Oregon State works to turn algae into biodiesel

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP)–“Pond scum” biodiesel? There are plenty of nicknames for algae, but it is one of the more plentiful natural crops in the world, and now it is being considered as a potential fuel source.

Oregon State University researchers are working to find an efficient method of processing algae to produce biodiesel fuel and ethanol.

Technology to mass-produce algae and extract its oils could be five to 10 years in the future, but the advantages would be worth the wait, says Ganti Murthy, an assistant professor of biological and ecological engineering.

“In a closed growing system,” Murthy said, “algae require 99 percent less water than any other crop.”

Algae can be found nearly everywhere, and it does not require a choice between food and fuel, such as converting corn into ethanol does.

“Algae can be grown using wastewater and in areas that cannot support agriculture,” Murthy said.

Varieties of the organism have been found flourishing in fresh and salt water and all kinds of environments, from the Arctic to tropical areas.

Algae also are highly productive compared with conventional crops. For example, a productivity model estimates that 48 gallons of biodiesel can be produced from an acre of soybeans. Algae could produce 819 gallons in a single acre, and theoretically as much as 5,000 gallons.

One of algae’s most remarkable qualities is that it can thrive on greenhouse gases from industry and coal-fired electrical generating plants. Waste carbon dioxide can be piped to algae ponds, where the gas is a necessary ingredient for growth and can even accelerate it by up to 30 percent.

Murthy has built two small experimental photobioreactors to grow microscopic algae in a closed system at OSU’s Sustainable Technologies Laboratory in Corvallis.

The reactors are simple plastic cylinders that have advantages over an open-pond system in greater productivity, reduced contamination and better control of growth.

It takes about three weeks for the algae, combined with light, water, carbon dioxide and mineral nutrients, to multiply and turn the water green.

4/7/08
None\3-A

Date: 3/28/08

76 Responses

  3. Wow that was odd. I just wrote an very long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear.
    Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Regardless, just wanted to say superb blog!

    Feel free to visit my web page … Glacier Air Cooler

  6. Howdy! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering if
    you knew where I could find a captcha plugin for
    my comment form? I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having difficulty finding one?

    Thanks a lot!

    my page: Keto LeanX Pills (shihan.com.ru)

  7. I’m really impressed with your writing abilities as neatly as with the layout on your weblog.
    Is this a paid topic or did you modify it your
    self? Either way keep up the excellent quality writing, it is uncommon to
    look a great weblog like this one these days..

  14. Thank you for sharing superb informations.
    Your web-site is very cool. I’m impressed by the details that you have on this web site.
    It reveals how nicely you understand this subject. Bookmarked this website page, will come back for more articles.

    You, my pal, ROCK! I found just the information I already
    searched all over the place and just couldn’t come across.
    What a great web-site.

    Check out my homepage; http://forum.adm-tolka.ru/viewtopic.php?id=682142

  15. Thank you for every other fantastic article. Where else
    may anybody get that kind of information in such an ideal
    method of writing? I have a presentation next week, and I’m on the search for such information.

    My blog post OracleLeaf CBD

  16. May I simply just say what a comfort to uncover
    someone who truly knows what they’re discussing over the internet.
    You actually know how to bring an issue to light and make it important.
    More people should look at this and understand
    this side of the story. It’s surprising you are not more popular because you certainly have the gift.

    Here is my web site :: http://www.anapapansion.ru

  25. If some one desires expert view on the topic of blogging and site-building then i advise him/her to visit this webpage, Keep up the good job.

    my page: Pure Remedy CBD (Frederic)

  29. Good day! I could have sworn I?ve been to this web site before but after looking
    at a few of the articles I realized it?s new to me. Anyways, I?m definitely pleased I stumbled upon it and I?ll be book-marking it and checking back frequently!

    Feel free to surf to my web page :: Sion Air Conditioner

  32. Thank you for sharing superb informations. Your web site is so cool.
    I am impressed by the details that you’ve on this site.
    It reveals how nicely you understand this subject.
    Bookmarked this website page, will come back for
    extra articles. You, my pal, ROCK! I found simply
    the information I already searched all over the place and just could not come
    across. What a perfect web-site.

    Look into my web blog: SperMax Control Reviews

  33. I seriously love your blog.. Pleasant colors & theme.
    Did you develop this site yourself? Please reply back as I?m hoping to
    create my own personal website and would like to know where
    you got this from or just what the theme is called.
    Many thanks!

    my page: Hempizor CBD Gummies

  38. Hello, Neat post. There is a problem together with your site in web explorer, would check this…
    IE nonetheless is the marketplace leader and a huge portion of people will leave out
    your excellent writing due to this problem.

