WO2002092755A1

WO2002092755A1 - Apparatus for oxygen generation and carbon dioxide removal using photosynthetic microorganisms

Info

Publication number: WO2002092755A1
Application number: PCT/KR2002/000663
Authority: WO
Inventors: Myeong-Woon Kim; Jai-Hwan Lee
Original assignee: Bio2 Lab Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2001-04-12
Filing date: 2002-04-11
Publication date: 2002-11-21

Abstract

An apparatus for generating O2 and removing CO2 includes a photosynthesis microorganism nd a cultural medium for the microorganism, a container for receiving the photosynthesis microorganism and the cultural medium, the container being designed to trasmit light and provided with an exhaust hole for exhausting O2 generated by the photosynthesis reaction or the microorganism during which CO2 is absorbed, and a filter for filtering the photosynthesis microorganism and the cultural medium and allowing O2 to pass.

Description

APPARATUS FOR OXYGEN GENERATION AND CARBON DIOXIDE

REMOVAL USING PHOTOSYNTHETIC MICROORGANISMS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(a) Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an apparatus for generating O₂ and

removing CO₂ by use of microorganism and, more particularly, to an

apparatus that can increase the O₂ content in the room by absorbing CO₂ and

generating 02 by use of a photosynthesis microorganism.

(b) Description of Prior Art

Generally, 0₂ is inhaled into the human body and delivered to the

organs of the body to be consumed to generate energy for brain activation

and kinetic energy. Therefore, it is essential for the metabolic of the human

body. The inhaled 0₂ is delivered to each organ to generate energy, as a

result of which C0₂ is produced as a by-product. When there is short of O₂

in air, the content of C0₂ in the blood is increased, it becomes impossible to

completely oxidize the organic matters, thereby increasing effete matter in the

cells and blood and deteriorating the immune function. This may be direct or

indirect cause of a disease directly or indirectly.

Although 20% of air is 0₂, such content is gradually reduced as the air

pollution becomes more serious. Therefore, disease caused by the short of

0₂ in the closed living space is increased.

Accordingly, an 0₂ generator has been used for increasing the content of the O₂ in the living space. Such an 0₂ generator is designed having a

container in which 0₂ obtained by separating it from H₂0 or air through a

chemical reaction is contained.

In recent years, a family O₂ generator having an outdoor 0₂ thickener

and an indoor O₂ dispenser receiving O₂ from the outdoor 0₂ thickener has

been developed to provide the agreeable interior environment.

However, since such O₂ generators are using the electric energy, the

expenses for generating O₂ is increased. In addition, the space for using the

generators is limited. Furthermore, since the well-known O₂ generator is

designed to obtain 0₂ by highly concentrating O₂ contained in the air, it is not

natural-oriented. In addition, since CO₂ is still remained in the air when

concentrating O₂, there is a limitation in reducing the air pollution and global

warming.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made in an effort to solve the

above-described problems of the prior art. It is an objective of the present

invention to provide an apparatus for absorbing CO₂ and generating sufficient

02 by use of a photosynthesis microorganism having photosynthesis system

similar to a plant, the apparatus being environment-oriented and designed

having an advantage of maintenance and operational control.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide an apparatus

for removing CO₂ and generating 0₂ using less energy and simple device, thereby reducing the costs.

It is still another objective of the present invention to provide an

apparatus for removing C0₂ and generating 0₂ that is designed such that

even the person who doesn't know about the chemical knowledge can identify

the presence and generating state of 0₂.

It is still another objective of the present invention to provide an

apparatus for generating 0₂ and removing CO₂ which has means for

identifying the C0₂ generation by which user can easily identify the variation

of the amount and contents of O₂.

It is still another objective of the present invention to provide an

apparatus for generating 0₂ and removing CO₂ which has means for setting

the replacement time of microorganism by checking the variation of the

amount and content of 0₂.

