Algal Turf Scrubber® systems are designed for practical, repeatable operation using shallow floways, controlled hydraulic loading, and routine biomass harvesting. Once constructed and started up, the basic operating objective is straightforward: maintain active algal growth, distribute flow evenly across the treatment surface, harvest accumulated biomass, and monitor water quality and system performance.
Osprey Marsh ATS floway during April 2025 biomass harvesting. Routine harvesting removes accumulated algal biomass, exports captured nutrients, and helps maintain the floway in an active growth phase.
Routine harvesting is a central feature of ATS operation. Harvesting removes accumulated algal biomass from the system, exports captured nutrients, and helps maintain the algae in an active growth phase. Proper harvest frequency, flow management, and solids handling are important to sustaining long-term treatment performance.
ATS facilities can be designed to support streamlined operation and maintenance. Depending on facility size, site layout, automation, and project objectives, system oversight may include periodic site visits, remote monitoring, flow and pump checks, harvest scheduling, biomass handling, and review of performance data.
HydroMentia’s experience with pilot-scale and full-scale ATS systems can support owners, operators, and engineering teams in developing practical operating procedures, startup plans, monitoring programs, harvest strategies, and long-term performance optimization.