Oilgae

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The use of simulated flue gas as a feedstock for the growth of microalgae

Zeiler, KG; Heacox, DA; Toon, ST; Brown, LM PHYCOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA. PROCEEDINGS OF THE 1995 MEETING HELD IN BRECKENRIDGE, 6-10 AUGUST 1995. suppl uppl, 9 p. Journal of Phycology [J. PHYCOL.]. Vol. 31, suppl uppl.

Carbon dioxide is the major feedstock for the growth of photosynthetic microorganisms and has been identified as the primary contributor to the cost of microalgal mass culture. Fossil fuel-fired power plant flue gas can provide a point source of carbon dioxide for a microalgal mass culture facility and large amounts of CO sub(2) could be trapped using this technology. A major question for this process is whether or not microalgal species can tolerate the high levels of carbon dioxide, as well as other pollutants, in flue gas. We report here that at least one species of green microalgae, Monoraphidium minutum, is tolerant to the levels of carbon dioxide, nitric oxide and sulfur dioxide present in Clean Air Act 1990 simulated flue gas. Cultures of M. minutum were able to grow equally well whether exposed to simulated flue gas containing 13.6% CO2, 150 ppm NO and 200 ppm SO2 or to control gas lacking the NO and SO2. Growth of M. minutum was very good (2g/L ash-free dry weight final accumulation in batch culture) when exposed to simulated flue gas and grown in either 10% Artificial Sea Water (ASW) or in a defined medium analogous to saline ground water (roughly equivalent to similar to 30% ASW). It appeared that the cultures were able to assimilate nitrogen oxides arising as a result of exposure to the simulated flue gas, as well. The pH of the cultures was unchanged after the first 24 h of growth in either simulated flue gas or control gas, suggesting that under these conditions SO sub(2) does not significantly contribute to the acidity of the culture. Varying the delivery schedule, although not the total amount of gas, did not result in any significant changes in accumulation of biomass. Current efforts are directed at identifying other classes and species of microalgae tolerant to simulated flue gas which may be useful for the production of commodity chemicals such as biodiesel, other high value products, or co-combusted for power generation.

Descriptors: {Q1}; pollution control; carbon dioxide; growth; biotechnology; algal culture; {Q2}; Monoraphidium minutum


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SERI Microalgae culture collection, 1986-1987

BARCLAY, W; JOHANSEN, J; CHELF, P; NAGLE, N; ROESSLER, P; LEMKE, P

The SERI Microalgae Culture Collection provides a repository for strains identified or developed for mass culture biomass production and makes these strains readily available to the research community. The strains in the collection have been selected for their potential in biomass fuel applications, and many produce significant quantities of cellular storage lipids. All of the newly added strains have been recently isolated by SERI and its subcontractors in organized screening programs. Many have been tested in outdoor mass culture systems, and several have demonstrated excellent performance as biomass producers. The strains added to the collection this year have been isolated from inland saline waters and marine waters. We believe that the strains in this collection can provide a source of extremely useful organisms, both for laboratory experimentation and for mass culture research. Most of the strains are currently nonaxenic. Again this year, cultures will be shipped free of charge to interested researchers. An important function of the culture collection catalog, in addition to listing the available strains, is to provide culture and performance data for each of the organisms. By collecting a summary of the requirements and characteristics of these organisms, we hope to allow requestors of cultures to begin productive research with a minimum of preliminary work on culture techniques. (DOE)

Key words: ALGAE; BIOMASS; BIOSYNTHESIS; CELLS (BIOLOGY); VEGETATION GROWTH; BIOMASS ENERGY PRODUCTION; CULTURE TECHNIQUES; LIPIDS; METHANE; MICROORGANISMS; PH; SALINITY

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Effects of water-soluble fraction of the Mexican crude oil “Isthmus Cactus” on growth, cellular content of chlorophylla, and lipid composition of planktonic microalgae

A research article

M. R. Morales-Loo1 and M. Goutx2(1) Station Marine d'Endoume, Rue de la Batterie des Lions, F-13007 Marseille, France(2) Centre d'Océanologie de Marseille, Faculté de Sciences de Luminy, Route Léon Lachamp, F-13288 Marseille cédex 09, FranceAccepted: 16 November 1989 Communicated by J. M. Pérès, Marseille

Journal - Marine Biology
Publisher - Springer Berlin / Heidelberg
Issue - Volume 104, Number 3 / October, 1990
SpringerLink Date - Friday, April 22, 2005

Abstract

Phytoplankton species were grown in batch cultures in the presence of the water-soluble fraction (WSF; 50 and 100%) of a Mexican crude oil (Isthmus Cactus). The algae exhibited various responses ranging from retarded growth to stimulation of growth. The cellular content of chlorophylla and the lipid composition of the algae were examined. Four algae, the bacillariophytesNitzschia closterium andAsterionella glacialis, the cryptophytesRhodomonas lens, and the chlorophyteDunaliella tertiolecta, exhibited retarded growth. In most of these algae, cellular chlorophylla, lipid pigments, glycolipids and triglycerides decreased whereas sterols and hydrocarbons accumulated. Phospholipids did not exhibit any specific pattern of change during the experiments. The cyanophyteAgmenellum quadruplicatum and the bacillariophyteSkeletonema costatum were less sensitive to the WSF. The cell yield of the dinophyteProrocentrum minimum was stimulated by the WSF. In these three latter species, lipid pigments were enhanced or remained at control levels. We concluded that the toxic effect of the WSF disrupts the biosynthesis mechanisms required for a functional photosynthetic apparatus (biosynthesis of chlorophylla, glycolipids and lipid pigments) in sensitive algae, a phenomenon coupled to sterol accumulation in these algae.

