Arduino IDE. 

const int mqPin = A0;  // Analog pin connected to the MQ135 sensor
const float Vcc = 5.0; // Voltage supplied to the sensor
const float Rl = 10.0; // Load resistance value in kilohms

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600);
}

void loop() {
  int sensorValue = analogRead(mqPin);
  float voltage = sensorValue * (Vcc / 1023.0);
  
  // Calculate the ratio of sensor resistance to clean air resistance
  float ratio = (1023.0 - sensorValue) / sensorValue;

  // Use a predefined formula for the MQ135 sensor
  float ppm = 116.6020682 * pow(ratio, -2.769034857);

  // Print the raw sensor value, voltage, and calculated ppm value
  Serial.print("Raw Sensor Value: ");
  Serial.println(sensorValue);
  Serial.print("Voltage: ");
  Serial.println(voltage);
  Serial.print("Estimated Air Quality (PPM): ");
  Serial.println(ppm);

  delay(1000); // Delay for better readability in the serial monitor
}

 

Step by Step: Let’s add the RGB LED - خطوة بخطوة: لنضف المصباح

Now is the time to code!

Add the code to control the RGB LEDs. Then, connect the Arduino board to the computer and run the Arduino IDE. Good Air Quality = UV color Poor Air Quality = Red color 

const int mqPin = A0;  // Analog pin connected to the MQ135 sensor
const float Vcc = 5.0; // Voltage supplied to the sensor
const float Rl = 10.0; // Load resistance value in kilohms

const int redPin = 10;   // RED pin of the RGB LED
const int greenPin = 9;  // GREEN pin of the RGB LED
const int bluePin = 11;  // BLUE pin of the RGB LED

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600);
  pinMode(redPin, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(greenPin, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(bluePin, OUTPUT);
}

void loop() {
  int sensorValue = analogRead(mqPin);
  float voltage = sensorValue * (Vcc / 1023.0);
  // Calculate the ratio of sensor resistance to clean air resistance
  float ratio = (1023.0 - sensorValue) / sensorValue;
  // Use a predefined formula for the MQ135 sensor
  float ppm = 116.6020682 * pow(ratio, -2.769034857);

  // Print the raw sensor value, voltage, and calculated ppm value
  Serial.print("Raw Sensor Value: ");
  Serial.println(sensorValue);
  Serial.print("Voltage: ");
  Serial.println(voltage);
  Serial.print("Estimated Air Quality (PPM): ");
  Serial.println(ppm);

  // Adjust LED color based on air quality
  if (ppm > 20) {
    setColor(255, 0, 0);  // Red
  } else if (ppm <= 0.2) {

    setColor(0, 0, 255);  // Blue

  } else {
 setColor(0, 255, 0);  // Green  
}  
delay(1000); // Delay for better readability in the serial monitor
}
void setColor(int redValue, int greenValue, int blueValue) {
  analogWrite(redPin, redValue);
  analogWrite(greenPin, greenValue);
  analogWrite(bluePin, blueValue);
}

 

Step by Step: Let’s connect the air pump - خطوة بخطوة: لنوصل مضخة الهواء

Let’s add the air pump in the case (if you printed) or just add the sensor to the system.

Now the reactor should work! The air quality sensor takes some time to warm up and work properly. After a while you will see that the parameters are stable and you can start monitoring if there are any changes in air quality in the room as the algae are growing in the culture and produce more oxygen.

Great job!

Lastly, follow these instructions to take care of the culture!

The nutrients selected were tested with algae that we collected from the sea in Qatar! For an optimal growth we recommend to play around with the proportion as different algae might need a different type of care.

 

Remember that same as plants, algae needs light to make photosynthesis!

The reactor can have any shape

Here some inspirational pictures for your next project!

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