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

Author:
Patrick Kangas, Walter Mulbry
Source:
Bioresource technology 2014 v.152 pp. 484-489
ISSN:
0960-8524
Subject:
effluents, correlation, animal manures, solar energy, nitrogen, economic costs, drainage channels, scrubbers, phosphorus, raceways, drainage water
Abstract:
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 125mg N, 25mgPm−2d−1 at the highest flow rates. Nutrient removal rates were equivalent to 310kgN and 33kgPha−1 over a 7month season. Projected nutrient removal costs ($90–$110kg−1 N or $830–$1050kg−1 P) are >10-fold higher than previous estimates for ATS units used to treat manure effluents.
Agid:
59638
Handle:
10113/59638