Microalgae Shows Potential to Curb Pollution and Make Biofuels

A new research at the University of Delaware focuses on microscopic algae Heterosigma akashiwo which is showing promise in both reducing air pollution and producing biofuels.

H. akashiwo is characterized by rapid growth on a gas mixture that has the same carbon dioxide and nitric oxide content as emissions released from a power plant. It also produces large amount of carbohydrates, which has drawn research interest into its possible use in biofuel production.

A team of researchers in UD's College of Earth, Ocean and Environment led by an algal bloom expert has embarked in a yearlong experiment to further characterize the microalgae of interest. They evaluated whether the algae could thrive on carbon dioxide without getting killed off by the high nitric oxide content in power plants' flue gas. Results showed that H. akashiwo not only tolerated flue gas, but also accumulated carbohydrates in its presence. The fact that it does not need any additional nitrogen sources beyond nitric oxide to grow would mean a lot of energy savings for raising the algae for biofuel production.

The research team plans to further study how changes in conditions can enhance the growth of H. akashiwo.