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BASIC PRINCIPLE
We're basically algae farmers with a scientific edge. By leveraging the photosynthesis of algae, we capture carbon much like trees do—but with far greater efficiency. Microalgae can capture carbon up to 100 times faster than trees. Unlike traditional methods, microalgae grow rapidly, thrive in non-arable lands, and require minimal freshwater, often using seawater instead. This makes them both sustainable and versatile. Additionally, microalgae produce valuable by-products like biofuels, animal feed, and bioplastics, contributing to a circular, eco-friendly economy.
Why is
carbon capture important?
Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is one of the main greenhouse gases responsible for climate change. It traps heat in the atmosphere, warming up our planet. One of the best natural ways to reduce CO₂ levels is by capturing and storing it—this is called carbon capture.
Trees do carbon capture—and so do microalgae!
You may already know that trees absorb carbon dioxide during a process called photosynthesis. They take in CO₂ from the air, use sunlight to make energy and store the carbon in their trunks and branches. This helps clean the air and slow down climate change.
But did you know that microalgae—tiny plant-like organisms that live in water—can do the same thing? In fact, they can do it much faster than trees!
Algae are simple organisms that live mostly in water and can carry out photosynthesis, just like plants. There are two main types of algae:
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Macroalgae (like seaweed)
These are big enough to see and can grow tall in oceans, forming underwater forests. They help marine ecosystems by giving shelter and oxygen to fish and other sea creatures.
Microalgae
So small you need a microscope to see them! But they’re powerful: just like plants, they use sunlight to perform photosynthesis. And they grow really fast, they can capture CO₂ much more quickly than large plants.
What are algae,exactly?
How do microalgae capture carbon?
Microalgae absorb CO₂ from their surroundings—this can be:
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From the air,
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From the water, or
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Even from factory emissions (when we bubble that CO₂ into water where algae grow).
Step-by-step: How it works
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CO₂ dissolves in water – whether from air or pumped-in gas.
Microalgae absorb CO₂ and use sunlight to perform photosynthesis.
Through photosynthesis, algae turn CO₂ and water into:
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Glucose (sugar) – which becomes their energy and building blocks,
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Oxygen – which is released back into the environment.
The carbon from CO₂ gets stored inside the algae as part of their body (cell structure).
This means every time microalgae grow or divide, they are taking carbon out of the environment and locking it inside their cells.
Why microalgae are faster than trees?
What do we do with the algae after it captures CO₂?
Here’s the catch:
if the algae break down or decompose, the carbon they stored gets released back into the air as CO₂. So, we need to find ways to lock that carbon away for good.
After growing the algae, we:
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Harvest it from the water.
Dry it to remove moisture.
Measure its dry mass to calculate how much carbon it stores.
Choose a carbon storage method, such as:
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Turning it into biochar: A stable charcoal-like substance that stores carbon for hundreds of years and can improve soil.
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Making long-lasting products: Such as bioplastics, green building materials, or textiles.
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Burying it underground: In a controlled way that keeps the carbon locked away from the atmosphere for a very long time.
This whole process—from growing microalgae to storing their carbon—is part of a bigger plan called carbon dioxide removal (CDR). It's a critical part of fighting climate change.
Using microalgae to capture carbon is a nature-based solution that is fast, scalable, and sustainable. These tiny organisms may be small, but they offer big potential to help us fight climate change and build a greener future.