Common Uses for Algae

Algae are more than the slime that coats the glass on your aquarium and makes your water taste funny in the summer. Algae are a large group of plant-like organisms forming the base of most marine food chains. Algae also produce the majority of Earth's oxygen through photosynthesis. We also utilize algae in other beneficial ways.

Blue-Green Algae as a Food/Food Supplement

• The seaweed (algae) wrap on these sushi rolls is a nutritional powerhouse.

  Blue-green algae and seaweed (which is a type of algae) are nutrient-rich additions to a healthy diet. Algae are commercially cultivated as a nutritional supplement and are reputed to be among the most complete sources of vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids of any single food source. Blue-green algae are also a source of omega-3 fatty acids and contain high levels of the antioxidant beta-carotene. Typically sold in pill form, blue-green algae can be found in most health food stores.

Cleaning the Environment

• Algae may one day be used to reduce carbon dioxide in factory emissions.

  Algae are useful in reducing pollutants in our water. They are very efficient at capturing fertilizers and animal waste that enter freshwater streams and lakes in runoff from farms. Algae are often used at water treatment plants where they reduce the need to use powerful and potentially harmful chemicals in the treatment of waste water.

  Another environmental use of algae is in the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions from power plants. Carbon dioxide is pumped into a receptacle containing algae, which then consume the carbon dioxide and convert it to oxygen through photosynthesis.

Biofuels

• Algae can be used to produce alternative biofuels.

  Algae can be used to produce biodiesel fuel more efficiently than food crops such as corn or soybeans. Algae yield nearly ten times more oil per cultivated acre than the food crops (corn, soybeans, palm oil) commonly used in the production of biofuels. Biodiesel is also friendly to the environment, as it is renewable and burns with fewer waste emissions than traditional fossil fuels. Algae-based biofuels are consumer friendly because they do not negatively impact the availability of vital food crops.

Commercial Preservatives

• Many hand lotions contain algae extracts.

  Extracts of algae are used to produce agar and carrageenan. These extracts are produced by boiling algae for several minutes. Agar is used primarily in the preservation of canned meat and fish, and as a gelling agent for other foods. Agar is also used as a medium for growing microorganisms in laboratories.

  Carrageenan is used as a thickening agent in cosmetics (lotions, lipstick), lubricants, paints,and other commercial products, and as a stabilizing/thickening agent in many dairy products, including ice cream and yogurt.