Nutrient removal from agricultural drainage water using algal turf scrubbers and solar power

The objectives of this study were to determine nutrient removal rates and costs using solar-powered algal turf scrubber (ATS) raceways and water from an agricultural drainage ditch. Algal productivity using daytime-only flow was 3-lower compared to productivity using continuous flow. Results from this and other studies suggest a non-linear relationship between flow rate and nitrogen removal rates. Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) removal rates averaged 125 mg N, 25 mg P m−2 d−1 at the highest flow rates. Nutrient removal rates were equivalent to 310 kg N and 33 kg P ha−1 over a 7 month season. Projected nutrient removal costs ($90–$110 kg−1 N or $830–$1050 kg−1 P) are >10-fold higher than previous estimates for ATS units used to treat manure effluents.