Interactive Microalgae CO₂ Absorption Simulator

Experiment with the Microalgae CO₂ Absorption Simulator

Created by Ir. MD Nursyazwi

Explore the science of how microalgae can help combat climate change. This interactive simulator lets you control key environmental factors and see the impact on algae growth, CO₂ absorption, and oxygen production.

Microalgae Photosynthesis Simulator

Day

Simulation Controls

CO₂ Concentration 50 ppm

Day/Night Cycle Speed 50

Temperature 25 °C

pH Level 8.0

Nitrogen Level 80 %

Phosphorus Level 60 %

Real-time Data

Microalgae Population: 0

CO₂ Absorbed: 0 particles

O₂ Produced: 0 particles

Nitrogen Remaining: 0 %

Phosphorus Remaining: 0 %

Waste Buildup: 0

Resources Generated: 0

Population & Absorption

Instructions and Science Explained

How to Harvest Algae

The new Harvest Algae feature is designed to simulate a key part of microalgae production. Here are the instructions and a bit of the science behind it.

1. Start the Simulation: First, make sure the simulation is running by clicking the "Start Simulation" button. You'll see the microalgae population begin to grow.
2. Observe Population Growth: Keep an eye on the "Microalgae Population" and "Waste Buildup" counters in the Real-time Data section. As the population grows, so does the waste.
3. Click the Harvest Button: When you feel the population is at a good level, or if you want to prevent too much waste from accumulating, click the orange Harvest Algae button.
4. Check the Results: The simulation will immediately remove 50% of the current microalgae population. You'll see the "Microalgae Population" counter drop and the Resources Generated counter increase.

The Science Behind Algae Harvesting

Microalgae are tiny, single-celled organisms that grow rapidly through photosynthesis. In a real-world bioreactor, they are cultivated for a variety of products, primarily biofuels, but also for food, fertilizers, and even cosmetics.

Harvesting is the process of collecting the algae biomass from the water. In the simulator, this is a simple function, but in reality, it's a critical and often expensive step. Methods include:

• Flocculation: Adding chemicals that cause the algae to clump together so they can be filtered out.
• Filtration: Using membranes or screens to physically separate the algae from the water.
• Centrifugation: Spinning the water at high speeds to separate the denser algae cells.

Our simulator represents this process by instantly collecting a portion of the population and adding it to your resource tally.

Why Harvesting is Important

In our simulation, harvesting serves two main purposes:

• Population Control: As the microalgae population grows, it can become too dense. This can lead to competition for nutrients and light, and it also contributes to waste buildup. High waste levels can become toxic to the algae, leading to an increased death rate. By harvesting, you are proactively managing the population to keep the environment healthy.
• Resource Generation: The goal of growing microalgae is to create a useful product. The Resources Generated counter shows you the direct output of your harvesting efforts, simulating the production of valuable biomass from the collected algae.

Feel free to experiment with the timing of your harvests to see how it affects your population growth and resource output!

For Further Reading and Scientific References

Check out this related blog post for more information on the real-world challenges and opportunities of carbon capture and utilization: The Carbon Capture and Utilization Challenge: A Malaysian Perspective

Scientific References

• Sun, Z., Bo, C., Cao, S., & Sun, L. (2025). "Enhancing CO₂ Fixation in Microalgal Systems: Mechanistic Insights and Bioreactor Strategies." Marine Drugs, 23(3), 113.
• Klinthong, C., Luan, C., & Thongchul, N. (2015). "A Review: Microalgae and Their Applications in CO₂ Capture and Renewable Energy." Aerosol and Air Quality Research, 15, 712–742.