Much of the research reported so far is based on laboratory work and spec­ulation while testing a full system would allow realistic life-cycle assess­ments to be carried out investigating similar systems in a number of indus­trial scenarios. Data related to energy consumption and yield would prove the viability of the concept. Setting up pilot scale infrastructure within most industries with suitable wastewater would be a simple undertaking with great research benefits. The ponds would need to be inoculated with a mix of local strains and the dominance of those strains monitored. Suitable harvesting techniques would need to be tested for the algal mix, cultivated within the ponds to identify the most effective and sustainable method for each case. Further research is required to optimize energy recovery from conversion techniques which provide the maximum energy yield, most likely anaerobic digestion or combustion.

2.4 CONCLUSIONS

The review of the current state of knowledge and technology suggests that it is unlikely that there is one solution to biofuel recovery from algal bio­mass. Production of energy from algae is most likely to be successful on a case by case basis based on applicability to the particular industry and the site under question. The majority of wastewaters from common industries have shown capacity to support the cultivation of various strains of algae. Allowing natural domination of algal strains means that algae which are most effective for that particular situation should develop. If a preferred algal strain is required, the pond could be seeded with the algae and re­cycled continuously to promote growth.

The biomass processing stages can use existing technologies which are tested for many strains of algae. Harvesting can be optimised for each individual scenario. Optimal recovery of energy for maximum efficiency is likely to be similar for each industry. Literature suggests that recovery through anaerobic digestion or combustion provides the highest energy return for mixed strains. As the strains are likely to be mixed and varying there is little point in designing systems for specialised biofuels (biodiesel or bioethanol) which require specific biomass characteristics. Therefore a system which is flexible for numerous industries is possible. Pilot scale tests of such systems will be essential for implementation to optimise sys­tems individually.