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An idea worth exploring: How about algae-based fuel?
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By JON M. HUNTER, Publisher
| 03/04/2010 |
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As scientists search for alternative energy sources, one possibility looks like it could help two ways in our area: an algae-based biofuel.
Algae include a number of simple, autotrophic organisms, some of which are found in local lakes. Efforts to "clean up" lakes in our region, ranging from chemical applications to reducing agricultural inputs, have been largely unsuccessful. Algae blooms occur regularly each summer when the weather warms up.
Now we understand that harvesting and processing algae into a biofuel is possible, although like most other biofuels, it's still unclear whether it makes financial sense or not.
During photosynthesis, algae and similar organisms capture carbon dioxide and sunlight to convert it into oxygen and biomass. The algae in our region grow aggressively because of the presence of nitrogen and phosphorus in lakes and streams. Unfortunately, when the algae dies and decomposes, it returns the phosphorus to the water, which is used again in next year's algae bloom.
To us, harvesting algae seems like a good idea, and converting it to a fuel is even better. The production of biofuels from algae does not reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide because any CO2 taken out of the atmosphere by the algae is returned when the biofuel is burned. But it does eliminate the introduction of new CO2 by displacing fossil fuels.
We read an article recently about an experimental car that runs on algae-based biofuel that transversed the country. A partner in the project, Sapphire Energy, is increasing production of algae-based jet fuel this year.
We'd love to see this possible fuel source pursued by South Dakota scientists. The state is pursuing a research agenda, we have smart scientists, and we seem to have plenty of the raw material.
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©Madison Daily Leader 2010
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