| 摘要 |
Described herein are methods and apparatus for cultivating algae on, and harvesting from, porous inert membranes. Growth of the algae is accomplished on a porous membrane and provided with nutrients by percolation from below and/or misting from above. The membrane is preferably supported by a saturated bed of inert materials. Moisture and nutrients required for growth are provided by applying aqueous nutrient media to the membrane and algae from above and/or below. Algae grown in this manner is then subjected to stress, by applying a second, different aqueous media to the membrane and algae from above and/or below. The membrane itself, bearing the algae, may be moved from the first aqueous nutrient medium to the second, stress-inducing aqueous medium. The stress causes the algae to produce and accumulate lipids within the cells. The stressed algae is then harvested by removing the algae from the membrane. |
