Photo-bioreactor device and methods

Abstract

Photobioreactor devices and units for the production of biomass and remediation of environmental contamination are provided. The bioreactor devices comprise a membrane photobioreactor (PBR), the PBR comprising a liquid medium, at least one photosynthetic microorganism, and at least one outer membrane layer, wherein the membrane layer is comprised of a material that is permeable to gas transfer across the membrane layer; and further comprise a chamber defining a gaseous atmosphere enclosed within, wherein the PBR is located inside the chamber. The devices also comprise a control system which controls the composition of the atmosphere within the chamber. Gas transfer occurs across the membrane layer of the PBR, between the PBR and the atmosphere comprised within the chamber. Systems comprising the devices are provided as well as methods of using the devices for the production of biomass, remediation of wastewater and removal of atmospheric pollutants.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.