Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
18
Corn
46
Soybeans
98
Sunflowers
105
Cocoa
122
Rapeseed
194
Jatropha
276
Coconut
610
Oil plam
Algae
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
FIGURE 24.5
Oil production potential—gallons per acre per year.
Many farmers cannot afford expensive fossil fertilizers. Dairy and livestock farmers can
use green solar to recover and recycle 60% of the energy of the original plants that lies in
the animal manure. The same process can recover 80% of the original plant nutrients, and
can provide rich fertilizer without the use of fossil fuels that farmers can use directly on
their land. Algal fertilizer provides rich organic matter that builds up humus, aids in water
retention, and protects soil from erosion.
Algal biomass is not a full solution to hunger because the plant is low in calories, at
about 2%. However, saving forests from grazing animals will allow communities to plant
legumes and nut trees that can provide needed calories.
Knowledge and capability transfer for SAFE production will enable communities to end
their dependence on long distance food transportation. Teaching people to grow their own
food and energy near urban centers makes a lot more sense than creating dependence
on food from distant sources. The new urban design may also enable people to practice
SAFE production in urban centers, on rooftops, balconies, and vacant lots. As more green
solar producers gain experience, many new innovative products and solutions will appear
(Figure 24.6).
Nature's first food production system, algaculture, offers a wide range of potential
benefits. The revenue generated from an algae industry could exceed the other bioscience
niches. It is too early to predict which algae products will produce the most revenue but
several appear very promising, including
Liquefied energy —biodiesel, jet fuel, ethanol, or methanol
Foods —high protein replacement for grains such as wheat, corn, and soybeans
Health foods —Spirulina, vitamins, special nutrients, and minerals
Animal foods —high protein food grains that match the nutrient needs of beef, dairy,
poultry, and aquaculture
Medicines —nutraceuticals, vaccines, pharmaceuticals, and high-value medicines
The algae industry business models are very attractive because with relatively modest
investments, high value products can be produced that can be sold for substantial
profits. However, the West has seen failed attempts before at building industries
Search WWH ::




Custom Search