1

INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENTMorehead State University

David May, John Soper, Abdullah Aldossary & Lowell D. Outland

IET 307: Materials Science

Group 2 Final Project: Biofuel from Algae

Instructor: Dr. Rajeev Madavan Nair

Due Date: 9 December 2011

2

Abstract

The depletion of the Earth’s natural resources is a fact that should not be ignored and

considered recklessly. The consequence of this matter is despicably dangerous. Among the

natural reserves that have been diminishing rapidly is oil. The shortage of primary energy is

increasing exponentially, which has become a major concern and threat to our environment. As a

result to this escalating shortage, gasoline has become insanely expensive and uncalled for. Thus,

scientists and researchers have been working on trying to find alternative resources in order to

produce fuel at a more reasonable expense with renewable resources. One breakthrough that

human knowledge has reached is using algae as a biofuel. This biofuel means that methane is

produced from a renewable biological resource such as algae plants, with treated urban and

industrial waste. It has been known that algae are among the plants that are considered as the

most photosynthetically efficient. Many large corporations spend money for researches to utilize

natural resources like biofuels as fuel alternatives with more profits. This act is not only saving

our degrading natural reserves but it is friendly to the environment as well. In this paper, algal

growth is considered as means in the production of alternative fuels with bioreactors that are

opted as one way algae are being considered to be grown. Metabolic engineering of lipid

production pathways is a new research being implemented to aid in the amount of

triacylglycerides in the final product. The more you have in the final product the more biofuel

you will be able to create with the species of algae you are using. This research has implied that

in the future, algal growth will give us alternatives to oil thus reducing the latter’s swift

consumption. As this research pushes through, an enormous potential for creation of new jobs

and economy growth is at hand along with a friendlier effect to the environment.

3

Table of Contents

1.0 Introduction 5

2.0 Background 6

3.0 Content 8

4.0 Conclusion 12

5.0 Future Work 12

6.0 References 14

7.0 Signature Page 15

4

List of Figures

Figure 2.1…………………………………………………………………………………..7

Figure 3.1…………………………………………………………………………………..9

5

1.0 Introduction

As we all know the price for gasoline is becoming outrageously expensive and uncalled

for. Scientists and researchers have been working on trying to find alternative resources in order

to produce fuel at a more reasonable expense. An alternative resource that has been very

common lately is biofuel from algae. Not only is this resource feasible financially but it could

also help better protect us environmentally. Oil is becoming expensive mainly because of where

we mine our oil from. We have plenty of oil located in our reserves however, they are worried

that it may become scarce at a fast pace. Scarcity is something that is very important to take into

consideration. Since oil is a non renewable resource and algae is a renewable resource than it

would be wise to start implementing biofuel from algae not only because it is renewable but also

because it is more environmentally friendly.

Biofuel means that methane is produced from a renewable biological resource such as a

plant, or in our case algae, with treated urban and industrial waste. Scientists and researchers

have been working on this process very effectively and have made progress. “Exxon Mobile and

Synthetic Genomics, Inc. announced in July 2010 that they were opening a new greenhouse

facility to open the doors to the next level of research and testing for algae biofuels” (Exxon

Mobil Corporation). This greenhouse is located in La Jolla, California.

The idea of biofuel from algae has been talked about and in the works for many years.

“From 1978 to 1996 the U.S. had experimented using biodiesel algae as a source in the “Aquatic

Species Program”. This experiment with algae was meant to be the replacement of all vehicular

fuel by using algae that contained natural oil content greater than 50%. Unfortunately, at this

time technology had not been advanced enough in order to successfully complete this idea”

(Aurora Algae).

Years later a production known as Aurora Biofuels was the first to incorporate the idea of

biodiesel algae into a full size commercial scale plant. They have operated successfully with

biodiesel algae since August 2007 and have started to make head way saying technology is

starting to get to the point in order to make this process successful while being able to produce

biodiesel algae at an economical price.

