The Potential of Pond Scum

“Pond scum” used to be a term of derision. Now pond scum may be the means to great wealth and a possible solution to the energy crisis. Algae may be a source of environmentally friendly fuel:

“…Some of the algae like to grow in warm, bright conditions, while others are happier in cooler, darker waters. They like different foods. They make different kinds of fats — some better for powering a semi; others more suited to jets.

But many share key traits: They can reproduce and grow fast, produce more fats than other plants and can be grown in all kinds of conditions — concrete pools, sewage ponds or plastic bags and containers. They don’t require fertile farm ground or the clearcutting of forests.”

link: Algae fueling the green revolution

This is not new research. The scientific interest in algae as a food source and as an alternative fuel source has a long history in the academic published literature. The energy crisis is turning this work into a mainstream interest. The venture capitalists recognize that this may be a source of alternative fuel - with tremendous financial potential while remaining environmentally friendly.

Catherine Forsythe