Algae treatment

Algae treatment — Construction and operation

Select from the tabs below

• Overview
• Key considerations
• Planning and design
• Construction and operation
• Links and references

Approvals

Approvals may be required for the construction of a treatment system. Contact your local government before any construction is undertaken to understand requirements.

Prior to construction, check for any existing infrastructure by contacting electricity, water and telecommunication providers.

Engineering advice should be sought prior to construction to ensure the treatment system is sized and sited appropriately.

Construction

Construction involves either excavation and lining, for an in-ground installation or building an above-ground structure.

Generally, in-ground ponds are cheaper to construct however, these have the potential to involve additional costs such as disposal of the excavated material. An in-ground installation would also likely have a larger footprint than an above-ground pond e.g. the edges of the liner will need to be secured with a soil bund above the water level. This may require an additional 0.5-1m of area around the perimeter of the pond[1].

Establishment

Four months for a typical system, although this can be reduced to 2 weeks if there is access to an algae nursery to provide a quantity of algae to start the system.

Operation

Mechanical mixing.

Regular harvesting of macroalgae requiring a partial water exchange to harvest algae. Harvesting can be automated. The algae is collected and dewatered on a fine mesh trap/harvest screen at the pond outlet for removal[1].

Monitoring and Maintenance

Typical monitoring and maintenance will involve:

• Management of water flow, measurement of water quality (combined to deliver nutrient flux) and operational harvesting.
• Regular maintenance of the HRAP such as checking for undermining if affected by stormwater, and damage of the liner by animals.
• Maintenance of the sand filter to prevent clogging and ensure continuous operation.
• Monitor and repair liner or base if damaged.

Lifespan/replacement time

The planned lifespan of the infrastructure is approximately 20 years.

References

1. ^ a b Rickert, A & McShane, T (2015), Remediation of Agricultural Irrigation Runoff Using High Rate Algal Ponds: A feasibility study. [online], Burdekin-Bowen Integrated Floodplain Management Advisory Committee (BBIFMAC). Available at: https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/a8ec/e93a4ae3742d9d70f9c1093e59044f6fec21.pdf.

Last updated: 10 June 2022