A Finnish isolate of Selenastrum sp. had good tolerance in industrial waste
streams (e.g. from a composting plant) and a lipid profile which could be
suitable for biodiesel production, making it an interesting choice for algal
biomass production in Finland.
x Several waste sources are available in Finland, which are suitable for cultivation
of algae. However, individual waste sources need to be assessed to
ensure they provide adequate nutrition and some may need to be diluted.
x Algal processes which utilise waste streams containing organic matter will
be subject to contamination. Either cheap methods of reducing contaminants
(e.g. pasteurisation) will need to be developed or co-cultivation with a
heterotroph with desirable properties, which can compete with the natural
contaminants, should be developed.
x The lipid content of the algal species grown in waste water was lower than
expected, even when the nitrogen content of the water was low (e.g. fish
farm water).
x Algal growth and nutrient consumption was similar at pilot scale, to that observed
at lab scale.
x Although waste water from a composting plant could support the production
of a large amount of algae, the space and water required to grow the algae
would be prohibitive at this time