Use of biomass for production biofuel and other resources are becoming one of the fundamental strategies for a more sustainable economy. And here, the sea has a lot to say. Spanish chef Ángel León recently unveiled a project for ‘sea grains’ that could change the human diet, but other initiatives are also leveraging algae for biofuel production.
Most biofuels have so far relied on conventional agricultural production. The problem with this strategy is that it often affects the availability of food grains and vegetables. An example of this is the so-called “tortilla crisis” in Mexico, where corn prices skyrocketed as crops were diverted to ethanol and biodiesel production. Algae, on the other hand, grow naturally in the ocean and do not require fertilizers or complicated cultivation processes.
Researchers at the USC Wrigley Environmental Laboratory are now looking at giant kelp, also known as Macrocystis pyrifera, as a source of biofuel. Their findings are reported in the scientific journal Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews.
underwater elevator
Although kelp is the fastest growing algae, there are some drawbacks to large-scale cultivation. On the one hand, it needs sunlight, limiting its growth area to a depth of 60 feet. On the other hand, it requires a nutrient-rich substrate that is more common at deeper depths. They have developed a new system. A frame made of fiberglass tubes and stainless steel cables can be maintained at different heights underwater. Keep algae close to the surface during the day to maximize light. At night, the platform descends and makes very deep contact with the seafloor. There algae use nutrients from the bottom.
first successful test
Scientists have been testing since 2019. The experiment began by collecting wild algae and attaching them to the platform. The structure was raised daily for over 100 days to provide more light to the algae. The algae then returned to the seafloor at a depth of about 260 feet. There, the culture absorbed the precipitated nitrate and phosphate. Also, check the temperature and condition of the water. They then compared it to algae growth in the wild. According to the researchers, the results were positive: the biomass production of these algae increased her fourfold. Factors such as increased water pressure do not affect algae growth.
Other uses of algae
The uses for algae are virtually limitless. Therefore, in addition to use as food and biofuel, other options are also being explored. For example, ceramic tiles that use algae-based aerogels to clean rainwater that falls on buildings. Or the use of microalgae from wastewater as feed for aquaculture. Or even algae as a raw material for making bioplastic bags.
In other words, if the ocean is the source of life, it is not surprising that we should turn our attention to the ocean at this time when environmental problems such as climate change are becoming more serious.
sauce: science daily
