Algal Biofuels are increasing in popularity throughout the world but Canada in
particular has the increase cost demands of a temperate climate. Partnership with industry
will ease some of the problems associated with temperate biofuel production but also
produce some unique and potentially hazardous environments for algae to live in. Off-gas
provides a heat and carbon source and on-site waste water provides a nutrient rich media.
The use of off-gas can increase winter temperatures but during summer months we do not
have resources to cool, creating potentially fatal summer highs. Waste water and off-gas
also contain high metals and is not very high in nitrogen (a key macronutrient for algae).
The exposure to wastewater, off-gas creates a unique environment that can be potentially
toxic to algae. Locally isolated wild strains may better able to tolerate the industrial
conditions. Environmental strains often have a tolerance above and beyond that found in
laboratory strains. Wild strains are also less likely to escape and contaminate the
environment.