Fleming College’s Centre for Alternative Wastewater Treatment (CAWT) and Trent University will receive federal research funding through a College-University Idea to Innovation grant, part of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council’s (NSERC) College and Community Innovation (CCI) Program.

The two institutions will jointly receive $749,820 over three years for research of Euglena as a wastewater management solution.

Peterborough’s Noble Purification Inc., a water filtration company based at Trent University, has shown that Euglena, a type of algae, can absorb contaminants from wastewater. Researchers from Trent and the CAWT will use the funding to determine Euglena’s capabilities in removing contaminants from industrial wastewater sources such as mines, reveal its genetic profile, as well as develop the applied research into commercially viable techniques.

“The results of this research will not only further our knowledge and understanding of Euglena as a wastewater management solution, but it will also further the development of the technology and provide a cost-effective alternative solution to current wastewater treatment methods,” said Mary Lou McLean, Director of Applied Research at Fleming College.

“We are very pleased that Trent and Fleming are once again partnering on a major project,” remarked Dr. Neil Emery, Vice-President of Research & International at Trent University. “Our two institutions have an outstanding record of co-ventures, especially in environmental research and education, the latest of which is this exciting new project and resulting NSERC grant to help advance the innovative Noble Purification Euglena Bio-filtration technology.”     

A separate $146,276 grant will be used to replace old equipment, which will allow the CAWT to enhance efficiency and expand its capacity to do water quality analyses.

“NSERC is proud to support applied research and technology transfer work at Canada’s community colleges. Building college research capacities to help businesses innovate, will create economic growth, and train the next generation of researchers and entrepreneurs. From building specialized equipment to developing new research centres, the College and Community Innovation program supports world-class research and innovation in communities all across the country,” said Dr. B. Mario Pinto, President, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada. 

The Honourable Minister of State (Science and Technology), Ed Holder, today announced over $40 million in grants to colleges across Canada to support applied research and development activities with industry. The 38 projects will focus on building local innovation capacity in key areas including manufacturing, green buildings and mobile technology, while training the next generation of highly skilled Canadians. Colleges also received support to purchase specialized research equipment.

“Our government’s providing record investments necessary to push the boundaries of knowledge, create jobs, and improve the quality of life of Canadians. Our government is committed to creating the conditions that will allow entrepreneurship to thrive in this country. The collaboration between colleges and local industrial partners generates new products and ideas, creating long-term prosperity for the benefit of all Canadians,” said Minister of State (Science and Technology) Ed Holder.