The Algal Turf Scrubber® (ATS) uses managed attached algae to recover excess nitrogen, phosphorus, and other constituents from water. By optimizing natural algal growth under controlled hydraulic and harvesting conditions, ATS systems provide a sustainable treatment platform for nutrient reduction, water-quality improvement, and aquatic ecosystem restoration.
Polluted water is conveyed to the ATS flowway, where it moves across a shallow, sloped treatment surface. As water flows down the flowway, naturally occurring attached algae colonize the surface and grow into an algal turf. The algal community removes nutrients from the water through biological uptake, while also interacting with suspended solids, carbon dioxide, dissolved oxygen, and other water-quality conditions.
Routine harvesting is central to ATS performance. Harvesting removes the algal biomass and the nutrients contained within that biomass, while also maintaining the algae in a productive growth stage. The harvested material may be evaluated for beneficial reuse opportunities such as compost, soil amendment, animal feed applications, or other end-product pathways depending on the source water, biomass quality, and project objectives.
HydroMentia’s experience includes the design, operation, harvesting, and long-term performance evaluation of pilot-scale and full-scale ATS facilities. System operations are routinely monitored to support reliable nutrient removal, efficient biomass recovery, and adaptive management under changing field conditions.
Operation and maintenance of ATS facilities can be streamlined through periodic site visits, remote oversight, and practical mechanical harvesting methods. This approach reduces the need for full-time on-site staffing while maintaining consistent system performance.
Learn more about the features and benefits of the Algal Turf Scrubber® or contact us with your questions.