Process Converts Sargassum Seaweed into Biofuel and Fertilizer

Thu, 10 Feb 2022 15:07:14 +0000

Sargassum seaweed is growing out of control in many regions – it washes up on beaches in huge amounts. Utilizing a new technique, that rotting organic matter could soon be converted into biofuels and other products.

The process doesn’t require the waste seaweed to be removed from the salt water. Instead, it begins with two types of catalysts being added to a vat of the vegetation. These chemicals release sugars from the seaweed, that can be used to feed a special yeast which in turn produces a substitute for palm oil.

The catalysts prepare the seaweed for the next phase of the process, which involves subjecting the material to high temperatures and pressures. The end products are a bio-oil that can be further processed into fuels, along with what is described as a high-quality, low-cost fertilizer.

Seaweed Diet Reduces Methane Emissions

Fri, 28 May 2021 20:20:59 +0000

Industrial-scale beef production is impacting global climate, but scientists have found a way to make cattle-rearing more environmentally-friendly.

Around 70% of methane emissions from agriculture is due to cows. Cows release methane, a by-product of their digestion, either through belches or farts.

Researchers have discovered that by supplementing a cow’s diet with a type of red algae seaweed, known as Asparagopsis taxiformis that the amount of methane released is reduced by as much as 80%.

Red algae seaweed contains a compound called bromoform, which is responsible for interfering with the enzymes that product methane. Unfortunately, bromoform is found only in the red sea algae, not freshwater macrophytes, darn!

seaweed – Aquarius-Systems

Process Converts Sargassum Seaweed into Biofuel and Fertilizer

Seaweed Diet Reduces Methane Emissions