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TOLEDO -- Algae. It’s gross, ugly and slimy; but that doesn’t matter to the minds at the University of Toledo who are leading a research project to convert it into energy.

In a collaborative effort among several institutions, the research project will evaluate potential recycling nutrients in municipal and agricultural waste for use in algal biofuel production.

Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur announced Wednesday the University of Toledo project will receive $3 million towards the study from the Department of Energy (DOE).

“I support the Department of Energy’s commitment to moving us forward by improving alternative energy technologies and I am pleased that the University of Toledo continues to be recognized as a leader in developing these technologies,” said Kaptur.

Toledo is one of three projects to received money from the Department of Energy. A total of $6.3 million will fund three research projects over a three year period.