The Mustang

Issue date: 4/13/09 Section: News

Pond Scum

Could algae be the answer to our energy problems? For years scientists have studied algae to learn of its magnificent abilities. Algae are helpful dietary supplements containing omega fatty acids. It can live in dangerously diverse environmental extremes, where no other life forces could ever live. It is believed to be the first products of life on Earth about four billion years ago. Algae are the forefathers of the photosynthesizing plants we depend infinitely on every single day. But could any one have guessed that it could be used to produce biodiesel fuel to run our cars and homes with?
At the University of Texas, plant physiologist Jerry Brand, tends to the largest collection of pond scum (algae) in the world. Brand has acquired his collection from various places, such as past retired scientist as well as his back yard turtle pond. Some of his collection was obtained from Ernst G. Pringsheim, a scientist from Europe that fled the Nazis with his collection during WW2.
Brand sends off his collection to various individuals with diverse reasons. From nutritionists, to high school students, to many different countries for research in biofuels, algae are starting to get noticed. Not just any scum can be used to produce alternative fuels. A specific breed of algae produces massive amounts of oils when deprived of nutrients; this is possibly the answer for alternative fuels. However biofuel entrepreneurs do not just want a species that produces the most oils possible, they also want one that reproduces at a rapid rate. This is unfortunately not easy to come by, as the cliché goes; you can't have your cake and eat it too.
The search for alternative fuels has not been in vain. Everyday scientists are searching for new sources of energy production. Every day they are getting a step closer to coming to a conclusion, whether it is wind, the sun, greasy McDonald residues, or pond scum, something is bound to eventually catch on.

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