The idea of getting fuel from algae isn’t new, only this time, NASA wants to have a go at the idea. Fuel from algae can be a lot more practical than fuel from plants and crops, with higher yield and without having to compromise on land that could be otherwise put to use growing food. NASA wants sea-based nurseries that would not only be used for fuel, but would also clean water and release oxygen.
Jonathan Trent, a researcher for NASA wants to grow algae using NASA-developed semi-permeable plastic membranes. The membrane would prevent salt water from the ocean to affect the growth of the algae, but ocean waves could help keep the algae healthy. By this arrangement, algae can be used to clean sewage water that can be later discharged into the ocean.
The concept has been demonstrated in laboratories, and is up for $800,000 grant from the State of California. While the lab demonstrations have gone well, the real world conditions are a different thing altogether and the plan may run into a number of problems, with issues relating to the growth and sustenance of algae, and of the quantity of fuel that can be derived.
Via: Discovery
