From health to critical minerals, a Laurentian University research team looks at the potential of microalgae

In a nondescript lab at Laurentian University in Sudbury, a team of researchers is working to unlock the full potential of microalgae. 

"The green tinge that we see all around Sudbury and elsewhere, that's actually microalgae," said Ashley Scott, the director of the Ongen research group at Laurentian.

"Perfectly healthy and a very important part of the ecosystems of lakes and rivers."

Scott started studying the microorganisms almost by accident.

When he arrived in Sudbury from Australia a decade ago, he connected with research and industry leaders in the community, including at mining giant, Vale.

A friend in the United Kingdom was telling him about the potential microalgae had for the production of biofuels.

"My first reaction having come from Australia was, 'How am I going to grow algae through our winters?'" he said.

But visiting Vale, he noticed the company was already pumping warm water into its tailings ponds – giant deposits that contain the waste from over a century of mining activity in the region.

"This could be a way of growing algae in Sudbury," he said, referencing the tailings ponds which have warm water year-round.

Scott admits he knew almost nothing about microalgae at the time, but he soon learned the aquatic organisms have some interesting properties.

One of those properties is high levels of antioxidants. 

"Significant levels, much higher than you would find in blueberries or blackberries typically," Scott said.

A diet high in antioxidants may reduce the risk of certain diseases including some cancers and heart disease.

Microalgae also contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids – nutrients that help cells in the body function properly. Some studies have shown omega-3s may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, blood clots and may help lower the risk of certain cancers.