Algal Biofuels By: Audrey Rothenberg, Amaris Gilbert, Signe Berg, Cambria Boulanger-Jewell

What are Algal Biofuels? Algal Biofuel is a green alternative to greenhouse gas emitting fuels that uses algae as its energy source, specifically the oil. Algal Biofuel is an alternative to other plant based biofuels like corn, and sugarcane. Algal biofuels are specifically made from microalgae.

Why does it matter? Algal biofuels are important because they can reduce the immense amount of greenhouse gasses in our atmosphere. So, why do we need algal biofuels, or rather biofuels in general? Okay, first of all, we can’t deny the amount of pollution that we have. If we burn fossil fuels, then the Greenhouse Effect is enhanced, ergo, we have global warming. With algal biofuels, the Greenhouse Gasses emitted when we use cars that aren’t eco-friendly, will be eliminated! It is carbon neutral, so it doesn’t contribute to pollution.

What will happen? If greenhouse gases & air pollution continue to rise, then it will affect the environment, food, health, and our economy. If greenhouse gasses continue to rise, then the environment will be affected by climate change and rising sea levels. Food would change due to acid rain affecting crops, and the reduce in snow pact could reduce crop yields. Obviously, our health would be affected by the increase in temperature, but also many pollutants cause cancer, and if there is more pollutants, the chance of you getting cancer would dramatically increase. Lastly, our economy would be affected because it would cause more people to get sick, creating many open spaces in our workplace,

Algae!

How does it work? Algae is grown The oil (aka energy) is extracted from the algae The oil is used as energy The dried algae can be used as animal food The lipid oil is extracted from the algae used. The cell wall is broken down before the oil can be extracted. The cell walls are broken down through solvents, sound ways, oil press, supercritical fluids method. Refined in a process called transesterification. Also tree’s take out the rest of the CO2 from the atmosphere because this biofuel does not need deforestation to produce enough to fuel the world.

Positives It is renewable Has a high content of energy Algae consumes carbon dioxide It is biodegradable It doesn’t contribute to deforestation It can be grown globally The dried algae can be used as animal food and fertilizer Positives Its renewable, so it won’t run out. Also, it has a high content of energy, with 30x more more energy per unit that 1st or 2nd generation biofuels (such as corn and sugarcane). If it consumes CO2, then it will consume greenhouse gasses, overall cutting down on greenhouse gasses. It’s biodegradable, meaning that it will decompose if thrown away, not adding to landfills. Another plus is that it is an efficient use of land, meaning that it doesn’t contribute to deforestation. This is because algae can be grown in saltwater! It can also be grown world wide, meaning that it can be grown anywhere as long as there is a stable source for water and sunlight. Lastly, after the oil is extracted, the dry algae can be used as animal food, and it’s actually really good for the. :0 :) :( :l

Negatives Algae could contaminate water Consumes energy and water High cost to produce Audrey: Any algae that leaked from raceways or other bodies of water used for growing the algae could contaminate other water sources and cause problems. Also, it consumes more energy and water than fossil fuels, which is a problem for places with limited resources Releases some of the carbon dioxide that it consumed during photosynthesis when it is burned It could make pollution because of the extensive process to turn it into biofuel

Solutions Improving the way algal biofuel is produced Collect government funding Using algae that is water and energy efficient Audrey: Improving methods of production can make it cheaper and so that we use less resources producing it. Planting trees would absorb the CO2 that is emitted during the process of making the biofuel. Lastly, collecting government funding would help to give to the research that goes towards Algal Biofuels. There has already been government funding in the past, but there is not as much support for the biofuel that in times past. However, algal biofuel still has the opportunity to fuel our future.

The Future of Algal Biofuels It could fuel our cars It could become the dominant source of energy Reduce climate change The production of it could become faster It could change our future It can power our cities, our cars and transportations, our electronics. Improving methods leads to faster production. It could reduce global warming and change the way we think about energy.

There is usually a minimal effort to fund its research fun & fresh facts There is usually a minimal effort to fund its research it was adapted in the 1950s There are multiple types of algae, including red! You can grow algae in your pool The energy is found in the oil of algae, which is separate from the water There is usually a minimal effort to fund its research it was adapted in the 1950s There are multiple types of algae, including red! You can grow algae in your pool The energy is found in the oil of algae, which is separate from the water

Key takeaways Algal biofuel is an eco-friendly alternative to burning fossil fuels. It is carbon neutral and has an abundance of positives, however it is expensive, plus can use a lot of energy to produce. If funds are increased, algal biofuel can certainly have an extremely beneficial impact on our future. Overall, algal biofuel good for the environment! If we transition from burning fossil fuels night and day, we can reduce greenhouse gasses and pollution. Algal biofuel is made by separation between the oil and water, the oil being the one that holds the energy. While it is a good plan, it is very expensive, and costs a lot of money. If we continue to fund its research, algal biofuel could very well fuel our future. :)

Thank you!

Sources used https://cfpub.epa.gov/si/si_public_record_report.cfm?Lab=NRMRL&dirEntryId=237826 https://connectusfund.org/6-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-algae-biofuel http://biofuel.org.uk/biofuels-for-kids.html https://www.azocleantech.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=406 https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/green-science/algae-biodiesel2.htm https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/algae-biofuel-growth-environmental-impact/ https://www.energy,gov/eere/bioenergy/algal-biofuels https://algaebiomass.org/algae-biofuel-can-cut-co2-emissions-by-more-than-50-compared-to-petroleum-fuels-finds-new-peer-reviewed-study/ https://futureofworking.com/7-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-algae-biofuel/ princetoninnovation.org/magazine/2017/05/01/growing-green-future-algal-biofuels/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExOXF1x3N1g