To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an

apparatus for generating O₂ and removing C0₂, comprising a photosynthesis

microorganism and a cultural medium for the microorganism; a container for

receiving the photosynthesis microorganism and the cultural medium, the

container being designed to transmit light and provided with an exhaust hole

for exhausting O₂ generated by the photosynthesis reaction or the

microorganism during which C0₂ is absorbed; and means for filtering the

photosynthesis microorganism and the cultural medium and allowing 0₂ to

pass. The apparatus absorbs C0₂ and generates 0₂ by the photosynthesis

reaction of the microorganism when light is illuminated. At this point, the 02

is discharged outside through the means for filtering, thereby increasing the

content of 02 in the room.

According to another aspect, the present invention provides an

apparatus for identifying O₂ generation, comprising a receiving part for

receiving an indicator whose color is changed when reacting with O₂; a

sensing part for sensing an absorption amount of light passing through the

indicator; a control part for calculating an content and amount of O₂ according

to the absorption amount sensed by the sensing part; a display part 105

electrically connected to the control part to show an variation of an input value

to a user.

Preferably, the sensing part comprises a base member for receiving

the indicator; a luminous element for radiating light passing through the

indicator; a light reception element for absorbing the light from the luminous

element, the light reception element being disposed facing the luminous

element; a cover member enclosing the circumference of the base member,

the cover member being provided with a gas induction conduit connected to

the conduit provided on the base member; and a membrane filter provided in

the gas induction conduit of the cover member. The indicator is formed of

methylene blue solution.

When the light emitted from the luminous element is directed to the light absorption element through the methylene solution, the methylene blue

solution reacts with 0₂ to change its color depending on the amount of light

absorption. The amount of light absorption is converted into an electric

signal, and then the electric signal is transmitted to the control part. The

control part outputs the electric signal to the display lamp. Accordingly, the

user easily identifies the amount and content of the 0₂.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view illustrating an overall shape of an apparatus for

generating O₂ and removing CO₂ according to a first embodiment of the

present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of major parts of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a view illustrating a container for generating O₂;

FIG. 4 is a view illustrating an operational state of the present

invention;

FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a second embodiment of the present

invention;

FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a third embodiment of the present

invention;

FIG. 7 is a view illustrating a fourth embodiment of the present

invention;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating means for identifying an 0₂

generation according to the present invention; FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a sensing part of means for

identifying an 0₂ generation according to the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the assembling state of a an

sensing part of means for identifying an 0₂ generation and an 0₂ generating

apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an 0₂ generating apparatus for

illustrating a display part of means for identifying an 0₂ generation according

to the present invention; and

FIG. 12 is a table for illustrating the test results of means for identifying

an O₂ generation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will be described more in detail hereinafter in

conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows an overall shape of an apparatus for generating O₂ and

removing C0₂ according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in

which a base 1 , a container 3 and a membrane filter 5 are illustrated.

The base 1 supports the container and defines a space in which

peripheral devices for an O₂ generator and a C0₂ remover. A compressed

gas tank 7 for mixing microorganism is received inside the base 1.

The compressed gas tank 7, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, supplies the

compress gas such as the air and NO₂ gas to the container 3 through a

nozzle 9. That is, it is designed such that the gas can be supplied from the tank

7 to the container 3. Although the nozzle 9 is simply connected to the

compressed gas tank 7, it may be possible to provide an adjust valve (not

shown) for adjusting the amount of gas supplied to the container 3.

The container 3 is preferably made of glass or synthetic resin that can

transmit light. Culture medium 6 containing nourishment required for the

existence of a photosynthesis microorganism 4 is received in the container 3.

The culture medium 6 contains mineral nutrition required for growing the

microorganism and the photosynthesis and a few growth factors such as

vitamin and a few metal elements. As the photosynthesis microorganism 4,

siano-bacteria or algae may be used.

Further preferably, the container 3 is formed of transparent glass or

synthetic resin. In this embodiment, although the container 3 is formed in a

sphere-shape, the shape is not limited to this but designed in a variety of

shape considering the aesthetic sense. As shown in FIG. 2, the container 3

is provided with an outlet 3a through which O₂ a generated by the

photosynthesis microorganism is exhausted indoor.

