The University of Toledo is getting $199,997 for an algae biomass research project.

U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D., Toledo) said in a news release today that the National Science Foundation is awarding the grant to advance research and develop possible commercial applications of a low-cost product called a “hydrogel” that would make it easier and more efficient to grow and harvest algae for use in the production of alternative fuels.

“Algae could be a major source for biomass fuel development, but the costs of growing and processing it have been too high. This project sets out to solve both problems by creating a product that grows algae safely and efficiently and streamlining the process for harvesting it for conversion into fuel,” Miss Kaptur said.

The project’s director, Sridhar Viamajala, UT chemical and environmental engineering associate professor, said the research could allow for “effective recycling of water and unused nutrients, which is critical for environmental sustainability of biofuels.”

First Published April 1, 2015, 2:42 p.m.