Compost produced from managed aquatic plant systems have proved to be a valuable commodity. Studies conducted by the University of Florida have found that the demand for organic compost far exceeds the potential production of compost generated by commercial scale managed aquatic plant systems. Recent research shows that compost users are willing to pay up to $32 per ton of quality compost. The chart below shows typical compost production of a 25 mgd Algal Turf Scrubber® facility as it relates to the potential compost market in Florida.
Source: Slivka, D., T.A. McClure, A.R. Buhr and R. Albrecht. 1992. Compost: United States Supply and Demand Potential. Biomass and Bioenergy, 3 (3-4): 281-299; Shiralipour, A., E. Epstein,. 2005. Preliminary Compost Market Assessment Okeechobee Region, Florida