PowerSwitch

Algae

You can eat them. You can power your car with them. You can put them on your skin. They even absorb carbon dioxide. In this week’s Frontiers, Richard Hollingham investigates algae, the planet’s latest saviour.

Algae range in size from single cells to large seaweeds. Although some microalgae share characteristics with animals, they are usually described as plants. Serious attention is now being given to the commercial exploitation of both larger and smaller algae.

Microalgae in particular contain a range of useful molecules, including lipids and polysaccharides. They are also rich in protein. In addition, algae are able to absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide.

Marine scientists are investigating ways of using waste carbon dioxide emitted by power stations to boost the growth of microalgae. The algae could then be used as a source material for a wide variety of products.

Richard visits two research centres: the Plymouth Marine Laboratory and the Centre d'Etude et de Valorisation des Algues (CEVA) in Brittany. He also talks to Dr Eileen Cox from the Natural History Museum.