The next “black gold” could be green
In a few days, a glass of nutrient-rich water from a pond will turn a vibrant green. The green color is caused by microalgae, which are microscopic single-celled organisms that float freely in water. These organisms multiply rapidly when given sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water that is rich in organic waste or fertilizer washed from fields. Algae don't store their energy in starch, as plants do, but are instead full of vegetable oil - making them the equivalent of "green gold." In recent decades, there have been several cycles of interest to be able to exploit these organisms. Researchers have...