OriginOil looks to build urban algae farm to treat wastewater and generate heat for homes

Algae are getting more attention from the world of science for its possible uses as a source of alternative energy.

These simple organisms are very easy to manage and have shown strong resilience to a variety of environments that would be somewhat hostile to other life forms. As such, Algae have become a popular subject for use as a form of organic power. OriginOil, a company that converts algae into fuel, is looking to show off the uses for the organism in a new pilot project that will be launched in Los Angeles, California, at some point this year.

The company is working to create an urban algae farm that will be used to grow algae from wastewater. This water will come from various residences that are located around the urban farm. The algae will clean the water as it grows, making it safe to drink after a simple treatment process.

The algae will also generate heat as it consumes the waste in the water. This heat can be provided to homes in lieu of heat generated through conventional methods.

Another benefit from using algae in this way is that it can absorb the refuse that cannot be cleared from water through conventional sewage treatment methods. Algae can absorb and consume large amounts of CO2. It can do the same with pharmaceutical chemicals as well. Removing these toxic chemicals from water is impossible through normal water treatment procedures.