Algae: Saving the World in Baby StepsAlex DoyleEmilia MillerDan Downs

introduction Researched Algae Species. Found the social impact for them

jobs

Why? One ton of algae can produce about 100

gallons of oil. Algae can produce up to 300 times more

oil per acre than conventional crops such as rapeseed, palms, or soybeans.

Why? Oil we use now is non-renewable

resource, and eventually will run out

Algae is renewable and grows at a fast rate.

Why? This method of getting oil is much

cheaper then other renewable resources such as: Hydroelectric Wind Solar

It is also more dependable because it can be in a controlled environment

History First thought of in 1950s Originally tried to use outside ponds Decided to move inside to avoid

contamination had trouble getting enough space to

mass produce algae; or had trouble getting artificial lighting

Their solution was called “Vertigrow”.

Anatomy There are many different types of algae

and each is made differently in structure but similarly in cellular structure.

Different types include Filamentous (stringy algae that can cling to

rocks) Planktonic ( Microalgae that floats

throughout the water Surface Blooming ( clumpy algae that

floats)

Anatomy All cells are encased in a cell

membrane, and all plant cells are encased in a cell wall in addition to the cell membrane.

The cell membrane is made up of lipids.

Anatomy The cell wall is outside of the cell

membrane. This protects the cell. This hard shell gives the plant rigidity.

Anatomy To extract the oil the cell must be

pressed and the cell wall smashed. This will allow the oils in the cell membrane and cytoplasm to be released.

Identifying Algae There are millions of algae species in

the world. Each species has unique and subtle

differences. The most optimal algae to use is what is

known as “Pond scum”.

Identifying algae Identifying algae is no small feat. First you must gather the algae from its

source. Make sure there is a lot more water than

algae, closely packed algae will decompose

Place the algae in a container and take it to your lab.

Identifying Algae Now you must examine the algae for

distinct traits. Compare your findings with an online

guide

Industry leading algae Botryococcus braunii is one of the

highest oil content algal species around. But there are some problems with it.

Thick Cell wall Fats are triterpenes instead of

triglycerides. Impossible to use same way of biodiesel

to convert.

Beneficial Social Impacts Increase in jobs

Engineers, maintenance workers, gardeners, etc. Leads to more money in the economy Economic boost

Potentially expand the job creation globally

Social Impact Hardships Change

Changing cars from gasoline to diesel Expensive Some may view this as unnecessary May take years before everyone agrees

Beneficial Economic Impacts With more jobs, there is more money

being circulated back into the economy. Without biofuels, “crude oil would be

trading 15 percent higher and gasoline would be as much as 25 percent more expensive.” (BIO)

Economic Impact Hardships America is depleting the Earth’s oil

Within 60 to 80 years, most of the usable oil will be gone

Within 60 years, oil prices will either double or triple Prices will skyrocket overnight

Conclusion With the algae we have researched, we

believe we have found the best local algae.