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Fuel options from microalgae with representative chemical compositions

From the Energy Citations Database, OSTI, USA

Creator/Author - Feinberg, D. A.
Publication Date - 1984 Jul 01
OSTI Identifier - OSTI ID: 6782425; Legacy ID: DE84013019
Report Number(s) - SERI/TR-231-2427
Research Org - Solar Energy Research Inst., Golden, CO (USA)
Sponsoring Org - USDOE - Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EE)
Key words - 09 BIOMASS FUELS; ALGAE; BIOCONVERSION; CHEMICAL COMPOSITION; CHEMICAL REACTION YIELD; COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS; ETHANOL; EXPERIMENTAL DATA; GAS FUELS; HYDROCARBONS; LIQUID FUELS; METHANE; PRODUCTION; ALCOHOLS; ALKANES; DATA; FUELS; HYDROXY COMPOUNDS; INFORMATION; NUMERICAL DATA; ORGANIC COMPOUNDS; PLANTS; YIELDS
Related Subject - algae; chlomydomonas; chlorella; fuels; unicellular algae

Description/Abstract

Representative species of microalgae are examined with respect to their reported chemical compositions. Each species is analyzed under a variety of culture conditions, with the objective being to characterize an optimum mixture of fuel products (e.g., methane, ethanol, methylester) which should be produced by the particular species. Historically the emphasis has been on the entire algal cell mass. Using the reported chemical composition for the representative species under specific sets of growth conditions, some conclusions can be drawn about the preferred fuel product conversion routes that could be employed. 10 references, 7 figures, 12 tables.

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Some Characteristics of Microalgae Isolated in Taiwan for Biofixation of Carbon Dioxide

Ed-Haun Chang, Shang-Shyng Yang

Botanical Bulletin of Academia Sinica
2003/01
Pp - 43-52

Abstract

To contribute the biological mean of CO2 fixation, more than 200 microalgal isolates were screened from lakes, ponds, sediments, hog wastewater, paddy fields, hot springs, and seawater in Taiwan. Two unicellular microalgae, Chlorella sp. NTU-H15 and Chlorella sp. NTU-H25, were isolated from hog wastewater. In the laboratory, they were able to grow up even in aeration containing CO2 up to 40% and have growth rates of 0.21 to 0.22g dry wt l^(-1)d^(-1) at 2O% CO2. Both algae had the same growth rate in the range from 5 to 4O% CO2 and had a similar light response between 190 and 589 ?mol m^(-2) s^(-1). Chlorella sp. NTU-H15 had a higher growth rate than Chlorella sp. NTU-H25 at pH 4.0 and (?)35?.Chlorella sp. NTU-H15 was able to tolerate high concentrations of CO2, high cell density, and a broad-range of temperature and pH Each liter of Chlorella sp. NTU-H15 produced 1.8g of dry cell. The maximum growth rate was 0.28g dry wt l^(-1)d^(-1), and the specific growth rate was 0.27 d^(-1)at l5% CO2. Each mg of chlorophyll produced 1.6mM O2 min^(-1) at 700?mol m^(-2)s^(-1) at 30? and 10 mM NaHCO3. While each liter of Chlorella sp. NTU-H25 produced 1.7g of dry cell, the maximum growth rate was 0.27g dry wt 1^(-1)d^(-1), and the specific growth rate was 0.27 d^(-1). Both isolates are suitable for dense cultivation to fix CO2 directly and to produce cell biomass.

Key words - Chlorella, Biofixation, Carbon dioxide, Chlorella, Growth rate and microalga

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Pyrolytic characteristics of microalgae as renewable energy source determined by thermogravimetric analysis

Weimin Peng, Qingyu Wu, , Pingguan Tu and Nanming Zhao Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, People's Republic of China

Publisher / Journal: Bioresource Technology Volume 80, Issue 1 , October 2001, Pages 1-7

Received 18 December 2000; revised 9 April 2001; accepted 10 April 2001. Available online 2 August 2001.

Abstract

Two kinds of autotrophic microalgae, Spirulina platensis (SP) and Chlorella protothecoides (CP) were pyrolyzed at the heating rates of 15, 40, 60 and 80°C/min up to 800°C in a thermogravimetric analyzer to investigate their pyrolytic characteristics. Three stages (dehydration, devolatilization and solid decomposition) appeared in the pyrolysis process. SP and CP mainly devolatilized at 190–560°C and 150–540°C, respectively. A total volatile yield of about 71% was achieved from each microalga. As the heating rate increased, a lateral shift to higher temperatures was observed in their thermograms, and the instantaneous maximum and average reaction rates in the devolatilization stage were increased while the activation energy was decreased. The value of activation energy for CP pyrolysis was 4.22–5.25×104, lower than that of SP (7.62–9.70×104), and the char in final residue of CP was 14.00–15.14%, less than that of SP by 2–3%. This indicated that CP is preferable for pyrolysis over SP. The experimental results may provide useful data for the design of pyrolytic processing systems using planktonic microalgae as feedstock.

Keywords: Spirulina platensis; Chlorella protothecoides; Pyrolysis; Bio-fuel

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Aquatic biomass resources and carbon dioxide trapping

Chelf, P; Brown, LM; Wyman, CE Biomass and Bioenergy. Vol. 4, no. 3, pp. 175-183. 1993

Abstract

Intensively managed microalgal production facilities are capable of fixing several-fold more carbon dioxide per unit area than trees or crops. Although CO sub(2) is still released when fuels derived from algal biomass are burned, integration of microalgal farms for flue gas capture approximately doubles the amount of energy produced per unit of CO sub(2) released. Materials derived from microalgal biomass also can be used for other long-term uses, serving to sequester CO sub(2). Flue gas has the potential to provide sufficient quantities of CO sub(2) for such large-scale microalgae farms. Viewing microalgae farms as a means to reduce the effects of a greenhouse gas (carbon dioxide, CO sub(2)) changes the view of the economics of the process. Instead of requiring that microalgae-derived fuel be cost competitive with fossil fuels, the process economics must be compared with those of other technologies proposed to deal with the problem of CO sub(2) pollution. However, development of alternative, environmentally safer energy production technologies will benefit society whether or not global climate change actually occurs. Microalgal biomass production has great potential to contribute to world energy supplies, and to control CO sub(2) emissions as the demand for energy increases. This technology makes productive use of arid and semi-arid lands and highly saline water, resources that are not suitable for agriculture and other biomass technologies.

