Lesson 5

Content Section -The Uses of Algae.

Both macroalgae and microalgae occur naturally and can be used in many different ways so it would be such a waste to throw it away.

Food

Medicine

Biofuel

The Uses of Algae

Beauty Products

Pollution Control

Fertilizer

BioMara gratefully acknowledges the following funders:

A project supported by the European Unions INTERREG IVA Programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body.
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Food - Red MacroalgaePalmaria palmata (Dulse/ Dilisk), Porphyra (Nori), Saccharina latissima (Sugar Kelp).

come from Chondrus crispus (Carrageenen Moss). Alginate and Agar/ Carrageenen are found inside the cells of macroalgae. In brown macroalgae called Laminaria digitata and Ascophyllum nodosum there is a substance called alginate. This is produced within the cell walls of the macroalgae. Alginate absorbs water and can be used as a thickener for soups. Agar and Carrageenen are similar products.

Macroalgae can be used for food not just by marine life but also by humans. Red macroalgae called Palmaria palmata (Dulse/ Dilisk) is mainly used in food. It must be washed and processed. It can then be used as snack foods or as an ingredient in a dish. It contains vitamins A, B, C, D, K and E and Omega -3 which can be found in fish that protect against heart disease.

Agar

Jelly

Brown algae called Saccharina latissima (Sugar Kelp) is dried and used as an ingredient in cooked dishes. Porphyra (Nori) is another red macroalgae used as an ingredient in sushi. Food thickeners Brown macroalgae Alginate come from Laminaria digitata (Oarweed) and Ascophyllum nodosum (Knotted wrack). Red macroalgae - Agar or Carrageenen

They are thickening products that come from certain red macroalgae. They are found in the cell wall of some red macroalgae such as Chondrus crispus (Carrageenen Moss). They are used in jellies or desserts or chemical products. Agar can also be used in a science laboratory to make Agar to help grow micro-organisms. Like macroalgae, certain species of microalgae can be mixed into ingredients. Microalgae can also be used as food colour if their pigments are extracted from them.
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Medical uses Brown macroalgae Laminaria digitata (Sugar Kelp), Red macroalgae Phymatolithon calcareum (Maerl). Macroalgae can also be used to treat medical problems. Brown macroalgae have been used for colds. Brown macroalgae have many vitamins such as A,B,C, E and K. Macroalgae contains a mineral called Iodine which can be made into tablets. Brown macroalgae such as Laminaria digitata contains a substance called alginate and this can be used in medicine for making bandages. Maerl is a red macroalgae that is processed and used for its nutrients. Maerl contains calcium and magnesium. It is sucked up by a pipe from the bottom of the sea. Maerl can also be used as a nutritional supplement for people who need extra calcium. Fertilizer - Brown macroalgae Laminaria digitata (Oarweed), Saccharina latissima (Sugar Kelp), Fucus vesiculosus (Bladder wrack) and Ascophyllum nodosum (Knotted wrack). Red macroalgae - Phymatolithon calcareum Maerl. Brown macroalgae species are used as fertilizer. They are processed and can be dried and used as a powder or in a liquid. There is a naturally occuring substance in macroalgae that make plants grow especially the roots and stems. Macroalgae is a conditioner for the soil as it has the important minerals needed for the growth of healthy soil. Macroalgae contains nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other minerals that are needed for plants to grow. Nitrogen helps grass to appear green while potassium and phosphorus helps fruit, flowers and roots. The letters N-P-K stand for Nitrogen Phosphorus Potassium Maerl can be washed, dried and processed and used as an animal feed. Processed Maerl is used by farmers as fertilizer on their fields. Beauty Products - Brown seaweeds Fucus vesiculosus (Bladder wrack), Fucus serratus (Serrated wrack) and Ascophyllum nodosum (Knotted wrack) The brown macroalgae above are used to make beauty products such as shampoos, creams, soaps and toothpaste. The nutrients are taken out of macroalgae and put into the products. Fucus vesiculosus (bladder wrack) is used in seaweed baths where the macroalgae is collected from the shore and used for bathing. The macroalgae provides nutrients and minerals for the skin.
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Pollution Control Algae is used in wastewater treatment plants. Algae is used to treat polluted water by using the extra nutrients in the polluted water as food. Pollution occurs when extra nutrients from factories or the environment enters the water. These nutrients are nitrates, phosphorus, carbon, potassium and ammonium. Special water treatment plants use algae to clean the water by inserting the algae into polluted water. Macroalgae species maybe used such as Ulva. The algae absorb the extra nutrients to grow and the algae releases oxygen into the environment. They act as a biofilter, this is like a sieve to filter out the nutrients from the polluted water and release clean water. The advantage of algae being used in this process is that it can also be used as a fertilizer on land or as feed for animals. This is ideal as the algae now contains extra nutrients from polluted water.

