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From 2012.igem.org

Week 1 (May 1-4)

Successfully completed both WHIMS and Biosafety level one training which provided us with training to ensure we are conducting laboratory work in a safe manner.

Week 2 (May 7-11)

We began reading papers on Bioreactors to get a better understanding of the different types of Bioreactors and filtration methods. We were considering the use of either a dynamic membrane filter or a micro filter. There is still much we need to learn about Bioreactors.

Week 3 (May 14-18)

This week we looked into ways to remove the floating hydrocarbon layer (produced by the bacteria from Naphthenic Acids) in a Bioreactor. Some methods included a vacuum skimmer with a rocker, a vacuum with a mesh, and even exit chambers. To learn more about current Bioreactors and considerations that should be made in their design we borrowed books on Bioreactor designs from the university library. We began reading them and also started to research cream separation techniques, which was suggested to be a good model for out project. This process could work however centrifuging highly toxic tailing pond liquid doesn’t seem feasible due to the energy requirements. In addition the hydrocarbon layer would naturally separate from the tailing pond solution being less dense and hydrophobic.

Week 4 (May 14-18)