Key words: Environmental Engineering; Aquatic biomass; Algal biomass; Microalgae farms; Microalgal biomass; Flue gases; Renewable energy resources; Carbon dioxide; Algae

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Hydrogen production by microalgae

Journal - Journal of Applied Phycology
Publisher - Springer Netherlands
Issue - Volume 12, Numbers 3-5 / October, 2000

Hydrogen production by microalgae

John R. Benemann - Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA

Abstract

The production of H2 gas from water and sunlightusing microalgae, `biophotolysis', has been a subjectof applied research since the early 1970s. A numberof approaches have been investigated, but most provedto have fundamental limitations or requireunpredictable research breakthroughs. Examples areprocesses based on nitrogen-fixing microalgae andthose producing H2 and O2 simultaneously fromwater (`direct biophotolysis'). The most plausibleprocesses for future applied R & D are those whichcouple separate stages of microalgal photosynthesisand fermentations (`indirect biophotolysis'). Theseinvolve fixation of CO2 into storagecarbohydrates followed by their conversion to H2by the reversible hydrogenase, both in dark andpossibly light-driven anaerobic metabolic processes. Based on a preliminary engineering and economicanalysis, biophotolysis processes must achieve closeto an overall 10% solar energy conversion efficiencyto be competitive with alternatives sources ofrenewable H2, such as photovoltaic-electrolysisprocesses. Such high solar conversion efficiencies inphotosynthetic CO2 fixation could be reached bygenetically reducing the number of light harvesting(antenna) chlorophylls and other pigments inmicroalgae. Similarly, greatly increased yields ofH2 from dark fermentation by microalgae could beobtained through application of the techniques ofmetabolic engineering. Another challenge is toscale-up biohydrogen processes with economicallyviable bioreactors.Solar energy driven microalgae processes forbiohydrogen production are potentially large-scale,but also involve long-term and economically high-riskR&D. In the nearer-term, it may be possible tocombine microalgal H2 production with wastewatertreatment.

key words: biophotolysis - fermentations - hydrogen - microalgae - photobioreactors - photosynthetic efficiencies

Original Springer Link article and ordering page here

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Carbon dioxide fixation by microalgae photosynthesis using actual flue gas discharged from a boiler

From the Energy Citations Database, Office of Scientific & Technical Info, Govt of USA

Creator/Author - Matsumoto, H. ; Shioji, N. ; Hamasaki, A. ; Ikuta, Y. ; Fukuda, Y. ; Sato, M. ; Endo, N. ; Tsukamoto, T. [Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Company Ltd., Takasago (Japan)]
Publication Date - 1995 Aug 01
OSTI Identifier - OSTI ID: 82295
Other Number(s)
ABIBDL; ISSN 0273-2289
Resource Type
Journal Article
Resource Relation
Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology ; VOL. 51 ; ISSUE: 2 ; PBD: Spr 1995
Key words - 01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT;54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES ; CARBON DIOXIDE FIXATION; ALGAE; PHOTOSYNTHESIS; FLUE GAS; FOSSIL-FUEL POWER PLANTS; FEASIBILITY STUDIES

Description/Abstract
To mitigate CO{sub 2} discharged from thermal power plants, studies on CO{sub 2} fixation by the photosynthesis of microalgae using actual exhaust gas have been carried out. The results are as follows: a method is proposed for evaluating the maximum photosynthesis rate in the raceway cultivator using only the algal physical properties; outdoor cultivation tests taking actual flue gas were performed with no trouble or break throughout 1 yr using the strain collected in the test; the produced microalgae is effective as solid fuel; and the feasibility studies of this system were performed. The system required large land area, but the area is smaller than that required for other biomass systems, such as tree farms.

Original source of the citation here

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Microalgae: a green source of renewable H2 - a research paper from MIT, Dec 2000

Maria L. Ghirardi, Liping Zhang, James W. Lee, Timothy Flynn, Michael Seibert, Elias Greenbaum and Anastasios Melis

Abstract & Introduction

This article summarizes recent advances in the field of algal hydrogen production. Two fundamental approaches are being developed. One involves the temporal separation of the usually incompatible reactions of O2 and H2 production in green algae, and the second involves the use of classical genetics to increase the O2 tolerance of the reversible hydrogenase enzyme.
The economic and environmental impact of a renewable source of H2 are also discussed.

Hydrogen (H2) metabolism is primarily the domain of bacteria and microalgae. It occurs in many, taxonomically diverse, species, takes place by a variety of biochemical mechanisms and processes, and has many physiological adaptations1–4. Microbial H2 formation is catalysed by either nitrogenases or hydrogenases, enzymes that can only function under anaerobic conditions. Nitrogenases are used by certain cyanobacteria (blue–green algae) and photosynthetic bacteria, whereas green algae use hydrogenase(s) to photoevolve H2. Nitrogenase-catalysed H2 evolution has been examined as a means of producing H2 gas commercially5–8. However, this has limitations including the low catalytic turnover rate of the enzyme9,10 and the high energy requirement (two or more ATP molecules per electron transported11).

The H2 metabolism of green algae was discovered in the early 1940s by Hans Gaffron12. He observed that green algae (under anaerobic conditions) can either use H2 as an electron donor in the CO2-fixation process or evolve H2 in both dark and the light. These original observations were later extended to many other green algae including Chlamydomonas reinhardtii13–15, Chlorella fusca16 and Scenedesmus obliquus12,17. H2 production in eukaryotic green algae requires a period of several minutes to a few hours of anaerobic incubation in the dark14,18–20. This apparently induces the biosynthesis and/or activation of the reversible hydrogenase, and probably of other H2-metabolizing enzymes, and enables the cells to photoproduce H2.

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Procedures adopted for the laboratory cultivation of Trichodesmium erythraeum

Journal - Marine Biology
Publisher - Springer Berlin / Heidelberg
Issue - Volume 14, Number 3 / June, 1972

By: V. D. Ramamurthy, Centre for Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Porto Novo, India
Accepted: 7 February 1972; Communicated by N. K. Panikkar, Panaji

Abstract

The present paper describes the procedures adopted for axenic or pure cultivation of the marine blue-green alga Trichodesmium erythraeum (Ehr.)1 in the laboratory. Strains of T. erythraeum were isolated from the nearshore waters of the Bay of Bengal (11°29 N 79°49 E) during the pre-bloom period in March, 1965, at a depth of 9 to 12m. Modified, enriched, Erdschreiber medium was used for laboratory cultivation of T. erythraeum. A differential concentration of streptomycin 6 mg/100 ml, tetracycline 5 mg/100 ml and sulfadiazine 4 mg/100 ml was used to inhibit the microbial growth in cultures. Difficulties experienced in the initial culture stages of T. erythraeum and the necessary specific instructions employed are described in detail.

