In recent years, there has been a significant interest in biofuels as a promising alternative to fossil fuels. This stems from the fact that they are derived from renewable biological sources.

Of the potential sources, algae stands out as it can grow in various, limited environments and can offer a higher yield than other resources. However, the high cost of the algae growth and extraction process poses a limitation to the implementation of algae biofuels. To face this challenge, Green Joule aims to offset the production expenses of algae biofuels by combining algae growth with wastewater treatment, simultaneously extracting the carbohydrates and lipids for biofuel creation.

Our previous projects include working with different species of algae to maximize results.

We have worked with C. vulgaris as it is well-studied for biofuels and P. tricornutum for its high lipid productivity. In 2024, we also researched and developed a new-to-us extraction procedure using Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS). Each year, we aim to present our findings and results at the UBC Multidisciplinary Undergraduate Research Conference (MURC).

Our team meaningfully contributes research and work to an application that is at the intersection of biotechnology, chemical engineering, and sustainability.

Green Joule provides a collaborative experience where members have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in areas like microalgae cultivation, research, data analysis, and experimental design.

We emphasize the importance of impact analysis by ensuring that our project has minimal adverse effects on the environment and by studying the sustainability of biofuels. In addition to this, our members also have the opportunity to join the growth and/or extraction subteams.

Growth Subteam

The Growth Subteam is responsible for performing research on the ideal growth conditions for the selected algae to maximize algae growth as well as lipid and carbohydrate production. Some growth conditions researched include pH conditions, nitrogen concentration, and light intensity. In addition, members work on formulating growth media while incorporating wastewater, maintaining and monitoring cultures, and determining when the algae has reached the optimal stage to perform extraction.

Extraction Subteam

The Extraction Subteam focuses on extracting the carbohydrates and lipids from the algae. Members work on researching and developing the procedure to separate the algae from the media and optimize the yield of carbohydrates and lipids to be extracted from the cultivated algae. Some of the techniques implemented to perform these tasks include centrifugation, solvent extraction, and chemical lysis. After extraction, the team performs analysis of the results and procedure to evaluate the efficiency, sustainability, and yield of the experiment.

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