Page 24 - final Nai Udaan september 2024

Azolla can be harnessed as a sustainable source of
Azolla is a small, floating aquatic fern known
for its ecological and agricultural benefits. It
thrives in warm, freshwater environments,
often forming dense mats on ponds, lakes, and
slow-moving streams. Azolla is notable for its
symbiotic relationship which fixes atmospheric
nitrogen, enriching the water and making it a
valuable natural fertilizer. This characteristic,
along with its rapid growth and ability to control
algae, makes Azolla useful in sustainable agriculture
and aquaculture. Additionally, it plays a role in
carbon sequestration and has potential applications
in bioenergy and environmental management.
This natural method of carbon capture has several
social, economic and environmental cobenefits
besides being the world's best carbon capture
process. Decentralisation and local empowerment
lie at the heart of this technology, rendering it fit
for both rural and urban landscapes. Employment
generation, organic fertiliser production and land
reclamation are some of the benefits of this
nitro-boosted carbon capture
process. This technique of
carbon capture can Vandana
Sunil Kumar
Mahato
significantly help cities to Tandon
reduce their carbon Principal ,
footprint, as well as combat kamal Modern
rising temperatures. Sr Sec School
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-2024
energy in the form of bio-fuels and as feedstock
for bio-energy.
Biofuels:
Due to the high lipid content of azolla, the
biomass can be converted into biodiesel through
the simple chemical process of transesterification.
The resulting FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Ester)
can be used as a carbon neutral alternative to
conventional fossil fuels.
Bio-energy:
Azolla biomass can be dried, pulverized, mixed
with sawdust or rice husk, compressed into
pellets and/or briquettes, which can be used as a
feedstock in combustion based power generation
processes including thermal power plants (where
azolla is used as a substitute/complement for
coal) and biomass digesters. The resulting products
are electricity and biogas. These are also carbon
neutral energy products that can help fuel a
sustainable future.
Education plays a critical role in raising awareness
about environmental issues and inspiring action.
By understanding the impact of our choices and
advocating for change, we can contribute to a
healthier planet. Ultimately, preserving the
environment is about ensuring a livable world for
future generations, demonstrating that our
individual actions collectively have the power to
make a significant difference. Through these
innovative steps, our school is demonstrating that
the transition to affordable and clean energy is
both achievable and beneficial. Our efforts would
not only contribute to a more sustainable future
but would also provide valuable
learning opportunities for
students, equipping them
with the knowledge and
skills to address global energy
challenges.