Nitrogen Control
Algal Turf Scrubber® technology can be designed and operated to meet a wide range of nitrogen reduction goals. ATS systems have been applied to surface water, agricultural runoff, and domestic wastewater with total nitrogen concentrations ranging from approximately 1 to 18 parts per million (ppm).
Whether the treatment objective is nitrogen load reduction to support TMDL compliance or reduction of wastewater discharge concentrations below Advanced Wastewater Treatment (AWT) standards, ATS systems can be configured to address demanding water quality goals.
Designed to operate at hydraulic loading rates of approximately 200 to 400 cm/day, ATS systems have demonstrated annual nitrogen removal rates ranging from approximately 500 to more than 8,000 pounds of nitrogen per process acre across a range of point and nonpoint source applications.
Annual nitrogen removal rates of more than 6,400 pounds per acre of treatment area have been achieved while treating stormwater runoff in the Lake Okeechobee watershed. Based on Lake Okeechobee watershed operating data, ATS systems have demonstrated nitrogen removal per acre more than 200 times greater than large constructed treatment wetlands operated under similar nitrogen inflow concentrations.
Phosphorus Control
Algal Turf Scrubber® technology removes phosphorus through algal uptake, filtration, and enhanced natural precipitation processes. Routine harvesting removes accumulated algal biomass from the system, maintains the algal community in an active growth phase, and provides a mechanism for sustainable phosphorus recovery.
When phosphorus load reduction is the primary objective, ATS systems have demonstrated areal removal rates well above those typically achieved in natural or constructed treatment wetland systems. For facilities designed to meet effluent concentration standards, ATS systems have also proven effective at reducing phosphorus to natural background levels.
The ATS biomass management process allows harvested algal biomass to be recovered and processed, avoiding the production of difficult-to-handle chemical sludge. As a result, ATS can provide a cost-effective alternative or complement to chemical treatment for phosphorus removal and recovery.
Annual phosphorus removal rates of more than 800 pounds per acre of treatment area have been achieved while treating stormwater runoff in the Lake Okeechobee watershed. Based on Lake Okeechobee watershed operating data, ATS systems have demonstrated phosphorus removal per acre up to 75 times greater than large constructed treatment wetlands operated under similar phosphorus inflow concentrations.
Learn more about additional uses of the Algal Turf Scrubber® or contact us with your questions.