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The researchers have come out with a new and commendable thought of producing two varieties of fuels from common algae which is commercially grown for feeding fish.

The algae is capable of producing both biodiesel and jet fuel, according to the new study conducted by Greg O'Neil of Western Washington University and Chris Reddy of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. They have derived chemical compounds in the algae to synthesize two different fuel products, in parallel, from single algae.

"It's far from a cost-competitive product at %this stage, but it's an interesting new strategy %for making renewable fuel from algae," said O'Neil, the study's lead author. Algae contain fatty acids that can be converted into fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs), the molecules present in biodiesel.

For their study, O'Neil, Reddy and colleagues analyzed a specific algal species called Isochrysis, and dismissed by for two reasons: First, because proved viability of producing the algae in large batches to make fish food. Second, because it is among only a handful of algal species around the globe that produce fats called alkenones.

The compounds that are present in algae are composed of long chains with 37 to 39 carbon atoms, which ignited the researchers to think them as a fuel source.

Biofuel is suggestible since its oil is a dark, sludgy solid at room temperature, unlike a clear liquid that looks like cooking oil. The sludge is because of the alkenones - precisely what makes the algae a unique source of two distinct fuels. The researchers devised a method to separate the FAMEs and alkenones in order to achieve a free-flowing fuel.

If the study completely discovers the possibilities of producing biodiesel and jet fuel from the algae, it will be better news for future generation as they won’t be having the mineral resources or petroleum products after us.

-Kannamsai