Majarkeun

Looking for Algal Oil with Near Infrared Light

A new method has been introduced for telling which strains of algae are likely to be any good for turning into biofuels based on Near Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. The near infrared spectrum runs the range of wavelengths 800 - 2500 nm, and is therefore just below the region of visible light but above the usual mid-infrared, at 2,500 - 30,000 nm. The discovery of infrared radiation is attributed to the British/German Astronomer Herschel, who also wrote 24 symphonies. However, NIR only came to practical use in the 1950s as an analytical device. NIR is less sensitive than normal (mid) IR but can penetrate samples more easily meaning they need less analytical preparation and in the case of algae can be examined in their raw state.

Algae very considerably in their composition, and while some varieties contain around 50% of their weight of oil, others hold as little as 5%. Not only this, but the "oil" should contain a high level of fatty acids to be converted into biodiesel: triglycerides rather than phospholipids.

The NIR method is highly specific for the detection of different kinds of fatty acids and it is intended to develop a database of fingerprints for different fatty acid components in algal biomass, with which to analyse actual algae. The method offers the promise of a rapid and precise screening of algae directly rather than the existing time-consuming, cumbersome and error-prone means for analysing algae, and may prove pivotal in the development of a putative fuel industry based on algae.


Related reading.
"Striking algal oil," Chemistry World, By Anna Lewcock. http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/News/2010/March/12031001.asp
"Oil from algae; salvation from peak oil," C.J.Rhodes, Science progress, 2010, Vol. 92, 39-90.

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LOVE AND OIL TRAILER Directed by Okechukwu Oku theORACLE

  A series of harmless events serve up a recipe for political shenanigans and violence, in the otherwise peaceful tourist town of Ozalla. Gregory Eneh (Yul Edochie), a medical doctor, rebels against the kings plan to make him son-in-law and sole-heir. This leads to a lot of outrage. From his seemingly-unaffected mother, Golibe Eneh (Maureen Okpoko) through to the Igwe Silas Nnaji (Jibola Dabo) and to the conniving Chief Nwobodo (Agbogidi). Gregory soon finds that there was more to the proposed union to the Princess (Nuella Njubuigbo), when kidnap and violent threats and oil interests climax in a shocking finale that brings the villain closer home than he ever imagined. Perhaps, this is an age-long grudge come back to life, and not just a botched love union?

 The movie was shot in Enugu, is produced by Oracle Films; associate produced by Mr Perfect and also stars Rita Arum, Gadiel Onwudiwe, Nazo Ekezie and Samsunny. It was written by Patrick "Koinage" Nnamani and directed by Okechukwu Oku "theORACLE"

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