Biofuels derived from algae can provide a source of renewable fuel and facilitate the break from fossil fuel dependency. Algae produce triacylglycerols (TAGs), which can be cost effectively converted into biofuel. Light intensity and temperature affect growth and oil production of algae. Ettlia oleoabundans, an algal species that produces >50% of its weight as TAGs, grew and produced oils at 15 and 25 176C and light intensities under 200 μmol m-2 sec-1, conditions common to New England. Optimizing growth conditions will help in the development of efficient and economical biofuel production.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Tarbet, Andrea Rose
• Mininberg, Benjamin Gustav

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042611-224212

Advisor

• Weathers, Pamela

Year

• 2011

Date created

• 2011-04-26

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Biology & Biotechnology

Rights statement

• In Copyright