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What is Duckweed?

Honestly, there is too much to put here. In short, it is the smallest flowering plant in the world, is up to 40wt% protein (and has all essential amino acids), has some of the highest nitrogen uptake rate (for water purification), and grows exponentially by doubling. 

My Design

I imagine a vertical farm where the water can be cycled through, bringing fresh nutrients, and the duckweed could be harvested at each level. The test design was only one growth level and one nutrient addition level

duckweed_sketch_BW.png

Modelling

I actually attempted to do this modelling to test at least one thing I learned in every GT Chemical Engineering class. Highlights are below.

Experiment

I tested the design in December 2025 in an unconnected garage, with hydroponic fertilizer, water pump/drain, and grow light. I wanted to learn about the process and about the plant, which I had been reading about for years.

Goals

✔️

Reach steady state operation

Check against modelling results

✔️

See real duckweed cultivation

Eat duckweed

Grow duckweed

IMG_2378.HEIC

Takeaways for the next iteration

  • Try growing in a more temperate environment

  • Try to avoid fumes from car

  • Buy and implement a controller to avoid slight steady state offsets from draining the tank

  • Buy a higher-sensitivity nutrient monitor, because strips don't work

Last Update: August 18, 2026

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