subject: Harmful Algae: The Future Of Renewable Energy [print this page] Algae belong to diverse group of autotrophic organisms that can grow either unicellular or multi-cellular. These plant-like organisms are known as the earliest forms of life that produce ample amount of oxygen needed by plants, animals, and human beings as well. Whats notable about algae is their unique reproductive system that allows them to develop rapidly in various forms of habitats or environment.
Algae are rarely studied unlike other forms of organisms. Phycology is the branch of science that delves with the study of algae. All algae have intrinsic nucleus and chloroplast, a pigment that is also found in plants. Algae have resemblance to plants for their photosynthetic properties, but differ mainly for their absence of leaves and roots that are common to plants. Because the cells of algae are submerged in water, they gather sufficient supply of water, CO2, and other nutrients, wherein these nutrients speed up their staggering growth rate.
The exact number of species of algae that exist on earth cannot be determined or impossible to determine. Although undetermined, there are over a million species of algae according to researchers. There are about 300,000 species of algae found and preserved in the U.S. Algal Collection in Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. Moreover, taxonomists classify algae through the pigmentation, cellular structure, and life cycle.
Obviously, algae thrive in the worlds waters. Despite of being the chief producers of oxygen and food source of fish, algae are threat to the environment. Harmful algal bloom or HABs is reportedly the culprit of die-offs of lakes, ponds, ocean, and other bodies of water. HABs can wipe out the marine life and at times affect the economy of fish farmers. They contaminate shellfish with toxins and cause massive fish kills, creating abhorrent destruction in the environment.
The fumes coming from decomposing algae are to blame for respiratory diseases. Also, direct contact with algae can cause skin irritations or even eyes, nose, and mouth infections. Moreover, drinking water contaminated with algae is dangerous to ones health and eating shellfish that have been exposed to algal blooms can cause food poisoning and death.
Unfortunately, the effects of algae are known to many rather than their benefits. Although most research and studies claim that algae are harmful and toxic to the environment, some scientists have found the future of bio fuels through the use of algae. Theres a field called algae biotechnology that aims to promote the production of algae into renewable fuels and medicines. In a study conducted several decades ago, the Aquatic Species program (ASP) found out the possibility of algae in the production of bio fuels. The researches cultures over 3,000 species of algae taken from south western waters of United States, but they only documented 300 species that are capable of producing fuel. Various studies surfaced that algae can be grown to produce biomass, which can be utilized to produce heat and electricity. Algae can be converted into biodiesel, bio ethanol, and vegetable oil. Otherwise, pharmaceutical companies can create miracle cures. This happens because algae contain complete protein and amino acids. Algae have high amounts of simple and complex carbohydrates, fatty acids including Omega 3 and 6, and abundant with other vitamins and minerals.