Original source of abstract and ordering page here

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Diatom cultivation and biotechnologically relevant products. Part I: Cultivation at various scales
Journal - Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology
Publisher - Springer Berlin / Heidelberg
Issue - Volume 60, Number 6 / February, 2003
SpringerLink Date - Thursday, February 19, 2004
Authors - Thierry Lebeau, Jean-Michel Robert

Abstract

Biotechnological applications of diatoms are still in development. Further development at the industrial scale will depend on optimisation of the culture process with the aim of reducing costs. Because of the photoautotrophic status of the majority of diatoms, microalgal cultures suffer from the limitation of light diffusion, which requires the development of suitable photobioreactors. Thus, genetically engineered microalgae that may be cultivated in heterotrophic conditions present a new opportunity. Other limiting factors, such as nutrients (phosphate, nitrogen, silicon), pH, temperature, bioturbation and many more must be taken into account. Most of the time, metabolic stress conditions lead to an overproduction of the products of interest, with a decrease in biomass production as a consequence. Outdoor cultures in open ponds are usually devoted to aquaculture for the feeding of shrimps and bivalve molluscs (commercial production), while closed axenic indoor/outdoor photobioreactors are used for biotechnological compounds of homogeneous composition (still at the laboratory scale). In addition to the optimum culture conditions that have to be taken into account for photobioreactor design, the localisation of produced metabolites (intra- or extracellular) may also be taken into account when choosing the design. Microalgal cell immobilisation may be a suitable technique for application to benthic diatoms, which are usually sensitive to bioturbation and/or metabolites which may be overexpressed.

Original source and the page for ordering this report here

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Biochemical Composition of Spirulina Biomass in Open-air System

Edis Koru* and Semra Cirik - E.Ü. Fisheries Faculty, Department of Aquaculture 35100, Bornova-Izmir.

Abstract

Blue-green algae Spirulina platensis (Arthrospira) have found worldwide interest as
photosynthetic planktonic organism suitable for mass production. It can be an alternative source
of protein for human food and feed purposes, with the possibility of obtaining other products like
pigments (caretenoids, phycocyanin and chlorophyll), vitamins and lipids. The biomass obtained
can be introduced directly in the diet and it can also be used in cases of malnutration. In this
work, Spirulina platensis has been adapted to Aegean region (Izmir/Turkey). Ponds surface
reaches 100 m2 and allows production from March to December in greenhouse. The biomass
obtained was analyzed in terms of their chemical composition and fatty acids. The results showed that protein (average 55.43%), carbonhidrates (average 23.0%), lipids (average 8.6%), ash (average 7.8%), and twelve fatty acids methyl esters were identificated. The dominant groups were the 16:0, 16:1ù7, 18:0, 18:1ù9, 18:1ù7, 18:2ù6, 18:3ù6. PUFA/SFA ratio finding 0.49.

Keywords: Microalgae; cyanobacteria; Spirulina; Spirulina composition; Turkey

See the full report here (PDF)

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Removal of CO2 from flue gases by algae. Final technical report to DoE, September 1, 1992--August 31, 1993
Creator/Author
Akin, C. ; Maka, A. ; Patel, S. ; Conrad, J. [Inst. of Gas Technology, Chicago, IL (United States)] ; Benemann, J.
Publication Date - 1993 Dec 31
OSTI Identifier - OSTI ID: 10132222; Legacy ID: DE94008039
Report Number(s) - DOE/PC/92521--T97
Resource Type - Technical Report
Specific Type - Progress Report
Research Org - Illinois Dept. of Energy and Natural Resources, Springfield, IL (United States)
Sponsoring Org - USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
Key words: 01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT; 54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES; 20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS; FLUE GAS; AIR POLLUTION CONTROL; ALGAE; CATALYTIC EFFECTS; CARBON DIOXIDE; BIOCONVERSION; SCRUBBING; PROGRESS REPORT; FEASIBILITY STUDIES; BIOREACTORS; COST ESTIMATION; BENCH-SCALE EXPERIMENTS; PHOTOSYNTHESIS

Abstract

The objective of this research program is to determine the feasibility of the alga Botryococcus braunii as a biocatalyst for the photosynthetic conversion of flue gas CO{sub 2} to hydrocarbons. Free and immobilized cells of Botryococcus braunii were grown in aqueous medium supplemented with nitrogen, phosphorus and mineral nutrients. Air and CO{sub 2} enriched air [10% to 15% (V/V) CO{sub 2}] in the gas phase and 0.2% to 2% NaHCO{sub 3} in the liquid medium served as the carbon source. Growth and hydrocarbon formation characteristics of free and immobilized cultures of Botryococcus braunii were determined in bench-scale photobioreactors. Technical and economic feasibility of the conversion of flue gas CO{sub 2} to hydrocarbons by Botryococcus braunii culture systems was evaluated. In free cell systems, the hexane extractable oil productivity was about 15 to 37 grams of oil per 100 grams of cell dry weight. In immobilized cell systems, the oil production ranged between 5% and 47% at different immobilization systems and immobilized surface locations, with an average of 19% of cell biomass dry weight. The feasibility and economic evaluation estimated the cost of oil produced from flue gas CO{sub 2} by algae to range between $45 and $75 per barrel assuming that a hydrocarbon yield of about 50% of the biomass weight is achievable and a credit of $60 per ton of carbon removed is available. A future research program leading to development of a multistage process, consisting of closed systems for heavy inoculum buildup followed by lower cost open systems for oil production is recommended.

Format: Adobe PDF Document with Extractable Text

Original link and link to the complete PDF document here

Nature gave us oil from algae; perhaps we should try Nature's way again

Oilgae - Oil & Biodiesel from Algae
Oilgae Blog; The complete list of Oilgae Blog articles.
algOS - Biodiesel from Algae Open Source

About Oilgae - Oilgae - Oil & Biodiesel from Algae has a focus on biodiesel production from algae while also discussing alternative energy in general. Algae present an exciting possibility as a feedstock for biodiesel, and when you realise that oil was originally formed from algae - among other related plants - you think "Hey! Why not oil again from algae!"

You are at: Oilgae Blog. See the complete list of Oilgae Blog articles.

Do you know that oil derived from algae is an exciting renewable fuel possibility? - see Oilgae for more.

