Microalgae biodiesel (repost)

Microalgae for biodiesel production
and other applications: A review by Michael Petesch

AUTHORS:
Teresa M. Mata a,1,*, Anto ́ nio A. Martins a,2, Nidia. S. Caetano b,1
a Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto (FEUP), R. Dr. Roberto Frias S/N, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal b School of Engineering (ISEP), Polytechnic Institute of Porto (IPP), R. Dr. Anto ́nio Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal

Biodiesels, specifically produced from microalgae, present a viable solution to our currently looming energy predicament: a finite source of fossil fuel beneath our feet. This article outlined several barriers and benefits of utilizing microscopic one-cell organisms floating on lake and river surfaces to produce biodiesels as an alternative to gasoline and natural gas. The success of microalgae biodiesels is highly dependent on societal acceptance. In order for society to seamlessly accept and begin utilizing biodiesel, it must be produced in large quantities with the least amount of environmental impact yet still compete on both the same performance and economic level as current fuels.

Likely the most important aspect of microalgae production, outlined in this article, is that it marks the transition of biodiesels created from food crops such as corn and soybeans to biofuels not linked with human consumption. This transition is essential for receiving and maintaining social acceptance. However, promoting secondary uses of microalgae such as a concentrated source of protein, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants, is not a bad idea either. Other reasons for transitioning to microalgae biodiesel are: it has rapid growth rates, is more productive than most terrestrial plants, can easily adapt to different environments, and can be easily cultivated all while cheaply feeding off an abundant source of atmospheric carbon dioxide, water and sunshine. The result of all these traits squeezed into a microscopic organism is a production potential of 121,104 kg of biodiesel per hectare per year, compared to corns 152 kg of biodiesel per hectare per year.

Simply based on this potential productivity, do you believe our government should subsidize microalgae biodiesel research, and production the way they do corn ethanol production? I believe so. Something that can sustain that kind of productive potential while thriving on cheap and practically limitless sources of inputs (sun, water and CO2) is something worthy government dollars. However, great caution must be applied to any “too good to be true” situation. Microalgae cultivation, processing and storage should be piloted in small, isolated facilities before it is augmented to a commercial operation. If this does not happen, algal colonies may escape into the natural environment and likely result in water toxification and oxygen depletion leading to the death of fish and other aquatic organisms. If this were to happen, the publics’ stance on microalgae for biofuel may be soured, consequently stunting or shutting off income streams dooming any future studies or tests.

Personally, I equate microalgae to Robin Hood. Stealing is unpleasant; giving is respectable. In large blooms microalgae steals oxygen from both aquatic systems adversely affecting the health of the ecosystem including our ability to recreate. On the other hand microalgae is like a magical elixir. It can sequester carbon, excrete biofuels, accumulate heavy metals, help prevent cancer and cardio sickness, as well as produce the element we rely on most, oxygen.

I believe microalgae production can be used for good. It has the capability of infiltrating and appealing to a vast array of markets, in turn boosting economies worldwide. However, legislation stemming from common sense and influenced by an active civilian body must be implemented to prevent undesired algal breaches and contamination of global water sources by holding companies accountable for their actions.