ABSTRACT
Numerous applications of light in biological processes exist; these include the annual production of agricultural crops, where each field may be considered a bioreactor in which nutrients are applied and populations are managed through cultivation and application of chemicals. Forests may be viewed as managed bioreactors used to produce wood, paper, and other products. Seaweed and algae are produced in marine environments. Because most photobioreactors consume carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, they have global environmental importance. Photobioreactors have been designed for the following environmental applications: (1) wastewater treatment-wetland systems have been used; (2) nonpoint source water quality management-vegetation has been planted in waterways and along streams; (3) remediation of contaminated soil-the root zone of plants is rich in microbial communities which can degrade a wide variety of pollutants;
When light is needed for a chemical reaction to occur, the reactor must be designed with this in mind. Because light can't be stored in the reactor, it must be supplied continuously. Furthermore, light is readily absorbed; thus, the geometry of the reactor is important. These and other factors make photobioreaction engineering a challenging topic; however, the topic is too often neglected in educational programs. One of the reasons for this may be the instructional resources which are presently available. This contribution to the literature is directed toward both those who wish to teach photobioreaction engineering and those who need to design and build photobioreactors.