“Today algae is known for being one of the most photo synthetically efficient plants. As

we all know algae grows all over the world in ponds, creeks etc… In order for algae to be

6

produced there needs to be water, sunlight and carbon dioxide. Under very good conditions algae

is known to be able to double overnight” (Algae Biofuels). This is a positive aspect knowing that

we can’t afford to face scarcity. “Scientists estimate that algae farms in the future will be able to

replace petroleum as a transportation fuel in the United States. It is also estimated that algae can

produce 10,000 gallons per acre per year and possibly even more. The oil that is produced will

then be harvested and converted into biodiesel” (Algae Biofuels).

2.0 Background

To begin, there has been a lot of background of biofuels from different types of

generations of biofuel feed stocks. “First, includes sugarcane and cereal grains for producing bio-

ethanol and bio-butanol, and oilseeds for producing biodiesel. Second, includes biofuels from

non-edible plant parts like Jatropha and Castor Bean. Lastly, arrives the biofuel production from

algae. Algae can also grow in salt water, freshwater, contaminated water like in seas or ponds”

(Biofuel from Algae).

Taking into consideration the background of the algae there poses many concerns. “First,

is the need for algal strain with higher oil content. Second, is the need for algal lines that can

withstand severe outdoor conditions like temperature changes and biological competition and

contamination” (Biofuel from Algae). There are some provisions being made and more research

being conducted in order to eliminate all of the possible problems that may arise before actually

using algae as a biofuel. “First, in order to increase the oil content various environment

conditions are being tested in order to increase the oil accumulation. There has been several

micro RNAs that relate to oil production. These micro RNAs have been introduced into algae

and there is now several lined of modified algae that produces 20-25% more oil that the before”

(Biofuel from Algae). Improving contamination of the algae is also a major concern and is being

focused on through research. “Rosetta Green has identified micro RNAs that relate to different

environmental conditions and challenges like water that contains high concentrations of heavy

metal. Some of these micro RNAs have already been introduced and are undergoing tests in

order to identify improved capability for algae to grow under selective conditions” (Biofuel from

Algae).

7

There are many things to still be studied before the absolute decision is made for making

algae the next biofuel. There are some advantages right off the bat when considering algae as a

biofuel. “Algae doesn’t require the diversion of farmland from food production. A more

beneficial scenario would be to cultivate algae in Canada from municipal wastewater which is

rich in fertilizers like ammonia and phosphates, which are bad because it contains CO2. No other

source of biofuel can be grown this way” (Going Green). In saying this, algae biofuel becomes a

very positive situation that we are getting ourselves into. “Microalgae could turn something bad,

such as ammonia and phosphates, into something useful. Because microalgae is able to grow so

fast, harvesting can take place in weeks compared with months in which other biofuel crops take.

Microalgae crop can produce up to 20 times more oil than these others” (Going Green). Below is

a diagram showing a cycle of a carbon neutral fuel.

Figure 2.1

Dr. Patrick McGinn is a lead scientist dealing with the research of algae monitoring the

growth rate and the oil concentration that algae contains. According to Dr. McGinn, his team is

on the road to identifying a new future with innovative ways to incorporate algae into a

successful biofuel. Dr. McGinn sees that these changes and engineered techniques will be taking

place very quickly and effectively. He states that “fuel from microalgae may be a viable

alternative in five to ten years, and an everyday reality within two decades” (Dr. McGinn).

8

3.0 Content

The depletion of the Earth’s natural resources has created a whole new demand, the

demand for a fuel alternative. The fuel alternative will continually gain recognition as time

passes. Not only for human needs, transportation needs, but as well for the environment.

Depleting the Earth of all its natural resources could be very detrimental to the ecosystem. One

of the most exciting and more promising researched alternatives is that of biofuels from algal

growth. Natural resources, coal and oil particularly, are used for a variety of purposes. Many

people use them to heat their houses as well as for transportation. Even large corporations that

utilize the natural resources for their profits are readily researching biofuels as fuel alternatives.

This idea depicts the need for alternatives at a high level. These corporations know that the

depletion of natural resources is a continuous occurrence and we will soon be out of them. Not

only are we running out of natural resources but the fuel alternatives are more environmentally

friendly. This is due to the way they are utilized and the environment doesn’t get pollution from

carbon emissions.

