TITLE:
Sustainable Management of Algae in Eutrophic Ecosystems
AUTHORS:
William W. McNeary, Larry E. Erickson
KEYWORDS:
Algae; Nutrients; Eutrophication; Ecosystem; Dead Zone
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Environmental Protection,
Vol.4 No.11A,
November
20,
2013
ABSTRACT:
The accelerated eutrophication of the
world’s freshwater and marine ecosystems is a complex problem that results in
decreased productivity, loss of biodiversity, and various economic woes. Controlling algae populations in a
eutrophic water body has values in mitigating some of these negative effects. This paper reviews a number
of strategies for algae management, with a focus on sustainable practices that
have minimal environmental impact. The information in the literature is then
used to propose a design for an integrated algae-aquaculture system to be used
for the dual purposes of nutrient assimilation and production of fish and algal
biomass. Effectiveness of the proposed system and possible revenue streams to
offset capital costs are examined; other solutions that utilize the techniques
in the literature are also explored.