At plnktn. we love algae not only for their nutritional value, but also for their potential to make the world a more sustainable place. One of the most fascinating properties of algae is their ability to absorb CO2 during their growth process. But how does that work exactly? Let's take a closer look.
The Power of Photosynthesis
Algae use photosynthesis to grow, just like plants do. During this process, algae absorb CO2 from the air or water and use sunlight to convert this CO2 into glucose (a type of sugar) and oxygen. The general formula for photosynthesis is:
In short, six molecules of CO2 are converted into one molecule of glucose and six molecules of oxygen. This means that algae literally pluck CO2 from the air and convert it into something useful.
CO2 capture from industry
In industrial settings, CO2 can be captured from factory or power plant flue gases and fed directly into algae farms. This process is known as carbon capture and utilization (CCU). The algae use this concentrated CO2 for photosynthesis, which accelerates their growth and reduces CO2 emissions at the same time. A win-win!
Biomass build-up
The glucose produced during photosynthesis is used by the algae as a building block for their growth. This results in the build-up of biomass, or the algae mass itself. This biomass can then be harvested and is then used to make our nutritional supplements.
Scientific Substantiation
Research has shown that algae are very effective at absorbing CO2 and can be used in large-scale carbon capture plants. A study published in the journal Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews highlights that algae biomass is a promising solution for reducing the carbon footprint of industry.
Conclusion
Algae offer an efficient and sustainable way to reduce CO2 emissions while producing useful products. At plnktn. we are proud to be part of this green revolution. By harnessing the power of algae, we contribute to a better and healthier world.
Discover the power of algae in our Marine Phytoplankton and how algae can contribute to your health.
Feel the power of algae 🌱