“Biofuels allow solar energy to be utilized”(Scott et. Al). Processing this in text quote

allows us to see the limitless use of biofuels from algal growth. If, biofuels are utilized, it would

mean that we would finally be able to harness energy from the sun to drive transportation needs.

If we could exploit the sun, and use its energy we could drive the engines that once were limited

to natural resources with a limitless amount of energy. The only problem this would encounter

would be if the sun were to burn out. In this case we would all eventually perish anyway so what

would be the need for fuel.

9

Figure 3.1

The figure directly above displays the current opinion on how algae are grown to produce

a biofuel. There are a lot of important features when deciphering the pipeline above. Important

features are; choice of algal strains, growth of algal strain and production of fuel molecules,

harvesting and extraction, and final processing and use of co-products.

Choosing the right algal strain is very important. “Algae are simple aquatic organisms

that photosynthesize, but there are an estimated 300,000 species,.”(Scott et al p1). These

organisms are being researched everywhere to see which ones are the fastest growing and/or

highest production yield. Key groups of algae species as of now are the green algae and diatoms.

The second key feature is the growth of the algal strain and production of fuel molecules.

“There are well established harvesting and processing methodologies for the products, which can

be produced economically, although essentially without regard to energy inputs.”(Scott et al p2).

I like this statement because it shows promise to the production of alternative fuels by way of

algal growth, but doesn’t account for energy inputs. Energy inputs are crucial to creating a fuel

alternative because if your energy input, in means of natural resources, are more than the energy

yield of biofuel then why even consider it. Concerns with the growth of biofuels are, “(1)

whether closed or open bioreactors are feasible, (2) the strategies to be taken to avoid

contamination by adventitious organisms, and (3) how nutrients and CO2 should be supplied to

the system.”(Scott et al p2). These concerns are important , bioreactors are one way algae are

being considered to be grown, so whether or not they are feasible is a prominent concern.

10

Contamination can be very detrimental if you are trying to grow certain algae, because certain

species can come in and eat the species trying to be grown. Therefore, a necessity of being

particular and sterile in how you handle the growing algae is important.

Harvesting and extracting the biofuel is the biggest concern. Triacylglycerides are

important components of algae because they are transesterified to produce biodiesel. “The

difficulty is in releasing the lipids for their intracellular location in the most energy-efficient and

economical way possible,”(Scott et al p3). This process can be done using hexane which breaks

the bonds of the lipids; however, using this solvent in the quantities needed, can be costly. It’s

pertinent that the oil be released without contamination of DNA or chlorophyll because they will

be a contamination to the fuel. Other processes using enzymes to reduce amounts of solvent are

being explored.

Lastly, important to the pipeline is final processing and the use of the co products.

Converting the extracted triacylglycerides(TAG) into biodiesel requires transesterification by

means of methanol, which yields methyl esters of the fatty acids present. Research on TAG’s is

ongoing because yields are thought to be higher in unsaturated acids.

With the need for an energy efficient way to produce algae in high quantities other

means, opposed to photobioreactors are being explored. Being that the bioreactors require energy

for the mixing and the drying processes other ways need sought out. One of these ways is an

open pond. “Essentially, because light does not penetrate more than a few centimeters into a

dense culture of algal cells, scale-up is largely on the basis of surface area, rather than

volume..”(Scott et al p3). These ponds are cheap and easy to build, however, contamination is

evident. Ways to avoid contamination is by selectively using media in the ponds that only certain

strains can cope with. This meets another problem because only few algal strains can selectively

live in these ponds and they are not the highest producers. Another problem that is ran into is that

a vast area of land is required as well as the cost of harvesting. So as of now the best way is

using the photobioreactors.

In addition to energy requirements the algal cells must be kept in a viable environment

that promotes growth of the cells. In order to have growth you need nutrients and an input of

CO2 to offset the amount that the cells are fixing at all times. This elicits another problem

11

because where do you get the CO2, and the CO2 must be free of toxic chemicals. Also you must

have an expense in the fans used to circulate the CO2.

In order for photosynthesis to occur there must be a light source for the algae to grow.

