Algae is quickly becoming the crowd favorite for Princess of the Alternative Energy ball. 

University of Virginia researchers have a plan to greatly increase algae oil yields by feeding the algae extra carbon dioxide (the main greenhouse gas) and organic material like sewage, meaning the algae could simultaneously produce biofuel and clean up environmental problems.

While many companies around the world are hard at work on this technology, UVa is trying to prove the feasibility of mass production and its positive (hopefully) effects on the environment. 
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[source: Reuters]

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If you remember a while back, we asked whether Charlottesville drinking water contained drugs.  There was a big national article about this issue and it prompted some serious debate.  While no one actually tested it, we found out that because our water source is not from a treatment plant, the water is probably free of drugs.  I’m still surprised no one tested it.

Today we found out that there aren’t enough antibiotics in the water, because apparently it grows mutant algae that makes the water taste musty.  I don’t drink tap water because I recently converted to only Icelandic Glacier water.  It gets pricey to shower in this stuff, but at least I can experience the essence of million year old glacial runoff.  I also use that line to pickup chicks.

The Daily Progress reports:

The blue-green algae blooms every year in warm waters. The recent near-100 degree days hastened the growth of the algae at the South Fork Rivanna Reservoir, which has made the tap water taste musty.

They say there are no health issues, but, unless you like the musty smells it probably makes sense to buy some drinking water.

[via Daily Progress, pic]

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