Abram Bernard, Weber State University
Chemistry
Alternative energy sources are becoming more important in today’s society. Algae provide a potential source of fuel that can is currently under study by many in the scientific community. The fats that algae can produce can be used as biofuel. Algae is a good candidate as a biofuel source because it can be grown in many conditions that crops, such as corn, cannot. Certain algae have very high percentages of fat that can be used for biofuel and it can be grown in large quantities. To add to the knowledge of algae and its potential as a fuel source, we have researched the effects of varying light conditions on the algae’s fat production. Working with faculty in the chemistry and microbiology departments at Weber State University, we set up an experiment to discover the effects of different wavelengths of light on fat production in algae. 40 samples of Chlorella Vulgaris were grown in different light environments. Our apparatus separated the algae into 8 different colored lights at 5 different. The intensity of light was quantified to allow us to map the changes. We extracted the fat from these samples using a transesterification method previously used on meat and analyzed them using a gas chromatography method we developed. Currently we are analyzing the correlations between the quantified light data, the mass of algae grown, and the amount of fats present in these samples. We hope to be able to draw conclusions from this data about the effects of varying light wavelengths and intensities on the fat production of algae. From these conclusions, we would be able to contribute to the research of algae as a source of biofuel. We have also approached this project as a way of developing interdisciplinary research here at Weber State University. Our work has not only provided us with data on this project but has also been involved in developing methods for future research by other undergraduates.