There are two photosystems in plants and algae that utilize the light energy into a photochemical

reaction. They are photosystems I and II, which are surrounded by antennae complexes that

absorb the light energy and feed into the photosystems. “Algae have evolved to absorb more

light than is required for their photosynthetic requirements, at the expense of competitors; the

excess light energy is dissipated as heat and fluorescence. While this confers evolutionary

advantage, it results in a significant reduction in the amount of PAR that can penetrate dense

cultures.”(Scott et al p5). This quote explains that algae have evolved under natural selection

pressures that are not favorable to growing the algae in dense cultures, because all of the algae

will not get the needed amount of photosynthetic active radiation sustainable for their growth.

Also at high light intensities which would add more PAR will decrease the efficiency at which

light is absorbed. So, more light is not the answer.

Possibly the answer is to manipulate the way in which the light is captured? Reducing the

antenna sizes in the algae cells is a readily researched way to increase outputs. One way is to

simply use a high light source but the cells can readily convert back to large antennae’s if the

light source is lowered, in just a couple of hours. Another way of reducing these antennae sizes is

by manipulation of the genes associated with them. Most of these altered genes simply reduce

the size of the photosystem II antennae. “the modified strains exhibited enhanced photosynthetic

efficiency at high light levels. Although these are promising results, there is a possibility that

reduced antennae size could result in reduced fitness, thus comprising the overall productivity of

the strains.”(Scott et al p6). This quote implies that when you reduce the antennae size you can

create a more efficient system but there is a possibility of reducing the overall fitness of the

strain. Reducing the fitness of the strain could potentially create an imminent death of the cells.

Another way to utilize the efficiency would be to add different strains that would use different

wavelengths of light so that all the light that is being cast into the system is utilized.

Since the triacylglycerides are the most important part of the algal cells, manipulating the

amount of triacylglycerides in the cells could potentially be the answer to the problems that have

been encountered thus far. “In general, productivity and lipid content are inversely correlated,

12

and stress conditions such as deprivation of N or phosphate, which limit cell growth, also

increase lipid content.” “The underlying principle is that where there is insufficient N for protein

production necessary for growth, excess carbon from photosynthesis is channeled into storage

molecules such as TAG’s..”(Scott et al p6). These quotes piece together to modulate the idea of

how to manipulate triacylglycerides, so that they are more prominent in the cell. If you limit the

amount of nutrients, nitrogen or phosphate then you allow for the cell to store the extra carbon

from photosynthesis as triacylglycerides.

It has been found that letting the algal cells simply deplete the amount of nutrients

themselves will result in a higher yield of lipids. This opposed to not adding enough nitrogen to

begin with which does not have as much lipid in the end product.

Metabolic engineering of lipid production pathways is a new research being implemented

to aid in the amount of triacylglycerides in the final product. The more you have in the final

product the more biofuel you will be able to create with the species of algae you are using.

Another way of increasing lipid yields is to manipulate what processes go on in the selected

strain. By removing unnecessary processes/pathways to the survival and production of lipids, one

can utilize the extra energy for the needed pathways.

4.0 Conclusion

Algae as a feasible biofuel are indeed so promising. Solar energy is utilized as allowed by

biofuels. Thus, there is a limitless use of biofuels from algal growth that will harness energy

from the sun and maximize it to save the natural reserves from extinction. Hence, a successful

implementation of this project would mean immensely to a world that constantly evolves with

technology.

5.0 Future Work

The Future of algae as a viable biofuel, at this time looks very promising. It is however,

not without certain challenges. Companies such as Sapphire Energy, Origin Oil and Solazyme

are investing heavily in the research and development of algae as a fuel source. Even the U.S.

Government is experimenting with biofuels from renewable sources. President Obama, in a

press release dated 30 March 2011 stated that the US Air Force has flown an F-22 Raptor using

13

an advanced biofuel (Office of Press Secretary, 2011). He also set a goal to reduce the amount

of oil imports by a third by the year 2025. The U.S Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest

National Laboratory (PNNL), has come out with a study that states “17% of the United States’

imported for transportation could be replaced with American-grown biofuels from algae”

(Kumar). According to the Department of Energy, algae may be able to produce 100 times more

oil per acre than soybeans (the leading source of U.S. biodiesel).

