Experimental Setup to Measure the Rate of Oxygen Production from Cyanobacteria

Abstract

This thesis aims to design and build an experimental setup that includes a novel oxygen sensor developed at Tartu Observatory, algae, specifically Synechococcus, for photosynthesis. This work is motivated by the need to test the oxygen sensor for future implementation in the International Space Station as well as allowing for future calibration of the sensor. The developed experimental setup incorporates control mechanisms to support the growth of Synechococcus cyanobacteria and monitor the oxygen production. The implementation and methodology of devising the required setup is discussed, highlighted key challenges and discovered solutions towards a stable experiment. The results obtained validate the functionality of the oxygen sensor over a large time period of continuous monitoring, verifying its usability in the experimental setup and laying the foundations to the eventual goal of utilizing it for future calibration of the oxygen sensor.