Tuesday, May 12, 2009

NASA Grows Algae for Wastewater Treatment in Ocean

You are at: Oilgae Blog.

NASA is applying space technology for production of algae-based fuel with an inexpensive method of sewage treatment.

They grow algae in plastic bags filled with sewage floating in the ocean.

Jonathan Trent, the lead researcher on the project at NASA's Ames Research Center in California, said the effort has three goals: Produce biofuels with few resources in a confined area, help cleanse municipal wastewater, and sequester emissions of the GHG (greenhouse gas) CO2 that are produced along the way.

It starts with algae being placed in sewage-filled plastic bags called OMEGA bags. The OMEGA bags are semipermeable membranes let freshwater exit but prevent saltwater from moving in. Then the algae in the bag feast on nutrients in the sewage. The plants clean up the water and produce lipids that will be used later as fuel.

See more


By the way, have you subscribed to the Oilgae Blog?; How about joining the Oilgae mailing list?; and our forum to discuss on with others?

No comments:

Post a Comment