Using Membranes to Remove Toxic Algae
Students using a filtering flask to filter algae from a sample grown in the classroom.Copyright Ellen Lukasik, 2021
This activity considers the use of asymmetric membranes as micro filtration devices to remove algae from lake water. Students compare the efficiency of different membranes and/or repeated filtration processes to remove algae content.
The Framework for Quality K-12 Engineering Education includes the process of design, the application of science, math, and engineering knowledge, and the understanding of the impact of solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context. In this activity, students make design decisions regarding the water filtration processes to remove toxic algae from local waters with asymmetric membranes. Students explore different membranes and design configurations of a filtration system, as well as economic and environmental costs of removing existing blue-green algae from bodies of water.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Describe uses of asymmetric membranes for filtration.
- Discuss the effects of imbalances in ecosystems.
- Critically describe design elements of a water filtration process including asymmetric membranes in various formations.