Domestic Fuel writes today about research at Iowa State University that shows algae can be used to remove the ammonia that is a by-product of raising poultry. The ammonia, which if released can contribute to acid rain, would be fed to algae that can later be used to create biofuels, feed, biochemicals or other products.
The tests showed that up to 96% of the ammonia could be removed from air exhausts in poultry houses. You can read more about this fascinating application of algae here.
It’s another example of algae’s ability to take something that was considered a harmful waste and turn it into a valuable product–the organisms are already well-known for their ability to soak up greenhouse gases and contaminants in wastewater.