Nitrogen depletion for intracellular triglyceride accumulation to enhance liquefaction yield of marine microalgal cells into a fuel oil

Publisher - Springer New York
Issue - Volume 6, Number 1 / January, 1998
SpringerLink Date - Thursday, February 19, 2004
Authors - Keiko Yamaberi, Mutsumi Takagi, Toshiomi Yoshida

Abstract

Correspondence to: M. Takagi. Fax: +81-6-879-7454.-->Abstract. The lipid content of Nannochloris sp. UTEX LB1999 cells grown in a nitrogen-limited medium (0.9 mM KNO3) was 1.5 times as high as when grown in a modified NORO medium containing 9.9 mM KNO3. However, the cell concentration was too low for production of fuel oil by liquefaction of cell mass at high temperature and pressure. During cultivation using the modified NORO medium, neither growth nor lipid accumulation were influenced by nitrogen depletion in the late logarithmic growth phase. The triglyceride content remained constant during the stationary phase in cultures periodically supplemented with nitrogen source. However, triglycerides accumulated to a greater extent during the stationary phase in the nitrogen depleted culture. The final triglyceride content was 2.2 times that of the nitrogen sufficient culture. The increase in triglyceride content was associated with a decrease in chlorophyll content. In the liquefaction reactions, the cells with a higher triglyceride content produced a higher yield of oil.

See the original Springer Link page here for ordering information

Nature gave us oil from algae; perhaps we should try Nature's way again

Oilgae - Oil & Biodiesel from Algae
Oilgae Blog; The complete list of Oilgae Blog articles.
algOS - Biodiesel from Algae Open Source

About Oilgae - Oilgae - Oil & Biodiesel from Algae has a focus on biodiesel production from algae while also discussing alternative energy in general. Algae present an exciting possibility as a feedstock for biodiesel, and when you realise that oil was originally formed from algae - among other related plants - you think "Hey! Why not oil again from algae!"

You are at: Oilgae Blog. See the complete list of Oilgae Blog articles.

Do you know that oil derived from algae is an exciting renewable fuel possibility? - see Oilgae for more.

Growing Fuel from Algae in Australia - research report

Excerpts from this research report

1. Australia is well placed to develop industries based on these ubiquitous, single-celled organisms, according to work done by the Australian research network BEAM (Biotechnical and Environmental Applications of Microalgae). Australia has high algal diversity in our inland lakes and rivers and a successful existing industry to build upon. South Australia and Western Australia are already leading producers of natural beta-carotene from two large commercial plants.

2. Australian researchers are now working on a range of projects seeking to further exploit the potential of microalgae for fuel.

3. Commercial culture of microalgae is one of the modern biotechnologies and the Australian research network BEAM.

4. In a recent project funded by the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, Dr Jian Qin, of Flinders University, investigated the use of a well-studied green alga known as Botryococcus braunii, or Bb for short, as a supplier of biological hydrocarbons. Bb is a colonial alga of lakes and reservoirs, where it blooms into large, green, floating mats – and it’s a remarkably oily little plant. Up to 75% of the dry weight of this particular species is a natural hydrocarbon that can be converted into petrol, diesel or turbine fuel or other liquid or gaseous hydrocarbons.

5. Australia is fortunate that they have ideal conditions for B. braunii culture. They need radiant
energy to photosynthesise, and Aus has plenty of sunlight, and they are tolerant of saline water, of which we have more than enough. At Flinders, we have closely determined the optimum conditions for Bb growth in terms of temperature, light and salinity with a view to commercial culture.’

6. The researchers found that to obtain the maximum biomass of algae and the best hydrocarbon production, the optimum culture conditions for this strain are: a temperature of 23°C, a light intensity of 30–60 W/m2 irradiance, a photoperiod of 12 hours light and 12 hours dark, and salinity of 8.8%. This last finding confirms that the alga is tolerant of brackish
waters.

7. For cost-effective production of biofuels from B. braunii, scientists will need to select or engineer strains with still faster growth and greater hydrocarbon production. It is not yet an
economic proposition, says a scientist.

Personalities and organizations mentioned:
Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation; Dr Jian Qin, of Flinders University; Australian research network BEAM (Biotechnical and Environmental Applications of Microalgae), Biotechnology company SQC Pty. Ltd.

Nature gave us oil from algae; perhaps we should try Nature's way again

Oilgae - Oil & Biodiesel from Algae
Oilgae Blog; The complete list of Oilgae Blog articles.
algOS - Biodiesel from Algae Open Source

About Oilgae - Oilgae - Oil & Biodiesel from Algae has a focus on biodiesel production from algae while also discussing alternative energy in general. Algae present an exciting possibility as a feedstock for biodiesel, and when you realise that oil was originally formed from algae - among other related plants - you think "Hey! Why not oil again from algae!"

You are at: Oilgae Blog. See the complete list of Oilgae Blog articles.

Do you know that oil derived from algae is an exciting renewable fuel possibility? - see Oilgae for more.

Systems and Economic Analysis of Microalgae Ponds for Conversion of CO to Biomass

Final Report J.R. Benemann and W.J. Oswald

Document format: pdf
Publisher: U.S. Department of Energy
Creation date: March 21, 1996

Abstract

There is growing evidence that global warming could become a major global environmental threat during the 21st century. The precautionary principle commands preventive action, at both national and international levels, to minimize this potential threat. Many near-term, relatively inexpensive, mitigation options are available. In addition, long-term research is required to evaluate and develop advanced, possibly more expensive, countermeasures, in the eventuality that they may be required. The utilization of power plant CO2 and its recycling into fossil fuel substitutes by microalgae cultures could be one such long-term technology. Microalgae production is an expanding industry in the U.S., with three commercial systems (of approximately 10 hectare each) producing nutriceuticals, specifically beta-carotene, extracted from Dunaliella, and Spirulina biomass. Microalgae are also used in wastewater treatment. Currently production costs are high, about $10,000/ton of algal biomass, almost two orders of magnitude higher than acceptable for greenhouse gas mitigation. This report reviews the current state-of-the-art, including algal cultivation and harvesting-processing, and outlines a technique for achieving very high productivities. Costs of CO2 mitigation with microalgae production of oils biodiesel are estimated and future R needs outlined.

Key Words: DOE • Algae • Microalgae • Hydrogen • Biodiesel

See the link to the full (PDF) report here

Nature gave us oil from algae; perhaps we should try Nature's way again

Oilgae - Oil & Biodiesel from Algae
Oilgae Blog; The complete list of Oilgae Blog articles.
algOS - Biodiesel from Algae Open Source

About Oilgae - Oilgae - Oil & Biodiesel from Algae has a focus on biodiesel production from algae while also discussing alternative energy in general. Algae present an exciting possibility as a feedstock for biodiesel, and when you realise that oil was originally formed from algae - among other related plants - you think "Hey! Why not oil again from algae!"

