Grantee Research Project Results
Final Report: A New Approach for Biodiesel Production from Algae
EPA Grant Number: SU833165Title: A New Approach for Biodiesel Production from Algae
Investigators: Niyogi, Dev , Becker, Paul Andrew , Growcock, Casey Anna , Blair, Andrew , Drury, Brianna , Hoyt, Charles , Forciniti, D. , Summers, David , Davis, Krista , Mormile, Melanie , Steele, Ryan , Schoemehl, Samantha
Institution: University of Missouri - Rolla
EPA Project Officer: Page, Angela
Phase: I
Project Period: September 1, 2006 through May 31, 2007
Project Amount: $10,000
RFA: P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition for Sustainability Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet (2006) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: P3 Challenge Area - Air Quality , Pollution Prevention/Sustainable Development , P3 Awards , Sustainable and Healthy Communities
Objective:
The supply of energy for the United States and world is currently dependent on extraction of fossil fuels. Eventually, a novel or sustainable source of energy will be required for industrial societies. In particular, transportation fuels are currently dependent on dwindling supplies of oil. Several bio-fuels for transportation are being explored, and we focused our research on an innovative approach to growing algae for the production of biodiesel. Algae have the highest potential rates of oil production per area of all biological sources. Although initial trials funded by the US Department of Energy had shortcomings, we are testing a novel approach that can overcome limitations of previous efforts. Our goal is to grow algae in underground mines using renewable energy from solar and wind sources to provide light and mixing of photo-bioreactors. We aim to demonstrate that algae can be grown at high production rates underground, given that algae do not need high light and that the controlled environment of mines will prove beneficial in fostering algal growth without the influx of external algae or grazing animals.
Our approach involves multiple teams of students from diverse academic disciplines, and is a continuing process as new students will advance the program in subsequent years. Mining students are excavating and develop new areas of the UMR Experimental Mine to house the algal “modules” or “farms.” Electrical and geological engineering students will provide solar and wind power for light and mixing of the modules. Students from biological sciences have selected algal strains that grow well in the controlled environment and also produce a high proportion of oil in their biomass. Chemical engineering students have started to design equipment to harvest and extract lipids (oil) from the algae and purify them into biodiesel. Finally, mechanical engineering students will test the biodiesel fuel in engines.
This project meets the P3 requirements by providing information on a sustainable approach to biodiesel production that does not interfere with food production or other competing land uses. In the long term, we hope the technology can be applied to areas worldwide where underground space is available. All energy inputs and energy produced are being measured to determine the overall success of the technology. Students involved in the project will learn scientific aspects of the technology as well as skills for working in teams, finding solutions to complex problems, and educating others. Demonstration of the technology will provide for the education of UMR students and visitors, as well as the general public including K-12 students.
Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes):
Most of the research for this phase of the P3 project was performed by the team of students from the Biological Sciences Department at UMR. They collected algae from various sources, and tested them for growth rates and lipid contents under conditions similar to those planned for underground farms. Several algal strains had impressive growth rates, despite the cool temperatures and low light conditions. Lipid contents of tested strains ranged from 5 to 24%. Oil contents of algal cells were confirmed by fluorescent microscopy using the Nile Red lipid stain.
The project is still progressing in the final weeks before the P3 conference. A team of mining students has been working for several months of developing a section of the UMR experimental mine to house the algal growth chambers. The first underground chambers will be set up next week.
Conclusions:
Algae definitely have potential as a source of biodiesel, and their growth in underground algal farms is a possible solution to declining sources of transportation fuels. Although we were unable to completely accomplish the multiple goals of our original proposal, work is continuing and we aim to develop renewable sources of energy (wind, solar) to power the underground farms, and calculate an energy budget to support out contention that this is an energy-positive solution.
Proposed Phase II Objectives and Strategies:
We have reached the stage now where we are ready to start the development of algal farms in the Experimental Mine at UMR. Selected strains from the biology team will be tested in this new environment, and solar and wind energy sources will be set up to power the lighting and aeration system for the algae.
Our next step will be to scale up the size of these algal farms in the underground spaces of the UMR Experimental Mine, which will require significantly more infrastructure than we have developed thus far (with Phase I funding). An additional two years of work will also allow us to make more progress on all aspects of the original proposal, from testing and tweaking algal strains to maximize oil production, to harvesting and processing of algae for biodiesel conversion.
UMR has made a significant effort to be a leader in the development of bioenergy sources to develop sustainable solutions to the needs of our society. The development of underground algal farms is one project that the campus supports, and we anticipate substantial progress in the coming years.
Journal Articles:
No journal articles submitted with this report: View all 1 publications for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
global climate, organism, metabolism, ecosystem, scaling, aquatic habitat, green chemistry, sustainable development, clean technologies, innovative technology, renewable, environmentally conscious manufacturing, cost-benefit, conservation, environmental chemistry, biology, physics, engineering, ecology, limnology, measurement methods, Midwest, Missouri, MO, EPA Region 7, agriculture, mining, industry, alternative energy source, alternative fuel, alternative to petroleum diesel fuel, bio-based energy, biodiesel fuel, biofuel, biotechnology, emission controls, energy conservation, energy efficiency, engineering, environmentally benign alternative, renewable energy, renewable fuel production, waste to fuel conversion,, RFA, Scientific Discipline, Sustainable Industry/Business, POLLUTION PREVENTION, Sustainable Environment, Environmental Chemistry, Energy, Technology for Sustainable Environment, Environmental Engineering, sustainable development, algae, environmental sustainability, alternative materials, biomass, alternative fuel, biodiesel fuel, energy efficiency, energy technology, alternative energy sourceThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.