Seaweed is a marine algae that grows in long bands. Seaweed is used to improve nutrition, treat illnesses, fertilize soil and even produce energy when converted to biofuel. Seaweed is particularly interesting as a biofuel source because it pulls a lot of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as it grows and, when combusted as a fuel, produces very little CO2 emissions.
Open Farming
Seaweed can be cultivated openly through ocean farming or in a closed system using a photobiorector. Seaweed needs the right balance of light, nutrients, carbon dioxide, air and temperature to grow. Open farming is most suitable to grow greater biomass volumes.
In open farming, selection of the right location is paramount and dependent on the species being cultivated. Seaweed is dependent upon light, saline and water with good flow. A location away from freshwater runoff is suitable and should include a strong substrate where stakes can be installed. Once seed plants are viable, they are transplanted onto the stakes for further growth for about 45 to 50 days, after which harvesting can take place.
Photobioreactor
A photobioreactor is most suitable for seaweed cultivation to control growing variables like water temperature, light and outside contaminants but can be cost prohibitive for large biomass growth. It is composed of a glass tube or tank to control the , heating and cooling systems to control temperature and a pump to control motion. The light source regulates photosynthesis and the pump simulates water flow, which controls oxygen transfer and mixing of nutrients.
Seed plants are put into the photobioreactor with the necessary nutrient/saline mixture. The bioreactor induces a process similar to fermentation to cultivate seaweed.
Seaweed as Biofuel
Seaweed cultivation is becoming more sophisticated. Marine algae is a great biofuel choice to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The oils within marine algae can be converted into a usable biofuel; however, the best algae strain suitable for biofuel conversion has not be identified yet.
Tags: carbon dioxide, light source, marine algae, most suitable