Biofuel Algae can also be used to produce fuel, this will be discussed in chapter 6. Certain types of macroalgae can be used for biofuel production. Microalgae can also be used to produce biofuel. The advantage of using algae is that it is an available source. It grows naturally and is inexpensive. It is kind to the environment; when it is used as a biofuel it does not put any extra carbon into the atmosphere. It is a natural fertilizer and it does not contain any chemicals. It can remove pollution from water. It can be used as food and food ingredients. It is rich in vitamins, minerals and can also be used as medicine. It can also be used as animal feed.

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Activity Section Lesson 5 The Uses of Algae.

Brief summary Aim: The aim of this lesson is to illustrate the uses of algae. Food Macroalgae can be used as food for humans. They are processed and used as a food ingredients or packaged as a food. They are rich in vitamins and minerals. Red macroalgae called Palmaria palmata (Dulse/Dilisk) can be used as a snack food. Nori is the common name of the species Porphyra which is a common ingredient used to make Sushi. Chondrus crispus (Carrageen moss) can also be eaten. Saccharina latissima (Sugar Kelp) from brown macroalgae can also be used as a food ingredient. Macroalgae contains a substance that can be used as food thickners. In the red macroalgae Chondrus crispus, agar is produced inside the cell walls of the algae. Agar can be used in jellies and desserts. In brown macroalgae the species Laminaria digitata (Oarweed) contains alginate. This is produced inside the macroalgae and is used in soups to help thicken them. Macroalgae also contains nutrients. Maerl contains calcium and can be used as an ingredient in calcium supplements or animal feed. Colouring from microalgae are extracted and used as natural food colouring. Medical uses Brown and Red macroalgae are used for medical purposes. Brown macroalgae are used to make bandages by using the alginate contained within the macroalgae. It also contains vitamins and iodine which can be extracted and put into tablets. Red macroalgae, such as Maerl, contain calcium which are used as calcuim supplements. Fertilizer Brown macroalgae can be processed and used as fertilizer. Laminaria digitata, Ascophyllum nodosum and Fucus vesiculosus can be used as dry or liquid fertilizer. Minerals such as nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus are present within the macroalgae. These are important for healthy soil. Beauty Products - Brown macroalgae can be used in beauty products. Species such as Fucus vesiculosus, Fucus serratus and Ascophyllum nodosum are used in shampoos, creams and soaps. Nutrients are taken out of the macroalgae and put into these products. Brown macroalgae are also used in seaweed baths. Pollution Control - Algae may be used to treat polluted water. Water is polluted because there are extra nutrients in the water but algae likes the nutrients so they can remove them from the water. In a water treatment plant algae is put into the water and the algae uses these extra nutrients which help clean the water. Biofuel Both macroalgae and microalgae can be use to produce fuel for cars. This type of fuel is kind to the environment as it does not produce any extra carbon dioxide.
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Learning Outcomes: Identify the uses of algae. Identify the type and colour of algae used in food, fertilizer, beauty products, pollution control, medicine and biofuel. List the advantages of using algae. Introduction: Recall from Lesson 1 that there are different colours of macroalgae and the difference between macroalgae and microalgae. Explain briefly that there are different uses of algae and they can be used in food, biofuel, fertilizer, beauty products, pollution control and medicine. Show photographs of the different types of macroalgae and microalgae. The teacher can use an image of macroaglae to show which type of macroalgae is involved in different uses. The cards labelled The Uses of Algae 15a -15f which are located after page 102 may be cut by the teacher and individually displayed to explain the overall concept of the lesson. Activities: Activity 1 - How to Compost Seaweed. Activity 2 - To make Sushi using Nori Sheets. Activity 3 - Unscramble the words to find some uses of macroalgae. Activity 4 Find the Foods containing algae substances. Questions. Final Activity: Teacher revises the main learning points. Class will discuss different ways in which algae can be used in everyday life. Try to encourage pupils to remember the colour/name/picture of algae (from lesson 1). Draw a mind-map on the board or paper and include the uses of algae, different types and the colours of algae in the mind map. The class can do this together or individually. Ask class how algae benefits the environment. Vocabulary: fertilizer, agar and alginate.

