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Algae: Saving the World in Baby Steps Alex Doyle Emilia Miller Dan Downs
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introduction Researched Algae Species. Found the social impact for them jobs
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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.
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Why? Oil we use now is non-renewable resource, and eventually will run out Algae is renewable and grows at a fast rate.
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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
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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”.
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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)
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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.
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Anatomy The cell wall is outside of the cell membrane. This protects the cell. This hard shell gives the plant rigidity.
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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.
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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”.
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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.
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Identifying Algae Now you must examine the algae for distinct traits. Compare your findings with an online guide
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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.
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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
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Social Impact Hardships Change Changing cars from gasoline to diesel Expensive Some may view this as unnecessary May take years before everyone agrees
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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)
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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
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Conclusion With the algae we have researched, we believe we have found the best local algae.
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