U.S. researchers use algae in coal plants

BLOOMINGTON, Ind., March 16 (UPI) -- U.S. researchers at Indiana University are studying the effects of algae on carbon dioxide from coal plants.

Algae naturally absorb carbon dioxide and could reduce the levels released into the atmosphere at coal plants, The (Bloomington, Ind.) Herald-Times reports.

"We hope it would absorb at least half, maybe more," said Mark Menefee, IU assistant director for utilities.

If carbon dioxide emissions from coal plants could be cut in half, they would have the same level of emissions as natural gas plants.

The carbon dioxide would be recycled and thrown into the boilers with the coal.

In the lab, gases with a controlled percentage of carbon dioxide are being fed into vats of algae, which are under grow lights. Researchers will measure the amount of carbon dioxide in the gas after it is mixed with the algae.