|
Algal oil answer to dwindling fuel reserves
Sunday July 22, 2012 04:50:08 AM, IANS
|
|
|
|
|
Sydney: Algal oils
could be a sustainable solution to dwindling fuel reserves, says a
researcher.
Roger Huerlimann, doctoral student at the James Cook University,
Townsville, said microalgae, tiny aquatic organisms related to
plants, use light and the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2) to
produce oils similar to vegetable oils from plants.
"Two of the major problems in future will be the shortage of food
and fuel. Microalgae have the potential to solve these two
problems and more," said Heurlimann, according to a James Cook
statement.
"Furthermore, the algal oils can be turned into biodiesel for cars
and heavy machinery, as well as bio-kerosene for airplanes. This
would provide the world with a clean, sustainable source of fuels.
"Nature has given microalgae incredibly effective 'tools' in the
form of enzymes to produce a high variety of valuable oils. My
genetic work will make it possible to select specific microalgae
which are suitable for the production of either biofuels or
omega-3 fatty acids, among other possible applications."
The research will help in the search for more productive strains
of algae, which produce the oils and fatty acids that are required
for each individual application.
Huerlimann is part of a larger research team at James Cook, led by
Kirsten Heimann, associate professor. The team explores
cultivation of microalgae for the capture of carbon dioxide, a
known greenhouse gas responsible for global warming.
|
|
Home |
Top of the Page
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Top Stories |
|
Muslims around world start Ramadan fasting
Muslims around the world have begun fasting, as the holy month of
Ramadan started in most countries yesterday while the rest of the
countries observing the obligatory ritual from today.
»
Fasting is prescribed so that you may learn self-restraint
Barring Mumbai, Ahmadabad Ramadan in India to
start Saturday
Ramadan to start in Saudi Arabia, UAE Friday
|
|
|
|
Most Read |
|
 Rediscovered Delhi mosque site handed over
to ASI
A day after the Delhi High Court ordered suspension of the
construction of a mosque at an excavated site near the
»
Court stays construction of mosque near Jama Masjid
|
|
Heavy rains kill nine in Hyderabad, many colonies submerged
Nine
people, including two women and three children, were killed in
incidents of wall collapse in Hyderabad as heavy rains lashed the
city since Friday night, throwing normal life out of gear and
inundating over 50 colonies, officials said. Five people,
including a woman, were killed when the
» |
|
|
|
News Pick |
|
 M.A. Yusuf Ali resigns from Air India board
M.A. Yusuf Ali, an industrialist from the Middle
East, has resigned from the Air India board. Speaking to reporters
Saturday, Ali said that in the past two years since » |
|
HRD ministry to preserve Kashmir's
manuscripts, paintings
Human
Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal Saturday said that his
ministry has decided to take up preservation of Kashmir's rich
manuscript wealth under the national preservation
»
|
|
Egyptian channel with veiled women launches
broadcast
Maria TV, a
new satellite news channel that only features women wearing the
full Islamic veil, has been launched in Egypt. Men are banned from
the show, a media report said Saturday. Stationed in a small
apartment » |
|
Mamata hints at ending Bengal alliance,
Congress hits back
West Bengal
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Saturday indicated the end of her
and Trinamool Congress's alliance with the Congress in the state,
flatly asserting that her party was capable of going
»
|
|
|
|
Picture of the Day |
|
 |
|
Mohd. Hamid Ansari filing the nomination papers for the Vice
Presidential Election, in the presence of the Prime Minister,
Dr. Manmohan Singh, the Chairperson, National Advisory
Council, Mrs.Sonia Gandhi and other dignitaries, at
Parliament, in New Delhi on July 18, 2012. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comments
|
Quick links