Getting fuel from sea-creatures? A splashy idea!
Running a car on fuel produced by sea creatures. Is that even possible?
Scientists in Washington have just proved it just might be possible. They have made not one but two types of fuel from an alga, Isochrysis, that is fed to fish.
Alga (plural, algae) are tiny organisms like kelp and seaweed.
Usually, fuel comes from sources like Petrol, diesel or coal. But because there is limited supply of these material on earth, scientists are looking for newer ways to help us drive cars and run machines. Not to mention that current fuels cause pollution. This has led scientists to experiment with new, cleaner sources of fuel- called bio-fuels.
A biofuel is a fuel made from plants or living organisms. Biofuels are becoming popular because the price of petroleum-based oil is rising. Besides, oils like petrol and diesel that we use are pumped out from inside the earth and their reserve is limited. Biofuels are less damaging to the environment.
People have used biofuel like oil from soya beans to run their vehicles. Even a dangerous germ like Escherichia coli (E. Coli) that can make you rather ill, has been modified to transform glucose into bio-gasoline.
Now, a bit of science:
The algae Isochrysis has fatty acids that can be converted into fatty acid methyl esters, or FAMEs, which can be used as fuel. This algae can produce such a powerful fuel that it has been used to make biodiesel and even jet fuel for aircraft!
Guess what the biofuel made from this alga looks like?
It is dark and sludgy. At room temperature, it is almost solid.
So what’s stopping us from using algae fuel to drive the car? The cost!
It is still very expensive to produce this fuel.
Once we find a cheaper way to make fuel, perhaps some day vegetable leftovers and animal waste will fuel our cars!
What an idea! Don't you think?
Hello Whiz!
You can register to get full access.
Members get access to thousands of stories, videos, quiz, games and a lot of fun stuff. And that's not all! Get reward points, downloads and get featured on The Whiz Times
Already a member ? Please Login
