The Algal Turf Scrubber® (ATS) is an engineered attached-algae treatment system that uses periphyton-based algal communities grown on shallow floways to remove nutrients from water. By optimizing algae’s natural capacity for nutrient uptake, filtration, and biomass production, ATS technology provides reliable and quantifiable nutrient pollution control.
Watch the HydroMentia Water Treatment Technologies video, “Cleaning Water Naturally,” for an overview of Algal Turf Scrubber® development and applications.
Watch “Cleaning Water Naturally”
The ATS serves as a managed culture unit for periphytic algae, some of the most productive biological communities in aquatic systems. As water flows across the treatment surface, the attached algal turf captures nitrogen, phosphorus, and other constituents through direct biological uptake, filtration, and related biogeochemical processes.
Water is conveyed to the ATS floway and distributed across a shallow, sloped treatment surface. In some systems, pulsed or surging flow is used to improve hydraulic distribution, enhance water contact with the algal turf, and support algal productivity.
Harvested algal biomass can be managed for beneficial reuse or processing, depending on site-specific water quality, biomass characteristics, and regulatory requirements. Potential uses may include compost, soil amendment, container-media components, feedstock for energy or materials recovery, or other appropriate end uses.
In addition to direct algal uptake, ATS design and operation can support natural phosphorus precipitation and capture within the algal turf matrix. This combination of biological uptake, physical filtration, mineral precipitation, and routine biomass harvesting allows ATS systems to function as nutrient recovery infrastructure rather than simple nutrient storage.
ALGAL TURF SCRUBBER® IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF HYDROMENTIA TECHNOLOGIES LLC. HYDROMENTIA PROVIDES DESIGN SUPPORT, TECHNICAL GUIDANCE, AND IMPLEMENTATION EXPERIENCE FOR ATS-BASED WATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS.