Algal oil answer to dwindling fuel reserves
July 20th, 2012 - 11:22 pm ICT by IANSSydney, July 20 (IANS) Algal oils could be a sustainable solution to dwindling fuel reserves, says a researcher.
Roger Huerlimann, doctoral student at the James Cook University, Townsville, said microalgae, tiny aquatic organisms related to plants, use light and the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2) to produce oils similar to vegetable oils from plants.
“Two of the major problems in future will be the shortage of food and fuel. Microalgae have the potential to solve these two problems and more,” said Heurlimann, according to a James Cook statement.
“Furthermore, the algal oils can be turned into biodiesel for cars and heavy machinery, as well as bio-kerosene for airplanes. This would provide the world with a clean, sustainable source of fuels.
“Nature has given microalgae incredibly effective ‘tools’ in the form of enzymes to produce a high variety of valuable oils. My genetic work will make it possible to select specific microalgae which are suitable for the production of either biofuels or omega-3 fatty acids, among other possible applications.”
The research will help in the search for more productive strains of algae, which produce the oils and fatty acids that are required for each individual application.
Huerlimann is part of a larger research team at James Cook, led by Kirsten Heimann, associate professor. The team explores cultivation of microalgae for the capture of carbon dioxide, a known greenhouse gas responsible for global warming.
- Unique genetic adaptation helped our brain grow - Apr 13, 2012
- Renewable petroleum one step closer to reality - Mar 24, 2011
- Engineered plants 'could be turned into green plastics someday' - Nov 09, 2010
- Omega-3 fatty acids limit smoking damage - Apr 22, 2012
- Rivers could provide energy for half billion people - Apr 19, 2012
- Indian Oil ties up with Honeywell arm for biofuel projects - Mar 31, 2010
- Tweaking copper to recycle CO2 into fuel - Apr 12, 2012
- Engineered bacteria to turn carbon dioxide into liquid fuel - Dec 11, 2009
- US meat company converts waste animal fat into renewable diesel fuel - Dec 25, 2010
- Using Mother Nature's method to save oceans' marine life - Jan 20, 2011
- Omega-3 fatty acids boon for undersized babies - Feb 22, 2012
- Imported edible oils find growing market in India - Feb 20, 2011
- Researchers create biodiesel from microalgae grown in wastewater - Feb 18, 2011
- What makes for more healthy eggs? - Aug 04, 2011
- Algae seen as cheapest, greenest bio-diesel source - Feb 18, 2011
Tags: 3 fatty acids, aquatic organisms, biodiesel, biofuels, doctoral student, effective tools, food and fuel, fuel reserves, gas carbon dioxide, genetic work, greenhouse gas, heavy machinery, james cook university, james cook university townsville, kerosene, larger research, omega 3 fatty acids, sustainable solution, sustainable source, vegetable oils