Introduction to Algae: A Revolutionary Resource
Algae are among the most ancient life forms on Earth, producing over half of the oxygen humans inhale, and form the base of aquatic food chains. They have emerged as a potentially revolutionary resource, able to grow at high rates in salt water without pesticides, producing biomass for fuel, food, and fertilizer.
Algae in Aquaculture and Food Production
Companies like My Algae in Scotland cultivate microalgae for use in fish and pet food, which could help address environmental concerns in the fish farming industry. Fish require omega-3 fatty acids, vital for their and human health, but cannot produce them directly, relying on algae for production. Traditionally, farmed fish like salmon obtain omega-3 through consuming fish meal made from small oily fish, accounting for 20% of all wild fishing and straining global stocks.
- My Algae proposes cutting out small fish and feeding farmed fish algae directly, cultivating it in wastewater from a whiskey distillery, creating a circular solution that saves fish and reduces carbon dioxide emissions.
- Plans to produce 3,000 tons of omega-3 per year are underway, highlighting the potential of algae in addressing environmental concerns in the fish farming industry.
Algae as a Food Source and Nutrient Provider
Algae is being considered as a food source beyond just feeding fish, with microalgae providing protein, vitamins, and nutrients for human and livestock consumption. The microalgae food market is currently dominated by chlorella and spirulina, with some farms using salty water and sunlight to produce algae for pharmaceutical products and feed supplements.
Key benefits of algae as a food source include:
- High protein content, similar to spinach, ranging from 30 to 60% by weight in its dried form.
- Rich in vitamins, including vitamin B12, and other nutrients like macro and micronutrients, sugars, and amino acids.
- Potential to reduce demand on traditional crops and provide a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers.
Algae in Carbon Capture and Wastewater Treatment
Algae requires carbon dioxide for photosynthesis, converting sunlight into chemical energy while producing oxygen. Alga Energy utilizes carbon dioxide-rich flue gases from power plants, enabling 4 million farmers to reduce chemical fertilizer use by up to 20%.
Additionally, algae can be used to treat wastewater, removing nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, and recovering valuable resources for reuse. A 2016 study showed a 65-71% reduction in total nitrogen and phosphate content, highlighting the potential of algae in wastewater treatment and resource recovery.
Key benefits of algae in wastewater treatment include:
- Oxygen production, supporting aerobic microorganisms that break down organic matter and inhibiting bacteria and pathogens.
- Removal of heavy metals through biosorption and bioaccumulation.
- Production of low-cost biomass, offering a sustainable solution for wastewater treatment and resource recovery.
Algae in Biofuel Production and Circular Processes
The market has mixed views on using algae as a potentially attractive solution to produce biofuels, with some oil giants pulling out of research efforts, but others, like Veridos, still pursuing it. Veridos claims its genetically modified algae can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 73-88% and be converted to jet or diesel fuel.
The real value of algae lies in its application to circular processes, such as treating sewage while capturing carbon, and then using the biomass to create fuel or fertilizer. Using biomass to create biofuels or fertilizer is an extremely attractive proposition, with potential economic benefits and a reduced environmental impact.
Key Vocabulary
| Term | Definition | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Algae | A simple, non-flowering, and typically aquatic plant that produces its own food through photosynthesis. | Algae are used in fish and pet food, as well as a potential source of biofuel and fertilizer. |
| Microalgae | A type of algae that is microscopic in size and can be used as a source of nutrition for humans and animals. | Microalgae are used in health supplements, such as chlorella and spirulina, and as a food source for farmed fish. |
| Aquaculture | The practice of cultivating aquatic plants and animals, such as fish and algae, in a controlled environment. | Aquaculture is used to produce food, such as farmed fish, and to reduce the environmental impact of traditional fishing practices. |
| Omega-3 fatty acids | A type of essential fatty acid that is important for human and animal health, particularly for heart and brain function. | Omega-3 fatty acids are found in algae and are used as a nutritional supplement in fish and pet food. |
| Carbon capture | The process of capturing and utilizing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere or from industrial sources, such as power plants. | Algae can be used for carbon capture, converting carbon dioxide into oxygen and organic compounds through photosynthesis. |
| Wastewater treatment | The process of removing pollutants and contaminants from wastewater, making it safe for reuse or discharge into the environment. | Algae can be used in wastewater treatment, removing nutrients and heavy metals, and producing oxygen and biomass. |
| Biofuel | A type of fuel that is produced from organic matter, such as plants and algae, and can be used as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. | Algae can be used to produce biofuel, such as biodiesel and biojet fuel, through various conversion processes. |
| Circular economy | An economic system that aims to reduce waste and the consumption of resources, by promoting the reuse and recycling of materials. | Algae can be used in a circular economy, producing biomass and nutrients from wastewater, and reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers and fossil fuels. |
| Biosorption | The process of using living organisms, such as algae, to remove pollutants and heavy metals from the environment. | Algae can be used for biosorption, removing heavy metals and other pollutants from wastewater and producing clean water and biomass. |
| Genetic modification | The process of altering the genetic material of an organism, such as algae, to produce desired traits or characteristics. | Genetically modified algae can be used to produce biofuels, such as biodiesel and biojet fuel, with improved yields and efficiency. |
Watch The Video
Vocabulary Quiz
1. Which word means ‘a substance that is added to the soil to promote plant growth and fertility’?
A) Biomass
B) Fertilizer
C) Pesticide
D) Omega-3
2. What is the primary reason why farmed fish like salmon require omega-3 fatty acids?
A) To enhance their flavor and texture
B) To produce a vibrant color
C) Because they cannot produce them directly and need them for health
D) To increase their size and weight
3. What is the name of the company in Scotland that cultivates microalgae for use in fish and pet food?
A) Alga Energy
B) Veridos
C) My Algae
D) Chlorella
4. According to the text, what percentage of wild fishing is accounted for by the production of fish meal made from small oily fish for farmed fish?
A) 10%
B) 15%
C) 20%
D) 25%
5. What is the potential reduction in chemical fertilizer use by farmers that Alga Energy enables through utilizing carbon dioxide-rich flue gases from power plants?
A) Up to 10%
B) Up to 15%
C) Up to 20%
D) Up to 25%
Answer Key:
1. B
2. C
3. C
4. C
5. C
Grammar Focus
Grammar Focus: Using the Present Simple and Present Continuous to Describe General Truths and Ongoing Processes
Grammar Quiz:
1. Algae ____________________ over half of the oxygen humans inhale.
A) produce
B) are producing
C) have produced
D) will produce
2. Companies like My Algae ____________________ microalgae for use in fish and pet food.
A) cultivate
B) are cultivating
C) cultivated
D) will cultivate
3. Algae ____________________ carbon dioxide for photosynthesis.
A) require
B) are requiring
C) required
D) will require
4. The microalgae food market ____________________ by chlorella and spirulina.
A) is dominated
B) are dominating
C) was dominated
D) will be dominated
5. Alga Energy ____________________ carbon dioxide-rich flue gases from power plants.
A) utilizes
B) is utilizing
C) utilized
D) will utilize
Answer Key:
1. A) produce
2. B) are cultivating
3. A) require
4. A) is dominated
5. A) utilizes