University of Texas Making a Big Bet on the Future of Algae

"Nearly 15 000 gallons of algae flow inside the tubes, which are housed in a massive structure called a shadehouse". Why so much algae? Well for years upon years, scientists have struggled to mass produce algae as a source of fuel for vehicles but they have encountered the problem of high costs and several environmental factors. Scientist at the University of Texas at Austin believe that a new facility might help alleviate some of the more substantial issues. Texas is a very capable breeding ground for algae as it has an abundance of the three things needed to grow algae , carbon dioxide, dirty water, and sunshine. The algae is grown at the J.J Pickle research center and funding and algae are provided by local Texas companies. This new centre allows them to experiment with a new way of growing algae; vertically. Typically in nature algae is grown horizontally allowing naturally factors o affect its growth. The scientist think that the vertical growth will help in the mass production as it allows them to easier grow algae in massive amounts with less complications. However, scientist are weary of the fact that when organisms grow in such large amounts, there are bound to be problems.

I find that this experiment is extremely interesting. The environment is a big issue in our society. We have been slowly destroying our planet, and social conscientiousness to this fact, is on the rise. More and more , people are trying to do what little they can to help our environment. Algae as an alternative to crude oil will decrease our production of green house gases, and is able to grow more quickly and in more areas, than a normal plant would. Algae is also useful the production of some medications. All in all I think this project is a step in the right direction. And as for the massive amount being produced, well , isn't everything bigger in Texas?