| MadSci Network: Botany |
It is difficult to estimate without knowing the temperature, algal population, light level and type of algae. If the Plexiglass box is sealed, photosynthesis will be very limited because of the very small volume of carbon dioxide in the sealed box. To maximize photosynthesis, you would need to assure a constant supply of carbon dioxide gas. Scientists use the metric system so it would be desirable to work in square cm or square meters rather than square inches. There are many measurements of Net Primary Productivity (NPP) on the internet. NPP is usually expressed in units of mass C fixed per unit area per unit time, such as mg C m-2 day-1. Using the photosynthesis summary equation, the NPP can be converted to mass of O2 produced per unit area per unit time. For every C fixed, there an O2 produced. The atomic weight of C is 12 and the molecular weight of O2 is 32. Therefore, for every 12 mg of C fixed there are 32 mg of O2 produced. The first reference reported the net oxygen production for the alga, Chlorella, was 8 micromoles O2 per liter per hour. The second reference gives a ball park estimate using plants to produce oxygen in a sealed space, such as a Controlled Ecological Life Support System (CELSS). References Oxygen consumption in the light by unicellular algae Re: How many plants would it take to make a difference in oxygen content?
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