Interdisciplinary applied research project on Euglena utilized for clean-up of contaminated waters and research on potential industry utilization

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Wastewater effluents contain many pollutants and substances of concern including disease-causing pathogens, decaying organic wastes, nutrients and hundreds of chemicals specific to the industry that produces them. In Canada wastewater receives various levels of treatment to remove pollutants prior to discharge, ranging from no treatment to very sophisticated, thorough treatment. As a result, wastewater quality and the amount of pollutants released into the environment vary across Canada. Harnessing the powers of algae blooms, Noble Purification Inc. has developed a novel wastewater management solution which utilizes the protest Euglena. Though algae blooms wreak havoc on our ecosystems, by applying the same philosophy on contaminated waters we can utilize these biota for positive results, 'tricking' them into absorbing contaminants from wastewaters. Our proposed applied research project involves further development and characterization of Euglena to determine its full capabilities in contaminant management. Our proposed research focuses on five research priorities; 1. To determine Euglena's full capabilities in removal of contaminants from other industrial wastewater sources (mines, oil sands, etc.); 2. To identify optimal growth conditions for Euglena, including identifying hormones involved in growth rates and cell division; 3. To reveal Euglena's genetic profile, identifying genes involved and mechanisms at play during contaminant uptake; 4. Focus on industry utilization of Euglena through lipid profiling, including identifying growth factors involved in the production of lipids; and 5. To translate the applied research into commercially viable techniques through pilot demonstration studies. The results of this applied research will not only further our knowledge and understanding of Euglena as a wastewater management solution but further the development of this technology and provide a cost effective alternative solution to current wastewater treatment methods.