The membrane filter 5 may be disposed on the outlet 3a so that the

photosynthesis microorganism and culture medium cannot be exhausted but

filtered. The membrane filter 5 is preferably designed having holes each

having a diameter of 0.2μm. A seal member 11 is fitted on the container 3 between the outlet 3a

and the membrane filter 5.

The seal member 11 is formed on conventional rubber or silicon.

In addition, a cover 13 is coupled on the container 3 to protect the

membrane filter 5 and enhance the aesthetic sense. The cover 13 is

provided with plural holes 13a through which O₂ is exhausted outside.

In this embodiment, although the holes 13a are provided, even if the

holes are not provided, O₂ may be exhausted through a gap between the

container 3 and the cover 13.

Means for identifying the O₂ exhaust using a naked eye may be

provided to an inner side of the cover 13. As the means for identifying, an

indicator 15 to which redox dye whose color is changed according to the

variation of the redox potential may be used.

As the redox dye, resazurin solution whose color, when contacting a

large amount of O , is changed into pink and, when 0₂ is insufficient, changed

into blue may be used. Needless to say, the means for identifying is not

limited to the indicator 15.

In addition, the container 3 is provided at its bottom with a hole to

which a rubber member 17 is fitted. The rubber member 17 is for inducting

gas in the compressed gas tank 1 into the container 3. That is, a syringe 9

penetrates the rubber member 17 so as to define a gas passage.

Furthermore, a door (not shown) may be mounted on a side of the base 1 so as to put and take the parts in and out of the base 1.

The operation of the above-described apparatus for generating 0₂ and

removing C0₂will be described hereinafter.

When the apparatus of the present invention is located on a place to

which sunlight or artificial light is illuminated, the microorganism in the

container starts growing by the light. At this point, the photosynthesis

reaction occurs in the container.

The main element of the photosynthesis is chlorophyll (or bacterial

chlorophyll. The chlorophyll absorbs light energy and generates glucose

from C0₂ in the air through photosystems I and π . The light energy is

absorbed in a reaction center of the chlorophyll and raised in a free state to

transmit the free state energy to the electron transmission media. During the

energy transmission procedure, energy storing material such as ATP and

NADPH, which is required to generate organic matters is generated. This

energy is directly used in generating organic matters in the cells by the Calvin

Cycle. In addition, the electrons which are transformed from NADP to

NADPH through the electron transmission media are originated from H₂0.

H₂O transmits the electrons to the electron transmission media and is

decomposed into 0₂ and H⁺. H⁺ is moved into a cell membrane and then

combined with NADP. 0₂ is discharged out of the cell. Through this

procedure, the C0₂ is removed and 0₂ is generated. Since O₂ is byproduct of photosynthesis and originated from H₂0 t, the sufficient 0₂ can be

generated.

The generated 0₂ is exhausted out of the container through the

membrane filter 5 (see FIG. 4). At this point, the filter 5 prevents the

photosynthesis microorganism and the culture medium from exhausting out of

the container 3. As O₂ is exhausted, the color of the indicator 15 is changed

such that the user can identify the generation of 0₂.

In addition, the gas in the tank 7 is supplied to the container 3 through

the nozzle 9 to create bubbles. The bubbles enhance the photosynthesis

reaction by mixing and floating the microorganism and the culture medium.

Accordingly, the removal of C0₂ and the generation of O₂ reduces the

content of CO₂ in the air while maintaining and increasing the content of 0₂ in

the air, thereby preventing the stress disease caused by the short of O₂.

Further more, since such an apparatus is operated using less energy, it has

an advantage in the environmental aspect.

FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. In this

embodiment, a bubble generator 31 is further installed while compressed gas

is not used. The bubble generator 31 injects air into the container 3 to create

the bubbles. The bubble generator 31 is operated by electric source 33

which is formed of a battery preferably received in the base 1. However, the

electric source 33 is not limited to the battery. That is, a domestic electric

source may be used as the electric source 33. The operation effect of this embodiment is identical to that of the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. Instead of

the compressed air and the bubble generation of the first and second

embodiment, in this embodiment, a propeller 41 for agitating the

photosynthesis microorganism and the culture medium is installed in the

container 3. The propeller 41 is connected to a motor 45 driven by an

electric source 43. The agitation of the microorganism and the culture

medium enhances the photosynthesis reaction. The operation effect of this

embodiment is similar to those of the first and second embodiments.