You are at: Oilgae Blog. See the complete list of Oilgae Blog articles.

Do you know that oil derived from algae is an exciting renewable fuel possibility? - see Oilgae for more.

Tri-Glyceride Production from Algae Grown on Dairy Anaerobic Digester Effluent

A research paper presented at Confex, Nov 2006

Alexandra D. Holland, Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, R&T building, 4th floor, 616 NE Northlake Place, Seattle, WA 98105, Rhonda Schmidt, College of Forest Resources, University of Washington, R&T building, 4th floor, 616 NE Northlake Place, Seattle, WA 98105, Nam Nguyen, Material Science and Engineering, University of Washington, R&T building, 4th floor, 616 NE Northlake Place, Seattle, WA 98105, Joe M. Dragavon, Chemistry, University of Washington, Box 351700, Bagley Hall, Seattle, WA 98105, and Marina G. Kalyuzhnaya, Microbiology, University of Washington, R&T building, 4th floor, 616 NE Northlake Place, Seattle, WA 98105.

Abstract

Persistent rises in fossil fuels are rendering bioenergy production on the farm an increasingly attractive alternative. In addition, increasing farm animal densities in the state of Washington are producing a concentrated manure surplus, which exceeds the amount usable on local agricultural lands as fertilizer.
In the context of the NSF MCCE IGERT fellowship (Multinational Collaboration on Challenges to the Environment, Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship) at the University of Washington, our interdisciplinary team has looked at the integration of Anaerobic Digestion (AD) and biofuel (as Tri-Acyl-Glycerol or TAG) production on dairy farms. In this process, the evolved AD methane is combusted to produce electrical power, and the resulting carbon dioxide is used to enrich the algae reactor. The nutrient-rich AD effluent is fed to the algae, thus by-passing the need to purchase fertilizer. Preliminary feasibility studies were based on existing AD operations (Van derHaak dairy, WA) and pilot airlift photobioreactors (Greenfuel Co., MA).
Preliminary experiments have assessed the robustness of various algal strains documented in the 1998 NREL report: “A Look Back at the U.S. Department of Energy's Aquatic Species Program: Biodiesel from Algae” when given AD effluent as a nutrient source. In parallel, as developed in the NREL report, algae populations have been isolated from farm environments, fed on AD effluent, and sorted for fatty acid accumulation by flow cytometry. These results will be incorporated in the Puget Sound Energy photobioreactor pilot project in the state of Washington.

Original Confex source here

Nature gave us oil from algae; perhaps we should try Nature's way again

Oilgae - Oil & Biodiesel from Algae
Oilgae Blog; The complete list of Oilgae Blog articles.
algOS - Biodiesel from Algae Open Source

About Oilgae - Oilgae - Oil & Biodiesel from Algae has a focus on biodiesel production from algae while also discussing alternative energy in general. Algae present an exciting possibility as a feedstock for biodiesel, and when you realise that oil was originally formed from algae - among other related plants - you think "Hey! Why not oil again from algae!"

You are at: Oilgae Blog. See the complete list of Oilgae Blog articles.

Do you know that oil derived from algae is an exciting renewable fuel possibility? - see Oilgae for more.

Microalgal Oil Extraction and in-Situ Transesterification

A research paper presentation from Confex Nov 2006

Justin M. Ferrentino and Ihab H. Farag. Chemical Engineering, University of New Hampshire, Kingsbury Hall, 33 College Road, Durham, NH 03824

High oil species of microalgae cultured in growth optimized conditions of photobioreactors have the potential to yield 5,000 – 15,000 gallons of microalgal oil per acre per year. As with any biological lipid, this is a potential feedstock for making the renewable fuel biodiesel. Photobioreactors have the ability to produce algae while performing beneficial tasks, such as scrubbing power plant flue gases or removing nutrients from wastewater. By coupling algae production with a waste treatment or pollution control process, as is already being done by some companies, the economic viability of microalgal biodiesel is significantly improved. In using microalgal oil to make biodiesel, the extraction of oil from cells is an important but costly step, which often involves toxic solvents. The method of Bligh & Dyer (1959) is a laboratory-scale technique which uses polar and non-polar solvents to extract the corresponding lipid fractions from cells. The drawbacks of using solvent extraction are that it requires extra energy input to recover the solvents, and it has the potential to contaminate the algae solids, thereby restricting options for their end use. The goal of this research is to improve the process economics of producing biodiesel from microalgal oil by making oil extraction simpler and less expensive. This is proposed by relying on only physical oil extraction, or by combining extraction with in-situ transesterification. The project will utilize six strains of high-oil algae already acquired from the SERI-NREL microalgae culture collection at the University of Hawaii. These include two Nannochloropsis sp. strains, Dunaliella tertiolecta, Dunaliella salina, Chlorella salina, and Chlorella sp. These will be screened to determine the species producing the most oil under both nitrogen sufficient and nitrogen limiting conditions. The specific growth conditions are not the focus of this project, and the purpose of screening is to ensure that a reasonable amount of oil be available for extraction (20-50% of the dry mass). Screening for the relative oil contents will be done with a Varian SF330 Spectrofluorometer by the method of Cooksey et. al. (1987) on cell cultures that have been diluted to equal concentrations, as checked with a Bausch & Lomb Spectronic 20 Spectrophotometer. Solvent extraction will be examined by separating algae samples from solution by vacuum filtration with a Buchner funnel and cellulose fiber filters and then dried. Dried samples will be treated using the two-solvent oil extraction technique of Bligh & Dyer (1959) and the improved method developed by Ennsani (1990). The lipid fractions yielded by these methods will be considered the base-line oil content of the cells, which the other extraction techniques will be compared to. To examine alternative extraction techniques, algae samples in their aqueous growth medium will be homogenized with a Sonicel 100 ultrasonic cell disrupter and centrifuged to determine if oil separation will take place without solvent. In-situ transesterification will be examined by adding dried algae samples to a methanol/potassium hydroxide solution and then ultrasonicating them. These will sit to allow the transesterification reaction time to take place, and then be centrifuged to separate the biodiesel from the excess methanol, cell solids, and the byproduct glycerin. After separation, analysis with a Hewlett-Packard Gas Chromatograph Model HP 5890 equipped with a Flame Ionization Detector will be used to determine total and free glycerine. This will be a way to assess if biodiesel has been made. Biodiesel yield from the in-situ transesterification method will be compared to those from the solvent extraction and the ultrasonic disruption/centrifugal extraction techniques.

