Dead Zone-Forming Algae used to Produce Biofuel

Farmers may be able to harness the algal blooms into a viable product according to a new study conducted by researchers from the American Chemical Society.

Researchers, led by John B. Miller, designed a bioremediation system for preventing dead zones in farms by reducing the amount of nutrients flowing into bodies of water does developing into a dead zone. They did this by encouraging algal growth in surface waters, then removing the algae before they can grow large enough. The algae will have removed excess nutrients from the water.

Researchers note that these algae can be fermented into biofuels which would be a good profit source for farmers. Moreover, the organic material left from biofuel production could be used as a high-quality fertilizer.