FIG. 7 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In this

embodiment, means for illuminating and means for inputting and outputting

culture medium are additionally added to the apparatus illustrated in the first

embodiment.

As the means for illuminating, electric light bulbs 53 and 55 are

disposed on one side of the cover 13 so as to illuminate light require for the

photosynthesis reaction. The bulbs 53 and 55 may be disposed inside or

outside the container 3 depending on the design and .efficiency. -

As the means for illuminating is provided, the apparatus of this

embodiment can generate 0₂ even at the dark place. The bulbs 53 and 55

are also used as an interior lighting or a bed lighting.

The means for inputting and outputting cultural medial is received in

the base 1 so as to continuously supply new cultural media to the container 3 and withdraws used cultural media from the container 3, thereby enhancing

the viability of the photosynthesis and continuously generating O₂. The means

for inputting and outputting comprises an input/output pump 61 which is

connected by at least one nozzle for supplying and withdrawing the cultural

medium to and from the container, a new cultural medium cartridge 63

containing new cultural medium to be supplied to the container, the new

cultural medium cartridge 63 being connected to the pump 61 by a nozzle,

and a used cultural medium cartridge 65 receiving used cultural medium to be

withdrawn from the container, the used cultural medium cartridge 65 being

connected to the pump 61 by a nozzle.

By the above described structure, a fixed amount of cultural medium is

continuously supplied to the container 3 while the used cultural medium is

stored in the used cultural medium cartridge 65, thereby continuously

generating 0₂. In addition, the cartridge type has an advantage that it is

easy to change. Although the means for inputting and outputting is disposed

in the base 1 , it may be disposed outside the base 1.

An example of the above-described means for identifying the

generation of 0₂ will be described hereinafter.

FIG. 8 shows a block diagram of the means for identifying the

generation of 0₂. The means for identifying the generation of 0₂ comprises

a sensing part 101 , a control part 103 electrically connected to the sensing

part 101 , and a display part 105 electrically connected to the control part 103. The sensing part 101 comprises a luminous element 111 for radiating

light passing through the indicator and a light reception element 113 for

absorbing the light from the luminous element 111 , the light reception element

113 being disposed facing the luminous element 111.

Describing the sensing part 101 more in detail, as shown in FIG. 9, the

sensing part 101 comprises a base member 121 for receiving the indicator,

the base member 121 being provided with a conduit through which gas

passes and a cover member 123 enclosing the circumference of the base

member 121. The conduit 121a may be connected to a test gas exhaust

hole 121 b so that gas can be exhausted.

The luminous element 111 and the light absorption member 113

between which the conduit 121a is disposed are disposed on the base

member 121. The luminous element 111 and the light absorption member

113 are connected to the control part 103. As the luminous element 111 and

the light absorption member 113, a luminous diode or a photo diode may be

used.

The cover member 123 enclosing the base member 121 comprises a

gas induction conduit 123a connected to the conduit 121a provided on the

base member 121. A free end of the gas induction conduit 123a guides the

test gas for measuring O2 generated by the 0₂ generating apparatus to the

conduit 121 a of the base member 121.

The gas induction conduit 123a is provided with membrane filters 125 and 127, which allow only the gas to pass therethrough. That is, the

membrane filter 125 disposed on the upper side of the gas induction conduit

123a defines a space for receiving liquid indicator when the gas induction

conduit 123a is connected to the conduit 121a of the base member.

Accordingly, the conduit 121a allows only the gas to pass and maintains the

liquid test indicator, The membrane filter 127 disposed on a lower side of the

gas induction conduit 123a prevents the microorganism (102 in FIG. 2) from

being exhausted.

