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How to Make Oil From Photosynthesis

As traditional petroleum oil becomes more difficult and more expensive to obtain, scientists and energy companies around the world have looked for new solutions to humanity's demand for oil. One promising solution is to derive oil from the remnants of photosynthesis produced by algae. This innovative process produces a sustainable method of providing oil. Technical and operational challenges to widespread use of this source of oil, however, still remain.

Things You'll Need

Carbon dioxide
Water tank
Algae
Expeller press

Instructions

- 1
  Use algae to produce oil through photosynthesis. Scientists have proved that they can produce up to 300 times more oil per acre than other crops such as palms or soybeans.
- 2
  Set up a test tank of algae within a source of fresh or ocean water depending on the type of algae. Open the carbon dioxide source or connect with a tube to the water tank. Supply a constant source of carbon dioxide in addition to the normal components of air.
- 3
  Wait to harvest after only one to 10 days depending on the type of algae.
- 4
  Pour maturing algae into expeller press. This machine dries and extracts the biodiesel oil from the algae through a screw-type process. Approximately 75 percent of oil produced by the algae will be collected by the machine for use.

Animals & Science