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Bio-dynamics at Work

EKO GEA and Commercial Cultivation of Green Algae for Bio-fuel


EKO GEA is conducting research with the University of Ljubljana (Slovenia) on the cultivation of green algae for bio-fuel, using EKO GEAs proprietary marine algae suspension as a nutrient additive in the process. Our additive is 100% Ascophyllum nodosum brown algae (not to be confused with micro or green algae). Commercial green algae producers face several challenges, some of which the industry is not fully aware. Based on our vast experience with algae and our research to date on cultivating green algae for bio-fuel, we make the following recommendations: Nutrients for optimal growth & oil production: EKO GEAs proprietary marine algae suspension is a complete nutrient source for green algae. It contains complete, organic-source vitamins, minerals and trace elements along with the most effective energy source for green algae oligosaccharides. The nutrients contained in EKO GEAs additive are chelated and colloidal = bio-available, and our product is particularly rich in oligosaccharides. Industrial emissions: Gases harvested from industry for their CO2 content are often laden with H2S and heavy metals which are toxic to green algae. Our additive has biological ion-exchange capacities which eliminate toxins in these gases and allow green algae access to the CO2 without the often-accompanying toxicity. Cyanobacteria: Many green algae producers unknowingly cultivate cyanobacteria in addition to the oilproducing algae. Cyanobacteria produce toxins which inhibit green algae growth. EKO GEAs additive inhibits cyanobacteria growth completely. Industrial effluents: We have found that the optimal industrial effluent producer for green algae is human sewage from municipal wastewater treatment plants. Many other industrial effluents are appropriate, and the amount of EKO GEA nutrient required is in relation to the nutrient quality of the effluents being utilised. Glycerol-to-biogas: The glycerol by-product produced in the green algae-to-bio-fuel process can be converted to methane-rich biogas using EKO GEAs proven and highly-efficient NewGen anaerobic digestion (AD) technology. The resulting biogas can be converted to supplement the energy requirements in the green algae cultivation process.

Some of EKO GEAs findings on green algae growth enhancement are confidential. We have developed several significant methods to enhance production, and we would be happy to discuss them in a commercial consulting arrangement which is covered by non-disclosure. Please contact your EKO GEA representative to initiate such an arrangement. EKO-Gro Liquid additive for green algae cultivation: EKO-Gro liquid is administered at a rate of 1 - 1.2 litres/m of water, depending on the nutrient quality already present in the industrial effluent or water source. Depending on the Nitrogen content of the water source, no other nutrients are required in the cultivation process, i.e., additional nitrogen may be required. Results: In the current trial, EKO-Gro produces 50% more oil-rich green algae than any of the other nutrient solutions tested (various TEAs). Perhaps of equal importance is the stability that EKO-Gro provides the process eliminating or sequestering toxins (H2S, heavy metals, unknowns), suppressing the growth of cyanobacteria and other inhibitive organisms, and feeding robust growth via EKO GEAs balanced, bio-available, organic nutrients.

EKO GEA d.o.o. Ul. M. Grevenbroich 13 3000 Celje SLOVENIA Slovenia Corporate Tax Code: SI 831 31 833 www.ekogea.com Contact Details: Tel. + 386 3491 07 60 Fax + 386 3491 07 61 Email: info@ekogea.com For English: Tel: UK +44 208 144 0102 US: + 1(217) 731-4744 Email: mkeenan@ekogea.com

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