Project Number: 6618-13000-004-04
Project Type: Nonfunded Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Jul 01, 2010
End Date: Sep 30, 2013

Objective:
1) Research and develop constructed periphytic algal growth devices that are optimized for on-site nutrient farming utilizing retained water from farms and nurseries. 2) Research and develop value-added products from harvested algal biomass. 3) Research primary abiotic drivers on algal community structure to optimize algal species composition in relation to harvesting ease, value-added product quality and growth rates.

Approach:
Lab-/Pilot-/Demonstration-scale ATS systems will be evaluated for algal biomass accumulation in relation to abiotic parameters. Primary drivers for biomass accumulation will be determined and experimentally manipulated as appropriate at each scale. Value-added products from biomass including, but not limited to, composted algae, animal feeds and biofuels will be evaluated as appropriate both in-house and with ARS cooperators.