Unlocking the Potential of Algae to Remove Nutrients from Agricultural Effluents.

Unlocking the Potential of Algae to Reduce Agricultural NPK and Remove Nutrients from Agricultural Effluents

Nitrogen and phosphorus are key pollutants found in agricultural runoff and have been increasingly the focus of societal scrutiny and regulation.  These chemicals are both applied to farms as commercial fertilizer and also are components of manure and other farm wastes.  Reduction of nitrogen and phosphorus inputs and capture of these chemicals in farm effluents could reduce regulatory pressures while helping to avoid undesirable environmental events.  Microalgae may provide tools that can help in both respects.  Recently, microalgae have shown promise as soil amendments capable of reducing NPK needs for plants.  In addition, microalgae technology is also being developed which can convert effluent nitrogen and phosphorus into useful products through microalgae cultures grown on these residual nutrients.  This presentation will explore the promise of these technologies as well as recent developments being made in both areas.