Algae are a new source of renewable energy.
The importance of renewable energy sources that do not harm the environment has been reflected by the 2010 oil spill in the Gulf Coast. Many say that eliminating our dependence on hydrocarbons derived from oil is vital for the continued survival of industrialized society. Without energy reform, we will continue to consume this non-renewable resource until it is gone. The importance of recycling our wastes to create renewable energy is vital, as is illustrated by wastewater treatment using algae.
Algae and Its Role in Energy Production
Oil, a nonrenewable energy source.
Algae naturally produce oil, similar in essence to olive oil or corn oil. The only difference is that since algae are single-cell organisms, they can convert a substrate into oil much more efficiently than a a multi-cellular plant. Many have noticed the growing capabilities of algae in lakes that receive fertilizer runoff, resulting in pond scum. This unique ability to grow profusely makes it perfect for generating energy through wastewater treatment.
What Algae Can Produce
A train that could be powered by biodiesel.
Algae can also be used to create biodiesel when it is grown in optimal laboratory conditions. According to Mother Nature Network, producing biodiesel "gives rise to 96 percent less hazardous solid wastes and uses 79 percent less water. The consumption of energy is 70 to 90 percent less than petroleum diesel in biodiesel production." This means that if the manufacturing of biodiesel via algae becomes cheaper than refining oil into diesel, it could be an environmentally sound solution for energy needs.
Algae's role in wastewater treatment
Wastewater on its way out to sea after treatment.
A wastewater treatment plant in Lake County, Indiana, is using algae as an integral part of its treatment process.The resulting sludge byproduct that is produced when algae treat municipal water is used to produce biofuel, heat and electricity, according to Inside Indiana Business. A new experiment by NASA is exploring the potential of open water treatment. This project involves "growing algae for biofuel in plastic bags of sewage floating in the ocean," according to the New York Times. The algae are placed into a sealed plastic container with sewage and allowed to float out to sea. As the sewage is turned into clean water by the algae, it is released into the sea.
Improving the Technology
The price of fossil fuels is still lower than biodiesel.
The only problem with producing biodiesel from algae is the price. If algae used in waste water treatment could be used to directly produce biodiesel in an economic fashion, wastewater treatment plants could become the fuel source of tomorrow. Improving the technology warrants finding a cheaper method of producing the fuel while setting up an efficient production system for the product, similar to that of oil today. Finding an economic way to transport and process the oil produced from algae is most likely a limiting factor as well.
The Future of Algae in Energy Production
Refining oil is not an environmentally sound process.
Biodiesel production is a hot commodity. It gives rise to 96 percent less hazardous solid waste and uses 79 percent less water. According to the National Biodiesel Board, "Because biodiesel can be manufactured using existing industrial production capacity, and used with conventional equipment, it provides substantial opportunity for immediately addressing our energy security issues." This means that biodiesel can be created with existing equipment. Algae have the potential to serve as a supplement or replacement to fossil fuels used for transportation.
Tags: percent less, wastewater treatment, renewable energy, Energy Production, environmentally sound, fossil fuels