Weekly Writing
This lesson previously discussed the uses of algae for humans as food and how important it is for marine habitats. However, algae offers the promise of much more. Look at the two options below. Pick one of interest, click on the underlined link(s) and then write a 100+ word response. Your response should summarize the findings as well as state your opinions about what you have read. You can use the form here or find it in your assignments folder in Bb.
Combat Climate Change When marine algae conduct photosynthesis, they take up carbon dioxide (CO2), the main culprit cited in global warming. A MSNBC article reported that 2 tons of algae remove 1 ton of CO2. So, "farming" algae might lead to those algae absorbing CO2. The neat part is that those algae can be harvested and turned into biodiesel or ethanol. In January 2009, a team of UK scientists discovered that melting icebergs in Antarctica release millions of iron particles, which are causing big algal "blooms," which are absorbing carbon. The researchers will be conducting an experiment where they will release several tons of iron sulfate off the British Island of South Georgia, create a huge algae bloom and see if this is a valid technique for reducing CO2.
MariFuels Some scientists have turned to the sea for fuel. As mentioned above, there is the possibility to convert algae to biofuels. Scientists in Scotland will be looking at ways to convert sea plants, particularly kelp, into fuel. These scientists would be harvesting wild kelp, which is a fast-growing species. Other reports indicate that about 35% of the U.S.'s need for liquid fuels could be provided each year by halophytes, or salt water-loving plants.
Combat Climate Change When marine algae conduct photosynthesis, they take up carbon dioxide (CO2), the main culprit cited in global warming. A MSNBC article reported that 2 tons of algae remove 1 ton of CO2. So, "farming" algae might lead to those algae absorbing CO2. The neat part is that those algae can be harvested and turned into biodiesel or ethanol. In January 2009, a team of UK scientists discovered that melting icebergs in Antarctica release millions of iron particles, which are causing big algal "blooms," which are absorbing carbon. The researchers will be conducting an experiment where they will release several tons of iron sulfate off the British Island of South Georgia, create a huge algae bloom and see if this is a valid technique for reducing CO2.
MariFuels Some scientists have turned to the sea for fuel. As mentioned above, there is the possibility to convert algae to biofuels. Scientists in Scotland will be looking at ways to convert sea plants, particularly kelp, into fuel. These scientists would be harvesting wild kelp, which is a fast-growing species. Other reports indicate that about 35% of the U.S.'s need for liquid fuels could be provided each year by halophytes, or salt water-loving plants.