Why? One ton of algae can produce about 100
gallons of oil. Algae can produce up to 300 times more
oil per acre than conventional crops such as rapeseed, palms, or soybeans.
Why? Oil we use now is non-renewable
resource, and eventually will run out
Algae is renewable and grows at a fast rate.
Why? This method of getting oil is much
cheaper then other renewable resources such as: Hydroelectric Wind Solar
It is also more dependable because it can be in a controlled environment
History First thought of in 1950s Originally tried to use outside ponds Decided to move inside to avoid
contamination had trouble getting enough space to
mass produce algae; or had trouble getting artificial lighting
Their solution was called “Vertigrow”.
Anatomy There are many different types of algae
and each is made differently in structure but similarly in cellular structure.
Different types include Filamentous (stringy algae that can cling to
rocks) Planktonic ( Microalgae that floats
throughout the water Surface Blooming ( clumpy algae that
floats)
Anatomy All cells are encased in a cell
membrane, and all plant cells are encased in a cell wall in addition to the cell membrane.
The cell membrane is made up of lipids.
Anatomy The cell wall is outside of the cell
membrane. This protects the cell. This hard shell gives the plant rigidity.
Anatomy To extract the oil the cell must be
pressed and the cell wall smashed. This will allow the oils in the cell membrane and cytoplasm to be released.
Identifying Algae There are millions of algae species in
the world. Each species has unique and subtle
differences. The most optimal algae to use is what is
known as “Pond scum”.
Identifying algae Identifying algae is no small feat. First you must gather the algae from its
source. Make sure there is a lot more water than
algae, closely packed algae will decompose
Place the algae in a container and take it to your lab.
Identifying Algae Now you must examine the algae for
distinct traits. Compare your findings with an online
guide
Industry leading algae Botryococcus braunii is one of the
highest oil content algal species around. But there are some problems with it.
Thick Cell wall Fats are triterpenes instead of
triglycerides. Impossible to use same way of biodiesel
to convert.
Beneficial Social Impacts Increase in jobs
Engineers, maintenance workers, gardeners, etc. Leads to more money in the economy Economic boost
Potentially expand the job creation globally
Social Impact Hardships Change
Changing cars from gasoline to diesel Expensive Some may view this as unnecessary May take years before everyone agrees
Beneficial Economic Impacts With more jobs, there is more money
being circulated back into the economy. Without biofuels, “crude oil would be
trading 15 percent higher and gasoline would be as much as 25 percent more expensive.” (BIO)
Economic Impact Hardships America is depleting the Earth’s oil
Within 60 to 80 years, most of the usable oil will be gone
Within 60 years, oil prices will either double or triple Prices will skyrocket overnight