How to Create Biofuel From Algae

Find an area that has open, stagnant water, such as a small pond or pool. Collect algae from another water source. Place the algae in your pond in an area that gets plenty of sunlight. Wait for the algae to grow on the surface. It can take several weeks for the algae to grow to a sufficient amount for final harvesting.

Provide plenty of sunlight for the algae and make sure there is a large amount of oxygen for it to grow. Replace the water regularly if you use a pool or other small area for a water source. The algae absorbs oxygen from the water and does not grow without it.

Harvest the algae in a boat by skimming the surface of the water with a mesh net. The mesh allows the water to go through, but collects the algae. Place the algae in burlap sacks that allow for easy flow of liquids out of the sealed bag.

Press the sacks using an oil press. Collect the oil in the plastic bins. Recycle the used algae by selling it as compost. If you don't have an oil press, any type of press will work. The algae produces the oil and compression squeezes it out, similar to a garlic press in the kitchen.

Add the methanol and sodium hydroxide to the plastic. These catalysts convert the oil into a usable fuel through a chemical reaction. The reaction creates biodiesel plus glycerol. The glycerol settles to the bottom of the bin. Remove the glycerol through straining or remove the top layer of biodiesel.

Add water to the biodiesel mixture to wash it. Wait for the two substances to separate. Drain the water layer or remove the biodiesel layer.