Original Confex link here

Nature gave us oil from algae; perhaps we should try Nature's way again

Oilgae - Oil & Biodiesel from Algae
Oilgae Blog; The complete list of Oilgae Blog articles.
algOS - Biodiesel from Algae Open Source

About Oilgae - Oilgae - Oil & Biodiesel from Algae has a focus on biodiesel production from algae while also discussing alternative energy in general. Algae present an exciting possibility as a feedstock for biodiesel, and when you realise that oil was originally formed from algae - among other related plants - you think "Hey! Why not oil again from algae!"

You are at: Oilgae Blog. See the complete list of Oilgae Blog articles.

Do you know that oil derived from algae is an exciting renewable fuel possibility? - see Oilgae for more.

Biodiesel from Scenedesmus Obliquus Algae - A Research Project

See details of this project as presented at Confex in Nov 2006

By: Maria I. Monteverde, Juan C. Flores, and Jose A. Colucci. Chemical Engineering Department University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez Campus, Mayaguez, PR 00680

During decades micro algae have been studied for its nutritional potential value. Recently, other applications involving the use of this common and big contributor to aquatic life organism has emerged. At this time, the technology has improved in such manner that the possibility to produce fuel in the form of oils using this living organism as the raw material is a reality. Studies performed at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) indicate that the oil productivity (pounds/acre-year) of micro algae could be 20 times higher than the best oil producing crop. In this project we will investigate the algae Scenedesmus obliquus which composition demonstrates a big percent of oil. By using Scenedesmus obliquus, which is part of our ecosystem and is very accessible, a more environmental friendly and renewal fuel can be produced. The reproduction of this algae will be achieved using its usual pathway, photosynthesis, taking in consideration its natural ecosystem and creating a setup that includes the correct proportion of carbon dioxide and visible light to reproduce them as in its natural environment. Then, to extract oil more efficiently, the well known method of “expeller/press” will be used to remove the oil produced by this algae. At last but no least, the feasibility of producing biodiesel from this kind of oil will be analyzed and assessed.

Keywords: Scenedesmus obliquus, micro algae, expeller/press

Original Confex link here

Nature gave us oil from algae; perhaps we should try Nature's way again

Oilgae - Oil & Biodiesel from Algae
Oilgae Blog; The complete list of Oilgae Blog articles.
algOS - Biodiesel from Algae Open Source

About Oilgae - Oilgae - Oil & Biodiesel from Algae has a focus on biodiesel production from algae while also discussing alternative energy in general. Algae present an exciting possibility as a feedstock for biodiesel, and when you realise that oil was originally formed from algae - among other related plants - you think "Hey! Why not oil again from algae!"

You are at: Oilgae Blog. See the complete list of Oilgae Blog articles.

Do you know that oil derived from algae is an exciting renewable fuel possibility? - see Oilgae for more.

Method of Cultivating Algae and a Covering Material Used Thereof - 1980 Patent

Abstract

A method for cultivating an alga, which comprises growing the alga in a light field substantially free from light of wavelengths of not more than 340 nm; and a covering material for use in the cultivation of algae, said covering material substantially inhibiting the transmission of light of wavelengths of not more than 340 nm.

Patent number: 4235043
Filing date: Mar 14, 1979
Issue date: Nov 25, 1980
Inventors: Isamu Harasawa, Yukio Hariki, Katsuhiko Maeda, Kouichi Nakamura
Assignee: Nippon Carbide Kogyo Kabashiki Kaisha

More info on this patent from here

Nature gave us oil from algae; perhaps we should try Nature's way again

Oilgae - Oil & Biodiesel from Algae
Oilgae Blog; The complete list of Oilgae Blog articles.
algOS - Biodiesel from Algae Open Source

About Oilgae - Oilgae - Oil & Biodiesel from Algae has a focus on biodiesel production from algae while also discussing alternative energy in general. Algae present an exciting possibility as a feedstock for biodiesel, and when you realise that oil was originally formed from algae - among other related plants - you think "Hey! Why not oil again from algae!"

You are at: Oilgae Blog. See the complete list of Oilgae Blog articles.

Do you know that oil derived from algae is an exciting renewable fuel possibility? - see Oilgae for more.

Water Reclamation - Algae Production - 1972 Patent

This is a 1972 patent by Jay E. Ort

More details on this patent from here


Nature gave us oil from algae; perhaps we should try Nature's way again

Oilgae - Oil & Biodiesel from Algae
Oilgae Blog; The complete list of Oilgae Blog articles.
algOS - Biodiesel from Algae Open Source

About Oilgae - Oilgae - Oil & Biodiesel from Algae has a focus on biodiesel production from algae while also discussing alternative energy in general. Algae present an exciting possibility as a feedstock for biodiesel, and when you realise that oil was originally formed from algae - among other related plants - you think "Hey! Why not oil again from algae!"

You are at: Oilgae Blog. See the complete list of Oilgae Blog articles.

Do you know that oil derived from algae is an exciting renewable fuel possibility? - see Oilgae for more.

Method & Apparatus for Treating Sewage - a 1980 patent

Abstract

Steps are disclosed in a method for the complete treatment of sanitary sewage comprising water containing suspended or dissolved organic matter, the concentration of which is measured by biochemical oxygen demand (BOD). A part of the method relies upon a waste stabilization pond containing algae for aerobic decomposition of the organic matter, followed by removal of algae in a second algae removal pond. Another aspect of the invention is provision of a polishing pond constructed with a circumferential weir for maximizing exposure to sunlight and for aeration. A further aspect of the method of the invention involves optional provision of a facultative pond of increased capacity for reduction of BOD by use of combined aerobic and anaerobic treatment which avoids the drawbacks commonly associated with entirely anaerobic treatment processes.

