ENVIRONMENT

ALGAE BIOFUELS- ECOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

CCD Biofuels and Energy algae plant facilities use no toxic chemicals. The system is a closed loop structure and the water and nutrients that are not consumed are re-circulated in the system.

The process of growing algae is a basic agricultural process and, as with the cultivation of other plants, the only substance released into the environment is oxygen, as algae is a terrific absorber of the greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide. An accidental spill of aquatic culture from the system would require no special procedures for cleanup.

Due to the unique metabolism of algae, within days it reaches maturity, thriving in all waters: fresh, brackish and saline. They can be grown in arid and semi-arid areas so as not to compete with food crops for land. Most importantly they yield more oil than other biomass feedstocks.

Reasons why algae is an excellent alternative biofuel for the future;

• Provides rapid growth rates
• Grows practically anywhere with a high per-acre yield (7-31 times greater than the next best crop)
• Contains high levels of polyunsaturates, suitable in cold weather climates
• Reduces carbon emissions
• Algae biomass can be produced at high volumes and yield a higher percentage of oil than other sources
• It can be cultivated on land, fresh water, or seawater
• Innovations of algae production allow it to become more productive while consuming resources that would otherwise be considered waste
• Algae has higher photon conversion efficiency than comparable alternatives
• It can be harvested in batches practically all-year-round, providing areliable and continuous supply of oil
• Algae utilizes salt and waste water streams, thereby greatly reducing use offreshwater
• Algae oil has limited market competition