Mini-review: A priori considerations for bacteria-algae interactions in algal biofuel systems receiving municipal wastewaters

Bacteria may be critical for the functionality, associated productivity, and risk profile of wastewater based algal systems. Both wastewaters and algal stocks act as sources of bacteria effectively creating a tripartite system where it is reasonable to expect interactions between algae, bacteria from wastewater, and algae associated bacteria. The functionality associated with this complex system will be critically derived from the synergistic activities of its biological members, which in turn will be affected by the induced trophic status of the very same system. It is critical that, as algal biofuel research expands into large-scale cultivation trials and production, these interactions and associated functions are assessed, monitored, and considered when management options are being developed.