Microalgae Visual Quality Check

Microalgae are receiving a lot of attention worldwide because they can be used in many different industries, such as making renewable energy, medicines, and healthy food ingredients. The reason they are so appealing is because they are renewable, sustainable, and cost-effective compared to fossil fuels. However, the current production of products derived from microalgae is not reaching its full potential. 

Expanding microalgae product output requires becoming proficient in large-scale cultivation methods, which is a significant challenge demanding considerable expertise.  Initially, we need to perfect the cultivation process on a small scale before scaling up in ponds or specialized containers like photobioreactors. It's essential to maintain vigilance during mass cultivation to avoid contamination and ensure the best possible growth conditions. At SBC, we carefully monitor microalgae conditions daily using advanced equipment and microscopy to maintain their health and purity, aiming for less than 10% contamination.  

During this activity, participants will get to observe both microalgal strains and contaminants thriving under identical conditions within the photobioreactor, using a microscope. Participants will either draw the organism they observed or locate stickers representing microalgae and contaminants to place in an activity book. Through this experience, participants will develop an understanding of the microbial diversity found in cultivation systems like the long flat panel system. It is crucial to recognize potential contaminants that might coexist with the desired microalgal strain.