    Here is my blog – Emilie

  42. Please let me know if you’re looking for a writer for your weblog.
    You have some really great posts and I believe I would be
    a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d love to write some content for your
    blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please blast me an e-mail if interested.
    Thanks!

    Stop by my webpage IQ SuperCharged Supplement

  44. An outstanding share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a coworker who has been doing a
    little homework on this. And he in fact bought me breakfast because I
    stumbled upon it for him… lol. So let me reword this….
    Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending the time to talk about this subject here on your blog.

    My web blog Gold Leaf CBD Gummies Reviews

  48. Great – I should definitely pronounce, impressed with your web site.
    I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs and related information ended up being truly simple to do to access.
    I recently found what I hoped for before you know it at all.
    Reasonably unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or something, web
    site theme . a tones way for your client to communicate.
    Excellent task.

    my web blog – Arctic Air Portable Air Conditioner Review

  53. I’m really loving the theme/design of your weblog.
    Do you ever run into any browser compatibility problems?
    A small number of my blog visitors have complained about my blog not working
    correctly in Explorer but looks great in Safari. Do you have
    any ideas to help fix this problem?

  54. Excellent post however I was wondering if you could write
    a litte more on this topic? I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit
    further. Many thanks!

  55. I am really enjoying the theme/design of your
    web site. Do you ever run into any internet browser compatibility issues?
    A couple of my blog readers have complained about my website not working correctly in Explorer but looks great in Safari.
    Do you have any suggestions to help fix this problem?

  56. I was recommended this web site through my cousin. I am now not positive whether this submit is written via him as nobody else
    recognise such precise approximately my trouble. You’re wonderful!

    Thanks!

  57. This is really attention-grabbing, You’re a very skilled blogger.
    I’ve joined your feed and look forward to in search of
    more of your fantastic post. Additionally, I’ve shared your website in my
    social networks

  58. Have you ever considered about adding a little bit more than just your
    articles? I mean, what you say is important and everything.
    However imagine if you added some great graphics or videos to give your posts more,
    “pop”! Your content is excellent but with pics and videos,
    this blog could certainly be one of the most beneficial in its field.
    Good blog!

  60. You’ve made some really good points there. I looked on the web for more information about the issue and found most individuals will
    go along with your views on this website.

  61. Asking questions are actually good thing if you are not understanding anything totally, but this
    post gives fastidious understanding yet.

  62. Howdy! This is my first comment here so I
    just wanted to give a quick shout out and tell you I really enjoy reading through
    your blog posts. Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums that go
    over the same subjects? Thanks!

  65. Undeniably believe that which you stated. Your favorite justification appeared to be on the web the easiest thing to
    be aware of. I say to you, I definitely get
    irked while people think about worries that they plainly do not
    know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top and also defined out the whole thing
    without having side effect , people can take a signal.

    Will likely be back to get more. Thanks

    My website … http://duna-anapa.net.ru

  71. I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my
    own weblog and was wondering what all is required to get set
    up? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny?

    I’m not very internet savvy so I’m not 100% positive.
    Any recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated.
    Thank you

  72. What i don’t understood is in reality how you are not
    really much more neatly-appreciated than you may be right now.
    You are so intelligent. You know thus significantly when it comes to
    this matter, made me in my view consider it from a lot of varied angles.
    Its like women and men don’t seem to be interested unless it is one thing to do with Lady gaga!

    Your own stuffs nice. All the time deal with it up!

    Take a look at my web-site … Bio Wellness CBD Gummies

  73. Hello there! Would you mind if I share your blog with my zynga group?
    There’s a lot of folks that I think would really enjoy your content.

    Please let me know. Thank you

  75. My brother recommended I may like this website.
    He was once entirely right. This post actually made my day.
    You can not imagine just how much time I had
    spent for this info! Thanks!

ecoShuttle Charters & Tours

25500 SW Grahams Ferry Rd.
Sherwood, OR 97140
office hours:               M-F, 5am-5pm PST
toll free:                     1-877-ECO4PDX 
phone:                        503-548-4480 
fax:                             503-548-4821
email:                         info@ecoshuttle.com 

Service Areas: Beaverton, Bend, Camas, Damascus, Eugene, Gresham, Keizer, Lake Oswego, Oregon City, Hillsboro, Hood River, Portland, Salem, Sherwood, Springfield, Tigard, Troutdale, Tualatin, Vancouver, Washougal, and Wilsonville, Maupin, Madras, Pendleton, The Dalles, Corvallis.

©2024 ecoShuttle Charters & Tours. All RIGHTS RESERVED.