Algal Turf Technology represents an innovative biosystem that effectively removes excess carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus from wastewater, thereby enhancing water quality and facilitating the recycling of water for agricultural irrigation and industrial use. This project focuses on the implementation of Algal Turf Technology in aquaculture settings to evaluate its efficacy in biomass production and nutrient remediation, with particular emphasis on the comparative analysis of algal growth over different study periods. Preliminary investigations suggest that systems operating at higher flow rates yield greater algal biomass and achieve significant nutrient removal, notably in phosphorus. This research will further delve into algae species composition, chlorophyll content, and the biochemical characterization of the algal biomass, particularly examining lipid and fatty acid profiles for potential applications in fish feed. We aim to provide a comprehensive assessment of biomass quality and its implications for biofertilizers, bioenergy, and aquaculture. Our goal is to equip Delaware farmers with the knowledge and tools necessary to adopt Algal Turf Technology, ultimately improving wastewater management practices and fostering sustainable agricultural systems.
Keywords: Algal Turf, nutrient uptake, biomass, fertilizer