A new dawn for industrial photosynthesis

Several emerging technologies are aiming to meet renewable fuel standards, mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, and provide viable alternatives to fossil fuels. Direct conversion of solar energy into fungible liquid fuel is a particularly attractive option, though conversion of that energy on an industrial scale depends on the efficiency of its capture and conversion. Large-scale programs have been undertaken in the recent past that used solar energy to grow innately oil-producing algae for biomass processing to biodiesel fuel. These efforts were ultimately deemed to be uneconomical because the costs of culturing, harvesting, and processing of algal biomass were not balanced by the process efficiencies for solar photon capture and conversion. This analysis addresses solar capture and conversion efficiencies and introduces a unique systems approach, enabled by advances in strain engineering, photobioreactor design, and a process that contradicts prejudicial opinions about the viability of industrial photosynthesis. We calculate efficiencies for this direct, continuous solar process based on common boundary conditions, empirical measurements and validated assumptions wherein genetically engineered cyanobacteria convert industrially sourced, high-concentration CO2 into secreted, fungible hydrocarbon products in a continuous process. These innovations are projected to operate at areal productivities far exceeding those based on accumulation and refining of plant or algal biomass or on prior assumptions of photosynthetic productivity. This concept, currently enabled for production of ethanol and alkane diesel fuel molecules, and operating at pilot scale, establishes a new paradigm for high productivity manufacturing of nonfossil-derived fuels and chemicals

Net energy calculations for production of biodiesel and biogas from haematococcus pluvialis and nannochloropsis sp

Microalgae have been proposed as possible alternative feedstock for the production of biodiesel because of their high photosynthetic efficiency. However, the high energy input required for microalgal culture and oil extraction may negate this advantage. There is a need to determine whether microalgal biodiesel can deliver more energy than is required to produce it. Using the Cumulative Energy Demand method in Simapro®, net energy calculations were done on systems to produce biodiesel and biogas from two microalgae species: Haematococcus pluvialis and Nannochloropsis sp. In spite of very optimistic assumptions, the results show a large energy deficit for both systems. Largest contributions came from the energy required to culture the microalgae and the energy required to either dry the microalgae or to disrupt the cell wall. Recommendations are made to develop wet extraction and transesterification technology to make microalgal biodiesel systems viable from an energy standpoint. © Springer 2011

An evaluation of 'work' for people with a severe persistent mental illness

The idea of employment for people with a severe persistent mental illness (SPMI) has great merit and much research has been conducted which identifies the value of such initiatives. However, it seems that the success stories remain limited. This paper draws on the literature and research findings therein to suggest that the issue of employing someone with a SPMI is complex and that the reality of being able to achieve long-term satisfactory outcomes for all parties involved in employment relationships needs careful consideration. It contends that the idea of people with SPMI gaining meaningful work is important but that in doing so, there is a need to review the meaning of 'work' to one which incorporates a broader view of 'occupation' and inclusion of 'daily activities' as work. In addition, this paper emphasises the necessity to take an integrated approach which considers the needs and capabilities of the individual with SPMI and so, keep everyone well and safe, and improve individual's quality of life. In light of this, this paper presents a diagram that articulates the various domains which need to be considered if someone with a SPMI is to engage with meaningful and sustained 'work'