Hypothesis Identification
Danielle Rickards
RES342
February 13, 2012
Dean Gualco

Hypothesis Identification
Algae are considered versatile in nature since it has much potential. Algae can be used for multiple purposes including food, bio-filters, industrial fuels and compounds, etc. It seems as though the more research conducted on algae, the more functions that are found. Recently more research studies have been conducted on the uses of algae. “Algae, being one of the widely cultivated species around the world, have been a focus of many research studies to widen its commercial scope”(, 2012, ). Since algae are freely available, the use of algae in any industry could help reduce cost and increase profitability. One of the recent research studies was composed by a team from the School of Architecture and the Built Environment of Singapore Polytechnic. The team was focused on the use of algae in the construction industry. Algae from the catchment areas of water bodies are known for its binding ability. The team used this binding ability of algae for the development of a bio-based binding structure. The team’s hypothesis was that by adding the wet algae to conventional cement, the mixture could be used in the construction industry. Not only would the use of algae reduce the cost of construction but also reduce the toxic alkaline components of the conventional cement, which causes lung and skin disorders.
The team determined that combining 40% of the wet algae with 60% of the conventional cement would be enough algae to reduce costs while still providing enough conventional cement to support the structure. The research conducted their testing in a laboratory setup. The results of the research and hypothesis testing determined that the algae-cement mix is capable of withstanding the pressure of non bearing structures. This includes drain sections and wall