In the present invention, when the cover member 123 is omitted, the

membrane filter 125 may be directly installed on the conduit 121 a of the base

member 121 instead of the gas induction conduit 123a. In this case, the

number of parts is reduced, saving the manufacturing costs.

The cover member 123 is provided with a fixing part 123b coupled to

the 0₂ generation apparatus (see 102 in FIG. 10). The fixing part 123b may

be formed in a variety of shapes as far as it can be coupled to the 0₂

generation apparatus. The fixing part 123b may be provided on the base

member 121 when the cover member is omitted. In this case, the structure

of the sensing part becomes simpler.

The conduit 121a provided on the base member 121 receives an

indicator that can react with 0₂ through oxidation-reduction reaction.

Preferably, the indicator is formed of methylene blue solution. Further

preferably, the methylene blue solution is formed in a range of 0.1-0.5 %. Preferably, fructose for changing the color of the methylene blue into

colorlessness through the reduction reaction, potassium phosphate for

preventing the content of H⁺ from being quickly changed, and NaOH are

added to the methylene blue solution in a proper ratio. However, when the

ratio is not proper, the reaction speed with O₂ may be retarded or weakened.

In the present invention, the indicator reacting with 0₂ is not limited to the

methylene blue solution, but any solution changeable in color when reacting

with 0₂ such as resazurin solution and brom cresol purple solution can be

used as the indicator.

The resazurin solution and brom cresol purple solution have also

identical content ratio with that of the methylene blue solution, and fructose for

changing the color of them into colorlessness through the reduction reaction,

potassium phosphate for preventing the content of H⁺ from being quickly

changed, and NaOH are also added to them in a proper ratio.

In addition, the control part 103 converts the light absorption intensity

from the luminous element 111 to the light absorption element 113 through

the indicator into an electric signal and outputs the electric signal to the. ,

display lamp 151 or a speaker 153.

The display part 105 may be formed of luminous diode that can

display the signal into the visual sense or formed of the speaker 153 that can

represent the signal into the sound sense. As shown in FIG. 11 , the display

part 105 is coupled to the 0₂ generation apparatus so as to make it easy to identify. The display lamp 151 comprises plural luminous elements disposed

spacing away from each other at an identical distance so that the number of

elements that are turned On can be varied depending on the contents of 0₂.

As described above, the operation of the present invention with the

means for identifying the O₂ generation will be description more in detail

hereinafter.

The indicator is provided in the conduit 121a installed on the base

member 121 , and then the cover member 123 is coupled to the base member

121 using a conventional manner such that the gas induction conduit 123a

provided on the cover member 123 can communicate with the conduit of the

base member 121. At this point, the indicator 121 remains in the conduit

121 a by the membrane filter 125.

In addition, the cover member 123 is coupled to the O₂ generation

apparatus (102 in FIG. 10) by the fixing part 123b. At this point, the free end

of the gas induction conduit 123a should be located in the O₂ generation

apparatus such that gas can be induced.

_ The indicator (fructose, potassium phosphate, and NaOH) is in a

colorlessness state as it is reduced.

When the O₂ generation apparatus is operation, the luminous element

11 emits light to generate 0₂ in the 0₂ generation apparatus. Then, gas

containing the generated 0₂ passes through the gas induction conduit 123a,

and then passes through the conduit 121a. At this point, the gas passing through the conduit 121a reacts with the indicator (methylene blue), thereby

changing the color of the indicator into blue (when using methylene blue as

the indicator). The color of the indicator is change depending on the content

of the 0₂ in the gas. When using the resazurin solution and brom cresol

purple solution, the color will be changed into other colors as the

oxidation-reduction reaction.

In addition, the light radiated from the luminous element 111 is

absorbed into the light absorption element 113 through the conduit 121 a. At

this point, the absorption intensity of the light emitted from the luminous

element 111 into the light absorption element 113 is varied depending on the

variation of the color of the indicator. In this state, as a predetermined time

laps, the indicator goes into the reduction-reaction by the fructose, thereby

being changed into the colorlessness state. Furthermore, potassium

phosphate, and NaOH prevent the content of H⁺ from being quickly changed

during the oxidation-reduction reaction, making it possible to measure the

light absorption.

