Algae Oil Fuel

At some point in our education we learn about algae or at least something about it. Most the information concerning algae does not stay in our memory very long, unless a career as a botanist or a marine biologist is a goal. In the plant kingdom algae is considered the old experienced group, in fact algae has been around for millions, if not billions of years. Marine algae also known as seaweed is the granddaddy of the Algae species and can range in size from a microscopic cell to kelp over 100 feet long.

Red marine algae has been used for centuries as a food staple and is considered a delicacy in parts of Asia. There are different species of red algae and they all contain protein and essential amino acids. They are also high in carbohydrates and contains Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids. Red algae is rich in vitamins and minerals and some strains of red algae contain sulfated polysaccharides, which are considered important to vibrant health.

There are over 7000 species of green algae that grow in different habitats. Green marine algae contains 2 forms of chlorophyll, which the algae use to capture light and produce sugar. Brown marine algae is also known as Phaeophyceae and contains a pigment known as fucoxanthin, which gives it the greenish-brown color. Brown marine closet relative is yellow-green algae. There are 600 species of yellow-green algae and most live in fresh water, but others are found in saltwater marine habitats.

The oil found in algae is used for a variety of things and is usually extracted from the plant by mechanical crushing. There are many different strains of algae, so several methods of crushing are used. At times mechanical crushing is used with chemicals solvents to extract the oil. Ultrasonic extraction is also used to harvest the oil. Algae can yield 100,000 liters per hectare which is more than any other oil producing seed, tree or plant.

Marine algae is a diverse collection of life forms that play an important part in the underwater eco-system, supplying oxygen for the aquatic life and in some oceans they can be as important as coral, because of their ability to form reefs. Marine Algae also plays a role on dry land as well. Marine algae is a vital form of life that can enhance the human immune system. It’s a source of food as well as biofuel. All of the benefits of marine algae have not been discovered, but as we move through the twenty-first century more uses will be found for this photosynthetic organism. From the giant kelp to the single cell forms of algae, they exhibit a wide range of talents, as well as unique sexual behavior.