Will Green Algae Fuel The Future Edit

Will Green Algae Fuel the Future?
The term “algae” describes a wide variety of relatively simple organisms that convert sunlight into energy. Algae can be either
unicellular or multicellular, and they are found in both fresh and salt water. Like plants, algae contain chloroplasts that allow them to
convert energy from the sun into storable chemical energy. When conditions are right, algae can store energy in the form of natural
oils. Scientists are researching different varieties of algae and developing practices to grow algae efficiently. In this activity, you will
conduct research on green algae and how it can be grown efficiently and cost effectively as a source for biofuel. You will use the
results of your research to help complete your STEM project. HIGHLIGHT ALL YOUR ANSWERS FOR FULL CREDIT,
PLEASE! PROBLEM WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO GROW ALGAE FOR BIOFUEL?
1. Think about what this problem is asking you to solve. Make a list of at least 3 things you think must be
considered to solve this problem.
Amount of sunlight in the area it is being grown.
Amount of water available in the area.
Type of water in which it is being grown.
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?
2. What questions do I need to answer to solve this problem?
What is the best kind of water to grow the algae in and which areas have the best amount of sunlight.
GET STARTED
To solve this problem, begin by researching the different methods scientists are using to grow algae as a source of biofuel. Compare
and contrast the methods of raising algae that you research. Be sure to evaluate your sources for bias and reliability.
THINK
THINGS TO ABOUT
• Why are scientists interested in growing algae as a source of biofuel?
• What are the optimal conditions for growing algae, such as light levels, water temperature, supply of carbon dioxide and oxygen, and type of nutrients?
• What is the overall process of growing algae and extracting the oil?
• What conditions lead to increased oil production by algae?
• What problems have scientists encountered when trying to grow algae on a large scale?
CONDUCT INITIAL RESEARCH

Use the Internet and print resources to research different ways scientists grow algae. To help track your
research, fill in the table. Be sure to include things like overall cost and energy output, space requirements,
light requirements, any environmental factors or concerns.
Method of
Description Advantages Disadvantages Sources
Growing
In a The algae It grows quicker in a Cost and the https://www.flinnsci.com
Laboratory cultures are laboratory, and it amount of space
https://www.alicat.com
placed in jars doesn’t need as they take up.
and placed by much space as https://www.making-biodiesel-books.com
windows for trees, so it captures https://www.technologynetworks.com
light, with the carbon more
lids loosely efficiently. $2-$15 dollars per kilogram.
open to reduce
20-30 microwatts per square centimeter
evaporation.
16 square meters of space required.
10 hours of sunlight a day.
Outside in Enclosed vessels It can be grown in They need a lot https://webberenergyblog.wordpress.com

Bioreactors that grow algae any condition. of energy, and
https://www.alicat.com
in a controlled the process is
system. They slow. https://letstalkscience.ca
are pumped
through clear $1,137 dollars per short ton.
vertical bags to 30 times the biomass concentration of
allow for open pond systems.
continuous
addition of Operational volume of 4000 liters per bag.
carbon dioxide. Alternation of light and dark periods.
Outside in Grows in Contributes to the Can prevent https://extension.psu.edu

Ponds response to food chain in that oxygen mixing
https://suffolkwildlifetrust.org
warm and sunny pond. into the water,
weather, though and can release $673 dollars per ton.
fertilizers and harmful toxins.
manure can be 15-30 time the biomass of a first
a contributing generation biofuel like corn.
factor for the Depths greater than 3 feet.
nutrients
needed. UV light.
PICK A METHOD
1. After you have completed your initial research, choose one of the approaches for raising algae for biofuel
that is interesting to you. Why do you find this method interesting?
Bioreactors. I find it interesting that they can be run in any condition.
2. Which type of algae is the best for producing biofuel?
Probably the bioreactors because they can produce large amounts of it.
3. What are the requirements needed by this algae to be the most productive? Does your chosen method
meet those requirements? Why or why not?
Alternation of light and dark periods. Yes because bioreactors is the one I chose.
WRITE IT DOWN
Conduct more in-depth research on the method you chose in Question 1. Use your research to answer these
questions.
1. Why do you think the method you chose in Question 1 is especially useful or promising? Answer using
complete sentences/thoughts.
Because it takes into consideration factors that could potentially affect the growth of the algae.
2. Describe the distinguishing features of your method.

A. What makes it valuable, gives it good business potential in the market, or makes it the most
environmentally friendly option?
I’m not exactly sure what you mean by method, considering that I just wrote down three things
that should be taken into consideration, though it does produce a lot more that the others,
considering that bioreactors is the closest.
B. What factors about your method require money or other resources to make it happen?
It requires land and the bioreactor bags that hold and grow the algae.
C. Does it have any other benefits?

Ability to be maintained in any condition, with any kind of water.
3. Describe the challenges involved in the method you chose. What is not working well or needs
improvement?
For all the methods a big challenge would be maintaining, filling the bags, cleaning. Though nothing of
extreme difficulty.
4. Describe what you would need to do for the algae production system that you researched. Be sure to list
its important features, including the inputs and outputs of the system as well as the cost.
We would need to have a main lab to grow the algae in its first few stages of life, and then transported to bioreactor bags
and grown in an outside environment with direct sunlight and some downtime from the sun. Though the cost per ton of
the algae produced would be around $1,137 dollars.
5. What do algae need to grow and thrive?
A good source of warmth, light, and nutrients.
6. Why do scientists and engineers think that algae could be especially useful for developing biofuels?
Because the oil that is extracted is very similar to diesel, though it burns better, and can be put directly into the
tanks of our cars with out any engine modifications.
7. Algae produce more oil when environmental conditions are stressful, such as when nitrogen levels are low.
Why are scientists focused on methods that lead to algae producing increased amounts of oil?
So that they can use the oil for the production of fuel for cars and biofuel.
8. Compare the cost of producing fossil fuel versus the cost of producing algae biofuel. Think about this in
terms of money and environmental impact.
Fossil fuel production cost $5.22 per million British thermal units. Biofuel costs $5.53–$6.38 per gallon
though which means it would take more money to produce biofuel but we would still have a cleaner
environment by doing so.
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Will Green Algae Fuel the Future?

• Why are scientists interested in growing algae as a source of biofuel?

• What conditions lead to increased oil production by algae?

CONDUCT INITIAL RESEARCH

Outside in Enclosed vessels It can be grown in They need a lot https://webberenergyblog.wordpress.com

Outside in Grows in Contributes to the Can prevent https://extension.psu.edu

2. Describe the distinguishing features of your method.

C. Does it have any other benefits?

Copyright © by Savvas Learning Company LLC. or its affiliates

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