According to the “Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) of 2005 and strengthened in 2007, and

the Energy, Security and Independence Act, the law requires biofuel production to reach 36

billion gallons by the year 2022. Of this 36 billion gallons must come from advanced biofuels.

These fuels must the requirement for a 50% reduction of Green House Gasses (GHG).

The challenges that companies are facing include: identifying oil rich algae varieties,

identifying the best and most economical process for extracting the oil, and identifying

commercially viable co-products. Bioreactors are the most effective way to produce high quality

algae at the fastest pace. However, these bioreactors are expensive, thus resulting in a higher cost

for the consumer. The open-pond method is significantly less costly, but they are susceptible to

contamination by native forms of algae, evaporation and are usually of a lower quality

(RenewableEnergyWorld.com, 2009).

There are also some positive side effects to this research and development process. It

holds an enormous potential for the creation of new jobs and the future growth of the economy.

14

6.0 References

"Algae Biofuel - Thermal Systems." ME 1065: Thermal Systems Analysis and Design - Thermal

Systems. 21 Nov. 2008. Web. 04 Dec. 2011. <http://me1065.wikidot.com/algae-biofuel>.

Aurora Algae. "The History of Biodiesel Algae | Aurora Algae." Aurora Algae - Growing

Natural Solutions. Aurora Algae, 01 May 2010. Web. 04 Dec. 2011.

<http://www.aurorainc.com/the-history-of-biodiesel-algae/>.

"Biofuel from Algae - Projects and Collaborations." Rosetta Green. Rosetta Green. Web. 04 Dec.

2011. <http://www.rosettagreen.com/content.asp?p=bfa_pac>.

Exxon Mobil Corporation. "Algae Biofuels." Energy and Technology. Exxon Mobil, 21 Dec.

2001. Web. 4 Dec. 2011.

<http://www.exxonmobil.com/Corporate/energy_vehicle_algae.aspx>.

"Going Green: Biofuels from Algae." National Research Council Canada: From Discovery to

Innovation / Conseil National De Recherches Canada : De La Découverte à L'innovation.

04 Oct. 2010. Web. 04 Dec. 2011.

<http://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/eng/dimensions/issue4/algae.html>.

Kumar, N. (n.d.). Study: Algae Could Replace 17% of U.S. Oil Imports | Department of Energy:.

Retrieved December 6, 2011, from Energy.gov: http://energy.gov/articles/study-algae-

could-replace-17-us-oil-imports

Office of Press Secretary. (2011, March 30). Remarks by the President on America's Energy

Security | The White House:. Retrieved December 6, 2011, from Whitehouse.gov:

http://search.whitehouse.gov/search?

affiliate=wh&query=imported+oil&form_id=usasearch_box&submit.x=33&submit.y=5

RenewableEnergyWorld.com. (2009, June 12). Is the Future of Biofuels in Algae? | Renewable

Energy News Article:. Retrieved December 6, 2011, from RenewableEnergyWorld.com:

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2009/06/is-the-future-of-

biofuels-in-algae

Scott, Stuart A. "Biodiesel from Algae: Challenges and Prospects. | Mendeley." Free Reference

Manager and PDF Organizer | Mendeley. Web. 08 Dec. 2011.

<http://www.mendeley.com/research/biodiesel-algae-challenges-prospects-19/>.

15

7.0 Signature Page

This is to verify that to the best of our knowledge, we the undersigned do herby state that

all of the material that is included in this project that is from outside sources such as internet

websites, books, articles etc.., have been properly referenced and cited. All of the sources are

cited within the text of our project report.

This is also to verify that each of us has completed our own work on the project and to

the best of our knowledge, has not resorted to any type of plagiarism, as this would be

detrimental to our education.

Thank you,

Lowell Outland Signed: 7 Dec 2011

John Soper Signed: 8 Dec 2011

David May Signed: 9 Dec 2011

Abdullah Aldossary Signed: 9 Dec 2011