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Curriculum Links
Scotland Curriculum for Excellence Level 1 Literacy and English Listening and talking Finding and using information As I listen or watch, I can identify and discuss the purpose, key words and main ideas of the text, and use this information for a specific purpose. LIT 1-04a

Health and Wellbeing Food and health Food and the Consumer

When preparing and cooking a variety of foods, I am becoming aware of the journeys which foods make from source to consumer, their seasonality, their local availability and their sustainability. HWB 1-35a

Sciences Topical science Social studies People, place and environment Literacy and English Listening and talking Finding and using information

I have contributed to discussions of current scientific news items to help develop my awareness of science. SCN 1-20a I can consider ways of looking after my school and can care for their environment. SOC 1-08a As I listen or watch, I can identify and discuss the purpose, main ideas and supporting detail contained within the text, and use this information for different purposes. LIT 2-04a Level 2

Health and Wellbeing Food and health Food and the Consumer

When preparing and cooking a variety of foods, I am becoming aware of the journeys which foods make from source to consumer, their seasonality, their local availability and their sustainability. HWB 2-35a

Sciences Topical science

Through research and discussion I have an appreciation of the contribution that individuals are making to scientific discovery and invention and the impact this has made on society. SCN 2-20a I can discuss the environmental impact of human activity and suggest ways in which we can live in a more environmentally responsible way. SOC 2-08a

Social studies People, place and environment

Skills: Observe, investigate and comprehend.

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Ireland

National Council for Curriculum Assessment (NCCA) First Class, Second Class English Reading, Continue to build a sight vocabulary of common words from Receptiveness to language personal experience. Social Environmental and Scientific Education (SESE) Science Environmental awareness and Begin to recognise that people, animals and plants depend on one care, another. Caring for my locality Geography Human environments, Living in the local community Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) Myself and wider world, Developing citizenships

Become aware of the work of people in other areas who supply food and other products to us.

Begin to appreciate how people depend on each other in many aspects of life. Third Class, Fourth Class, Fifth Class

English Developing cognitive abilities through oral language Social Environmental and Scientific Education (SESE) Science Environmental awareness and care, Environmental awareness Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) Myself and wider world, Developing citizenships

Discuss issues that directly affect his/her life.

Come to appreciate the need to conserve resources.

Appreciate and respect the environment and learn that the community is responsible for caring for the environment.

Skills: Observe, identify and comprehend.

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Northern Ireland Council for Curriculum Examination and Assessment (CCEA) Key Stage 1 Language and Literacy Talking and listening Reading Participate in talking and listening in every area of learning. Use a range of comprehension skills, both oral and written, to interpret and discuss texts. Spell correctly a range of familiar, important and regularly occurring words.

Writing

The World Around Us Interdependence Place Change over Time

Interdependence of people and the environment. Positive and negative effects of people on places. Positive change and how we have a responsibility to make an active contribution. Key Stage 2

Language and Literacy Talking and listening

Read aloud, inflecting appropriately, to express thoughts and feeling and emphasise the meaning of what they have read. Use a range of cross-checking strategies to read unfamiliar words in texts. Use a variety of skills to spell words correctly.

