Algae is one of the more plentiful natural crops in the world, and now it is being considered as a potential fuel source.

Oregon State University researchers are working to find an efficient method of processing algae to produce biodiesel fuel and ethanol.

Assistant professor Ganti Murthy says technology to mass-produce algae and extract its oils could be five to 10 years in the future, but the advantages would be worth the wait.

Algae can be found nearly everywhere, and it does not require a choice between food and fuel, such as converting corn into ethanol does.

Varieties of the organism have been found flourishing in fresh and salt water and all kinds of environments, from the Arctic to tropical areas.

Algae also are highly productive compared with conventional crops. For example, a productivity model estimates that 48 gallons of biodiesel can be produced from an acre of soybeans.

Algae could produce more than 800 gallons in a single acre.