Patent number: 4209388
Filing date: Nov 6, 1978
Issue date: Jun 24, 1980
Inventor: Arthur A. DeFraites

More info on the patent from here

Nature gave us oil from algae; perhaps we should try Nature's way again

Oilgae - Oil & Biodiesel from Algae
Oilgae Blog; The complete list of Oilgae Blog articles.
algOS - Biodiesel from Algae Open Source

About Oilgae - Oilgae - Oil & Biodiesel from Algae has a focus on biodiesel production from algae while also discussing alternative energy in general. Algae present an exciting possibility as a feedstock for biodiesel, and when you realise that oil was originally formed from algae - among other related plants - you think "Hey! Why not oil again from algae!"

You are at: Oilgae Blog. See the complete list of Oilgae Blog articles.

Do you know that oil derived from algae is an exciting renewable fuel possibility? - see Oilgae for more.

Method of Waste Treatment & Algae Recovery - a 1977 Patent

Abstract

A method of waste treatment and algae recovery involves making available in a first pond open to light and air a first body of waste water such as sewage containing algae, the algae growing on the contained nutrients. The first body is retained under natural culture conditions for a predetermined detention period, usually several days, and is then transferred to a second pond as a second body open to light and air. To the second body some normal algal nutrients are added and more particularly the body is continuously agitated at a moderate rate to maintain the growing algae in suspension. Preferably, to the second body and with the nutrients, there is added an amount of lime insufficient to cause coagulation of the algae. After a predetermined detention time of several days in the second, mixing pond the mixed material is transferred to a third pond. The third pond is shielded from the light and is dark. The third pond is unagitated and is quiet. The algae therein readily separate...

Patent number: 4005546
Filing date: Jul 21, 1975
Issue date: Feb 1, 1977
Inventor: William J. Oswald
Assignee: The Regents of the University of California

More info on this patent from here

Nature gave us oil from algae; perhaps we should try Nature's way again

Oilgae - Oil & Biodiesel from Algae
Oilgae Blog; The complete list of Oilgae Blog articles.
algOS - Biodiesel from Algae Open Source

About Oilgae - Oilgae - Oil & Biodiesel from Algae has a focus on biodiesel production from algae while also discussing alternative energy in general. Algae present an exciting possibility as a feedstock for biodiesel, and when you realise that oil was originally formed from algae - among other related plants - you think "Hey! Why not oil again from algae!"

You are at: Oilgae Blog. See the complete list of Oilgae Blog articles.

Do you know that oil derived from algae is an exciting renewable fuel possibility? - see Oilgae for more.

Apparatus & Method for Growing Algae - a 1968 Patent

William J Oswald et al

See full details of this detailed 1968 patent from here


Nature gave us oil from algae; perhaps we should try Nature's way again

Oilgae - Oil & Biodiesel from Algae
Oilgae Blog; The complete list of Oilgae Blog articles.
algOS - Biodiesel from Algae Open Source

About Oilgae - Oilgae - Oil & Biodiesel from Algae has a focus on biodiesel production from algae while also discussing alternative energy in general. Algae present an exciting possibility as a feedstock for biodiesel, and when you realise that oil was originally formed from algae - among other related plants - you think "Hey! Why not oil again from algae!"

You are at: Oilgae Blog. See the complete list of Oilgae Blog articles.

Do you know that oil derived from algae is an exciting renewable fuel possibility? - see Oilgae for more.

Process for Promotion of Algae Growth in a Sewage Medium - 1977 Patent

Abstract

An improved method for promoting algae growth in a sewage medium is disclosed. A high density algae culture can be obtained in a sewage water treatment process by placing algae in pure water separated by a dialysis membrane from sewage water wherein osmotic interaction occurs across the membrane. In a preferred embodiment algae is placed in pure water in dialysis tubing and the tubing is suspended in the presence of light in sewage water for osmotic interaction therewith.

Patent number: 4043903
Filing date: Oct 28, 1975
Issue date: Aug 23, 1977
Inventor: Inka Dor
Primary Examiner: Robert H. Spitzer

More info on this patent from here


Nature gave us oil from algae; perhaps we should try Nature's way again

Oilgae - Oil & Biodiesel from Algae
Oilgae Blog; The complete list of Oilgae Blog articles.
algOS - Biodiesel from Algae Open Source

About Oilgae - Oilgae - Oil & Biodiesel from Algae has a focus on biodiesel production from algae while also discussing alternative energy in general. Algae present an exciting possibility as a feedstock for biodiesel, and when you realise that oil was originally formed from algae - among other related plants - you think "Hey! Why not oil again from algae!"

You are at: Oilgae Blog. See the complete list of Oilgae Blog articles.

Do you know that oil derived from algae is an exciting renewable fuel possibility? - see Oilgae for more.

Unbalanced Culture Method of Algae Production - a 1971 patent

Interrupting algal-bacterial symbiosis after five days by treatment with 2537 angstrom high intesity light over a 2 - 3 inch deep channel permits increased algae production and 24-hour harvesting

This patent is about an invention that facilitates the above process.

Full info on the patent here

Nature gave us oil from algae; perhaps we should try Nature's way again

Oilgae - Oil & Biodiesel from Algae
Oilgae Blog; The complete list of Oilgae Blog articles.
algOS - Biodiesel from Algae Open Source

About Oilgae - Oilgae - Oil & Biodiesel from Algae has a focus on biodiesel production from algae while also discussing alternative energy in general. Algae present an exciting possibility as a feedstock for biodiesel, and when you realise that oil was originally formed from algae - among other related plants - you think "Hey! Why not oil again from algae!"

You are at: Oilgae Blog. See the complete list of Oilgae Blog articles.

Do you know that oil derived from algae is an exciting renewable fuel possibility? - see Oilgae for more.

Algal Cell Harvesting - 1982 Patent

Abstract

The present invention relates to systems, processes and apparatus for harvesting microorganisms, especially free swimming unicellular algae, such as algal cells of the Dunaliella variety.

Patent number: 4324067
Filing date: Feb 4, 1980
Issue date: Apr 13, 1982
Inventor: John O. Kessler
Assignee: The University of Arizona Foundation

More info on this patent from here

Nature gave us oil from algae; perhaps we should try Nature's way again

Oilgae - Oil & Biodiesel from Algae
Oilgae Blog; The complete list of Oilgae Blog articles.
algOS - Biodiesel from Algae Open Source

About Oilgae - Oilgae - Oil & Biodiesel from Algae has a focus on biodiesel production from algae while also discussing alternative energy in general. Algae present an exciting possibility as a feedstock for biodiesel, and when you realise that oil was originally formed from algae - among other related plants - you think "Hey! Why not oil again from algae!"