Missouri researchers develop algal fuels ecosystem using brine shrimp, tilapia

Biofuels Digest
February 03, 2010 Jim Lane

In Missouri, researchers at the University of Missouri have released details of an ecosystem for producing renewable fuel oil from harvested brine shrimp, which in turn consume algae cultivated in open raceway ponds adjacent to a 50 MW natural gas power plant.

The researchers say that brine shrimp take care of the problem of harvesting algae, and themselves are separated by more traditional processes into oils, proteins, and waste matter that can be converted to biogas via anaerobic digestion. The system can produce up to 500 gallons of biodiesel per acre, according to the research team. Tilapia are also introduced into the system to consume excess algae as well as other microorganisms, and keep the system productive and water clean.

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