Algae: from plants to biofuelIntroductionThere is a lot of talk these days about the world's energy source and people are starting to ask questions about our energy sources. Is it eco-friendly? Does it make economic sense? For years the world has been heavily dependent on fossil fuels extracted from the ground. These fuels power power plants, automobiles, plains, and many other modern conveniences we enjoy. A lot of energy is spent extracting and transporting these fuels, as well as numerous negative environmental impacts. Scientists are busy finding alternative ways to power our world that are economically efficient and environmentally friendly. One idea being explored as an effective substitute is producing oil from algae. Algae has a high oil content, about 50% of its weight, and science is finding a way to use it as a clean fuel source. Getting oil from algae Turning algae into crude oil is a relatively simple and quick process. A mixture of seaweed and water is placed in what is essentially a pressure cooker. It is cooked at temperatures of 660 degrees Fahrenheit and a pressure of approximately 3000 psi. This produces oil that is extremely similar in composition to the oil we extract from the earth. Because it is so similar, it can be transformed into something similar to diesel using existing methods and facilities. The remaining water will be rich in nutrients such as nitrogen and can be resold to algae farmers to fertilize growing algae. Researchers are also looking for different types of algae that are better for different types of fuel. Some algae is better for gas, while some algae is better used as diesel fuel. Compared to other plant-based oil sources, such as......half of paper......c and continues to increase the cost of algae oil can be lowered to a competitive price. It will have a positive impact on the environment, putting fewer emissions into the atmosphere and actually consuming carbon dioxide as it grows. It's an option that can help solve many of the problems faced by the energy world. Bibliography http://inhabitat.com/cal-poly-project-produces-energy-and-purify-water-using-algae-and-human-waste/http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01 /080115132840.htmhttp://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/science/04/01/algae.oil/index.html?_s= PM:TECHhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11 /121126142850.htmhttp://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/scientists-turn-algae-into-crude-oil-in-less-than-one hour-180948282/http://www.forbes.com/sites /christopherhelman/2013/12/23/green-oil-scientists-turn-algae-into-petroleum-in-30-minutes/