Phosphorus is directly removed by the Algal Turf Scrubber® through plant uptake and filtration. Patented system design and operational processes enhance natural chemical precipitation, increasing the algal turf’s ability to remove phosphorus. Algal biomass is routinely harvested, which maintains the algae in an accelerated growth phase and provides sustainable phosphorus recovery.
When phosphorus load reduction is the primary objective, Algal Turf Scrubber® systems have shown areal removal rates far in excess of those achieved within both natural and constructed treatment wetland systems. For facilities permitted to meet effluent concentration standards, Algal Turf Scrubber® units have proven effective at reducing phosphorus to natural background levels.
The Algal Turf Scrubber’s® patented biomass management process allows for effective biomass recovery and processing. The net result is a process that is more cost-effective than chemical treatment without the production of hard to handle chemical sludge.
Annual phosphorus removal rates of over 800 pounds per acre of treatment area have been achieved while treating stormwater runoff in the Lake Okeechobee watershed. When compared to large constructed treatment wetlands operated under similar phosphorus inflow concentrations, the Algal Turf Scrubber® was able to remove up to 75 times more phosphorus per acre of treatment area.
