| Affiliations: | |
| Project Leader: | Opeyemi Olokede olokede@tamu.edu Chemical Engineering |
| Faculty Mentor: | Dr. Mark T. Holtzapple, Ph.D. |
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Meeting Times:
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TBD |
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Team Size:
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8 (Team Full) |
| Open Spots: | 0 |
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Special Opportunities:
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Team Needs:
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Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior student from any engineering major |
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Description:
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The Carboxylate Platform is a waste to energy pathway that uses mixed-cultures of bacteria break down the complex carbohydrates and proteins in waste into carboxylic acids. Carboxylic acids are valuable chemicals which serve as precursors for hydrocarbon fuels. Bacteria need a friendly environment to perform properly. One of the key factors that determines this is the Carbon-Nitrogen ratio of the waste (substrate) fed to the bacteria. The carbon source being used is shredded office paper while the nitrogen source is being varied. The nitrogen source doesn’t just supply nitrogen, it also supplies nutrients and vitamins which are needed for the cells to grow. The two main Nitrogen sources being compared are Chicken Manure and Municipal Sewage Sludge. The methods of storage for these are also being varied.
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