FIG. 12 shows data resulted from a comparison test of a dissolved 0₂

content and a light absorption degree of the light absorption element at

660-62 nm.

As shown in the table of FIG. 12, as the dissolved 0₂ content is

increased, the light absorption degree is also increased. That is, this shows

that the dissolved 0₂ content is proportional to the light absorption degree. Using this fact, the dissolved 0₂ content can be calculated according to the

light absorption degree input to the control part 103.

That is, the absorbed light signal of the light absorption element 113 is

transmitted to the control part 103 and output to the display lamp 151 or

speaker 153 after being converted into the electric signal.

Accordingly, the user can identify the amount of O₂ by looking at the

display lamp or by listening to the sound from the speaker 153.

Particularly, when the O₂ generation identifying means is applied to

the O₂ generation apparatus using microorganism, it is possible to identify the

replacement timing of the microorganism, making it easy to manage the

apparatus.

As described above, the present invention absorbs CO₂ and

generates sufficient O2 by use of a photosynthesis microorganism, thereby

preventing the stress disease. In addition, by reducing the C02 in the air,

the global warming phenomenon and the air pollution can be prevented.

In addition, since microorganism is used, the apparatus can be

operated using less energy and is environment-oriented.

Since the illumination means is provided, the apparatus can be

operated even at the place where light is insufficient regardless of time.

In addition, a fixed amount of cultural medium is continuously supplied

to the container while the used cultural medium is stored in the used cultural

medium cartridge, thereby continuously generating 0₂. Furthermore, since the control part having the indicator reacting with

0₂, the luminous element and the light absorption element to operate the

display lamp according to the light absorption signal is provided, the user can

easily identify the generation and presence of 0₂.

When the present invention is applied to the oxygen generating

apparatus, the variation of O₂ content can be easily identified.

In addition, when the present invention is applied to the 0₂

generation apparatus using microorganism, it is possible to identify the

replacement timing of the microorganism, making it easy to manage the

apparatus.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An apparatus for generating 0₂ and removing C0₂, comprising:

a photosynthesis microorganism and a cultural medium for the

microorganism; and

a container for receiving the photosynthesis microorganism and the

cultural medium, the container being designed to transmit light and provided

with an exhaust hole for exhausting O₂ generated by the photosynthesis

reaction or the microorganism during which C0₂ is absorbed.

2. An apparatus of claim 1 further comprising means for filtering the

photosynthesis microorganism and the cultural medium and allowing 0₂ to

pass.

3. An apparatus of claim 1 further comprising means for identifying an

O₂ generation, the means for identifying being installed on the exhaust hole.

4. An apparatus of claim 3 wherein the means for identifying

comprises an indicator on which redox dye solution is adhered.

5. An apparatus of claim 1 further comprising means for enhancing the

photosynthesis reaction of the microorganism by mixing the microorganism.

6. An apparatus of claim 5 wherein the means for enhancing

comprises a compressed gas tank connected to the container by a nozzle to

supply bubbles to the container.

7. An apparatus of claim 6 wherein the compressed gas tank is filled

with nitrogen gas or compressed air.

8. An apparatus of claim 5 wherein the means tor enhancing

comprises a bubble generator connected to the container.

9. An apparatus of claim 9 wherein the means for enhancing

comprises:

a propeller disposed in the container; and

a motor for operating the propeller, the motor being connected to an

electric source.

10. An apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a base member

disposed under the container.

11. An apparatus of claim 2 wherein the means for filtering comprises

a membrane filter.

12. An apparatus of claim 11 wherein a seal remaining member is

disposed at a coupled portion of the exhaust hole and the means for filtering.

13. An apparatus of claim 13 wherein the container is formed of a

transparent glass or a transparent synthetic resin.

14. An apparatus of claim 14 further comprising means for illuminating

light to the microorganism.

