Algae as a Scrubber and Fuel Source
A reader of this blog was wondering why algae hasn’t been a topic of discussion on this blog. I have heard about the super efficacy of algae for biofuels before but never seriously looked at it due to its infancy at the time. To my amazement, reading about algae as a scrubber and fuel source makes perfect sense.
Now people are beginning to actively promote algae as a carbon dioxide scrubber and biofuel producer. An article from New Scientist has proved that CO2 can act as a feedstock rather than a waste byproduct. In what some call an algae bioreactor, algae is fed carbon dioxide as a fuel to flourish the algae in conjunction with sunlight which can then produce an algae that can be used for biodiesel or even hydrogen for local and domestic transportation. This project has already been successfully piloted and should be getting more attention than those that would like to promote carbon sequestration (the storage of carbon dioxide in the Earth).
My friend who is promoting this concept through his blog has a great take on the future of bio algae. There is also a link to a do-it-yourself algae reactor which gives the amateur a chance to build a mini reactor and begin transforming carbon dioxide into a potential fuel source.
The main reasons to go algae as stated from oilgae.com:
1. The yields of oil from algae are significantly higher than those from traditional oilseeds.
2. Algae can grow in places far from farmlands & forests, minimizing damages caused to the environment and food chain.
3. Algae can be grown in sewages and next to power-plant smokestacks where they convert the pollutants and give us oil!
The innovation can be realized after watching the following youtube video.
Thoughts, Comments, Questions…
Just living life in Portland, Oregon and enjoying every day that goes by. I love the environment, and I love community, and I love being able to share my experiences and perspective with the world.
