Which are the Best Algal Strains for Oil?

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Which are the Best Algal Strains for Oil?

The following is a question-answer combo at the Yahoogroup Oil from Algae -

Question: It seems there are numerous designs for small scale photobioreactors and large scale outdoor systems. However, there seems to be a lack ofreal information on which strains are producing oil on a continuousbasis. I am looking to grow algae in a tropical region, abundantsunlight, near 5MT/yr of CO2, close to the ocean, brackish water andbitterns from an evaporative salt plant. It would seem logical to usethe bitterns to produce an extreme environment so as to grow amonoculture of algae. Strains such as Dunaliella salina would ideallygrow in this type of environment but alas the growth yield (50T/yr/Ha)and oil content (6-8%) is what is usually reported. Are there anyother reported strains that would grow in extreme habitats(halophilic) and have reasonable oil yields? Is everyone keeping theirstrains to themselves? So come on share and let's grow 'em!

Answer: (by Bobby Yates Emory) Navid reported positive results with CCMP647. His test included outdoors in Perth, Aust. It is a marine species. The growth rate is high (doubling every 2 + or - .9 days). High oil (30 to 40 %, if I remember right.)I would try to put the pond as far away from the ocean and brackish standing water as you can, so you don't get invasive species from the ocean and bird droppings.

(I think that Navid's research pond was within 4 KM of the ocean and he report no problems with invasive species and with diseases.)

Navid's thesis is referenced at:http://wwwlib. murdoch.edu. au/adt/browse/ view/adt- MU20050901. 140745

That contains an abstract and links to the front matter of the thesis and to the complete thesis.

Bobby

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Nature gave us oil from algae; perhaps we should try Nature's way again

Oilgae - Oil & Biodiesel from Algae
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algOS - Biodiesel from Algae Open Source

About Oilgae - Oilgae - Oil & Biodiesel from Algae has a focus on biodiesel production from algae while also discussing alternative energy in general. Algae present an exciting possibility as a feedstock for biodiesel, and when you realise that oil was originally formed from algae - among other related plants - you think "Hey! Why not oil again from algae!"