15. An apparatus of claim 14 wherein the means for illuminating

comprises an electric bulb connected to an electric source.

16. An apparatus of claim 1 further comprising means for inputting and

outputting the cultural medium to and from the container.

17. An apparatus of claim 16 wherein the means for inputting and outputting comprises:

an input/output pump connected by at least one nozzle for supplying

and withdrawing the cultural medium to and from the container;

a new cultural medium cartridge containing new cultural medium to be

supplied to the container, the new cultural medium cartridge being connected

to the pump by a nozzle; and

a used cultural medium cartridge receiving used cultural medium to be

withdrawn from the container, the used cultural medium cartridge being

connected to the pump by a nozzle.

18. An apparatus of claim 4 wherein the redox dye comprises an

indicator on which resazurin solution is adhered.

19. An apparatus for generating 0₂ and removing CO_2l comprising:

a container for receiving a photosynthesis microorganism and a

cultural medium, the container being designed to transmit light and provided

with an exhaust hole for exhausting O₂ generated by the photosynthesis

reaction or the microorganism during which C0₂ is absorbed; and

means for filtering the photosynthesis microorganism and the cultural

medium and allowing O₂ to pass.

20. An apparatus for identifying 0₂ generation, comprising:

a receiving part for receiving an indicator whose color is changed

when reacting with 0₂;

a sensing part for sensing an absorption amount of light passing through the indicator;

a control part for calculating a content and amount of O₂ according to

the absorption amount sensed by the sensing part;

a display part 105 electrically connected to the control part to show a

variation of an input value to a user.

21. An apparatus of claim 20 wherein the sensing part comprises a

luminous element for radiating light passing through the indicator and a light

reception element for absorbing the light from the luminous element, the light

reception element being disposed facing the luminous element.

22. An apparatus of claim 20 wherein the receiving part comprises a

base member having a conduit in which the indicator is received.

23. An apparatus of claim 22 wherein a membrane filter is disposed in

the conduit to filter the indicator and allow gas containing O₂ to pass.

24. An apparatus of claim 20 wherein the sensing part comprises;

a base member for receiving the indicator;

a luminous element for radiating light passing through the indicator;

a light reception element for absorbing the light from the luminous

element, the light reception element being disposed facing the luminous

element;

a cover member enclosing the circumference of the base member, the

cover member being provided with a gas induction conduit connected to the

conduit provided on the base member; and a membrane filter provided in the gas induction conduit of the cover

member.

25. An apparatus of claim 24 wherein the cover member is provided

with a fixing part for fixing to an 0₂ generation apparatus.

26. An apparatus of one of claims 20-24 wherein the indicator is

formed of methylene blue solution whose color is changed through an

oxidation-reduction reaction when O₂ is generated.

27. An apparatus of one of claims 20-24 wherein the indicator is

formed of resazuring solution whose color is changed through an

oxidation-reduction reaction when O₂ is generated.

28. An apparatus of one of claims 20-24 wherein the indicator is

formed of brom cresol purple solution whose color is changed through an

oxidation-reduction reaction when O₂ is generated.

29. An apparatus of one of claims 20-24 wherein the indicator has a

content of about 0.1 -0.5%.

30. An apparatus of claim 26 wherein fructose for changing the color

of the methylene blue into colorlessness through the reduction reaction,

potassium phosphate for preventing the content of H⁺ from being quickly

changed, and NaOH are added to the methylene blue solution in a proper

ratio.

31. An apparatus of claim 27 wherein fructose for the reduction

reaction of the resazurin, potassium phosphate for preventing the content of H⁺ from being quickly changed, and NaOH are added to the methylene blue

solution in a proper ratio.

32. An apparatus of claim 28 wherein fructose for the reduction

reaction of the brom cresol purple, potassium phosphate for preventing the

content of H⁺ from being quickly changed, and NaOH are added to the

methylene blue solution in a proper ratio.

33. An apparatus of claim 20 wherein the display part comprises at

least one luminous diode for display a luminous signal.

34. An apparatus of claim 20 wherein the display part comprises a

speaker for display a sound signal.