Reading

Writing The World Around Us Interdependence Place

How living things rely on each other within the natural world. Positive and negative effects of the natural and human events upon place over time.

Skills: Create, observe and comprehend.

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Activity 1 -

Name

How to Compost Macroalgae (This may not be applicable to all schools depending on your
location).

Macroalgae contains a lot of nutrients. Macroalgae makes a great soil conditioner as it contains many nutrients. Macroalgae decompose quicker than grass as it contains a lot of water. Materials: An old bin/ container with no bottom Grass cuttings, leaves, old flowers A long garden fork to turn the compost Water wash macroalgae to remove salt Macroalgae Health and Safety: This activity should be carried out with the supervision of the teacher. The teacher can get the pupils to help. Method: 1. Collect grass cuttings after grass has been cut. Also you can collect dying flowers and leaves and other biodegradable items. 2. Go to the beach and collect macroalgae that is on the shore which is already dying and decomposing. Bring it back to the class in a plastic bag. 3. When you return to the school take it out of the bag. Using water try to remove as much salt as possible from the macroalgae (on both sides). 4. Cut the macroalgae up as it will decompose quicker. 5. Get a container/bin. Ensure that it is dry and clean. 6. Have the washed macroalgae ready and the grass cutting/leaves/dying flowers etc. 7. First put a layer of grass cuttings and other biodegradable items in the container. Then cut the macroalgae and put a layer of the macroalgae into the container. Put three times as much grass cuttings and other biodiogredabale items as macroalgae into the container. Macroalgae decomposes quicker than leaves/grass cuttings/ dead flowers. 8. Stir the contents every couple of days to introduce air. 9. You can add worms and other decomposers to the compost as this will help with the decaying process. 11. Leave the compost for 3-4 weeks. Questions Why do you think macroalgae make a good ingredient for a compost?
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Activity 2 -

Name

To make Sushi using Nori Seaweed Sheets. This is a demonstration only to be carried out by the teacher.

Materials/ Ingredients: To make sushi rice 1 and a half cups of uncooked rice 2 cups of water 2 tablespoons of Sugar 1 tablespoon of Salt One third of a cup of Rice Vinegar Health and Safety: Ensure sharp objects are kept away from pupils. Ensure pupils do not suffer from any allergies in the ingredients that you use. (Teacher can make sushi rice in advance of class) Rolling mat (you could use sheets of plastic cling film instead of a rolling mat) Nori Sheets dried seaweed sheets from the supermaket Fish/Seafood filing eg. canned tuna or smoked salmon Vegetable filing eg. raw peppers and raw carrots Bowls Sharp Knife Method: (Follow the pictures) To make sushi rice 1. Rinse the one and a half cups of uncooked rice first. Add 2 cups of water and bring to the boil. 2. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes. 3. When the rice is finished cooking let rice stand for 10 minutes. 4. Mix 2 tablespoons of Sugar, 1 tablespoon of Salt and Rice Vinegar 5. Allow to cool. (This step may be prepared in advanced) 6. Prepare the vegetable fillings. Cut into large thin strips. 7. Prepare the fish filling. 8. Place one Nori sheet on the rolling mat. You may use plastic cling film if you dont have a rolling mat. Ensure the bright side of the Nori sheet is facing towards the rolling mat/cling film.

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9. Take two handfuls of rice and place them on the nori sheets. Spread the rice evenly over the nori sheet leaving a few centimeters uncovered.

10. Put the other ingredients (Fish and Vegetable filling) over the rice a few centimeters from the bottom of the sheet. Be careful not to put too many ingredients as you may overfill.

11. Carefully roll up the sushi roll. 12. Wet the top edge of the Nori sheet (uncovered with rice) so that it sticks.

13. Carefully slice the sushi rolls using a knife into little pieces. Questions: What is the name of the macroalgae used in sushi?

What other macroalgae can you eat?

Can you name any other uses of algae?

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Activity 3

Name

Unscramble these words to find some important ingredients and uses of macroalgae. Box A contains the scrambled words. Unscramble the words. Then draw a line and match the correctly spelt words in Box A to Box B.

