Algal oil to solve resource problems
The algal oil can be turned into biodiesel for cars and heavy machinery, as well as bio-kerosene for airplanes. Image: shapecharge/iStockphoto Algal oils are a sustainable solution to solve future resource problems, according to Roger Huerlimann, a PhD student at James Cook University in Townsville.Mr Huerlimann said microalgae, tiny aquatic organisms related to plants, use light and the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide to produce oils similar to vegetable oils from plants.“Two of the major problems in future will be the shortage of food and fuel,” he said.“Microalgae have the potential to solve these two problems and more. Everyone going grocery shopping sees products claiming to be high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential in our diet since they cannot be produced by human or other animals, and need to be supplied through our diet.“There is also evidence that some of them even reduce the risk for cardiovascular diseases and inflammatory responses,...