A 1. gaailnte 2. gecaarrecn 3. lrreeiizft 4. tomocps 5. gaar

B Agar Alginate Fertilizer Carrageen Compost

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Activity 4

Name

Find the foods that contain algae substances. Look at the labels of the food ingredients from the following foods. See which foods contain carrageenan, agar or alginate. Carrageenan may also be known as E407 Agar may also be known as E406 Alginate may also be known as E405

Cake mix

Chocolate mix

Ice cream

Toothpaste

Frozen desserts

Jelly

At home try to find foods using the food labels which contain macroalgae or the E number shown above.

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Questions 1. Name some uses of algae?

2. In what way can algae be used to protect the environment?

3. What is alginate?

4. Name 3 types of food products that you can get from macroalgae?

5. Why is macroalgae a good nutritional product?

6. Why are macroalgae ideal for composting?

7. What is the name of the macroalgae that can be used for animal feed, fertilizers and calcium products?

8. What is the name of the macroalgae used in sushi?

9. What is the name of the macroalgae that is used to make jelly?

10. What type and colour of algae does the substance alginate come from?

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Answers: Activity 1 -Why do you think macroalgae make a good ingredient for a compost? Answer: It is natural, recyclable and it has a substance that helps roots and stems grow.

Activity 2 -What is the name of the macroalgae used in sushi? Porphya (Nori). What other macroalgae can you eat? Palmaria palmata (Dulse), Chondrus crispus (Carrageen Moss) and Saccharina lastissima (Sugar Kelp). Can you name any other uses of algae? Fertilizer, medical uses, beauty products and pollution control.

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Activity 4 Find the Foods that contain algae substances Look at the labels of the food ingredients from the following Foods. See which foods contain carrageenan, agar or alginate. Carrageenan may also be known as E407 Agar may also be known as E406 Alginate may also be known as E405

Chocolate milk

Carrageenan

Ice cream

Carrageenan

Toothpaste

Carrageenan

Frozen desserts

Alginate

Pet Food

Carrageenan

Jelly

Carrageenan

E400-599 includes vegetable gums so there are natural ingredients in the food.

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Answers: 1. Name some uses of algae? Answer: Food, fertilizer, beauty products, medical uses, biofuels and pollution control. 2. In what way can algae be used to protect the environment? Answer: Using macroalgae as a natural compost so there is no chemical fertilizer. Algae can be used in the production of biofuels as it does not cause as much pollution as other fuels. Macroalgae can also be used in the treatment of polluted water. 3. What is alginate? Answer: It is a substance produced by certain types of brown macroalgae within their cell walls. It can be used in the food industry to help foods become thick. 4. Name 3 types of food products that are made using macroalgae? Answer: Jellies, sushi, dried dulse/dilisk, calcium tablets. 5. Why is macroalgae a good nutritional product? Answer: They contain vitamins such as A, B, C, D, E and K, nutrients and essential fatty acids called Omega 3. 6. Why are macroalgae ideal for composting? Answer: They contain nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium which are essential for growth. Macroalgae decomposes quicker than other plants. 7. What is the name of the macroalgae that can be used for animal feed, fertilizers and calcium products? Answer: Phymatolithon calcaruem (Maerl). 8. What is the name of the macroalgae used in Sushi? Answer: Porphyra (Nori). 9. What is the name of the macroalgae that is used to make jelly? Answer: Chondrus crispus (Carrageenen moss). 10. What type and colour of algae does the substance alginate come from? Answer: Brown macroalgae, Laminaria digitata (Oarweed) and Ascophyllum nodosum ( Knotted wrack).

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(image 15)

Food

Medicine

Biofuel

The Uses of Algae

Beauty Products

Pollution Control

Fertilizer

The Uses of Algae

(card 15a)

Beauty Products

(card 15b)

Fertilizer

(card 15c)

Food

(card 15d)

Biofuel

(card 15e)

Medicine

(card 15f)

Pollution Control