Abstract: A method and apparatus for harvesting algal growth on an algal growth medium that is arranged within a floway containing water. A cable coupled to the algal growth medium is pulled by a pulling unit to draw the algal growth medium along the floway and past a vacuum positioned adjacent the algal growth medium. Suction from the vacuum is used to remove or harvest the algal growth on the algal growth medium.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for harvesting algal growth on an algal growth medium that is arranged within a floway containing water. A cable coupled to the algal growth medium is pulled by a pulling unit to draw the algal growth medium along the floway and past a vacuum positioned adjacent the algal growth medium. Suction from the vacuum is used to remove or harvest the algal growth on the algal growth medium.

Abstract: A modular all-terrain algal production system that includes a plurality of segments. Each segment is made from one or more trays that are adapted to grow algae on their surface. The trays each have a flange end configured to be coupled to non-flanged end of an adjacent tray to form floways. Each floway has a rotatable surge bucket at one end that is able to hold water and spill the water in a wave down the floway into a catchment. The system is supported on uneven terrain by an adjustable structure arranged to provide each floway with a horizontal inclination.

Abstract: A three-dimensional grid for use as an algal turf growing surface contains a horizontal planar basal net containing a series of horizontal planar members and upwardly directed members.

Abstract: A modular all-terrain algal production system that includes a plurality of segments. Each segment is made from one or more trays that are adapted to grow algae on their surface. The trays each have a flange end configured to be coupled to non-flanged end of an adjacent tray to form floways. Each floway has a rotatable surge bucket at one end that is able to hold water and spill the water in a wave down the floway into a catchment. The system is supported on uneven terrain by an adjustable structure arranged to provide each floway with a horizontal inclination.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for harvesting algal growth on an algal growth medium that is arranged within a floway containing water. A cable coupled to the algal growth medium is pulled by a pulling unit to draw the algal growth medium along the floway and past a vacuum positioned adjacent the algal growth medium. Suction from the vacuum is used to remove or harvest the algal growth on the algal growth medium.

Abstract: An algal production system that uses CO2 injections to promote the growth of algae. The system includes an algal growth medium within a floway for channeling water. A fluid diffuser also resides in the floway in proximity to the algal growth medium. The fluid diffuser injects CO2 into the water in the floway. The system further includes a detector for monitoring the pH levels of the water and a controller, which based on the measured pH levels, determines when and how much CO2 to inject into the water.

Abstract: A modular all-terrain algal production system that includes a plurality of segments. Each segment is made from one or more trays that are adapted to grow algae on their surface. The trays each have a flange end configured to be coupled to non-flanged end of an adjacent tray to form floways. Each floway has a rotatable surge bucket at one end that is able to hold water and spill the water in a wave down the floway into a catchment. The system is supported on uneven terrain by an adjustable structure arranged to provide each floway with a horizontal inclination.

Abstract: A three-dimensional grid for use as an algal turf growing surface contains a horizontal planar basal net containing a series of horizontal planar members and upwardly directed members.

Abstract: A method for removing pollutants from water, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, comprises the steps of providing algal spores for seeding, providing a source of water for flowing through a floway, and the water contains a quantity of pollutants and has a pH on entry into said floway, providing a growing surface in the floway upon which the algal spores form an attachment, subjecting the algal spores in the floway to operating conditions resulting in the formation of an algal turf in which the algae has cell walls on its surface, adjusting the floway operating conditions such that a predetermined pollutant precipitates onto and/or into the algal cell walls but not into the water, and harvesting a portion of the algal turf including the cell walls onto and/or into which the pollutants have precipitated.

Abstract: A method of producing mature fish using an algal turf as feedstock. The method consists of first growing an algal turf in a growth reservoir while subjecting the turf to an oscillatory water surge; severing the algal turf from its growing surface and transferring the severed algal turf to a second vessel containing young fish. In an optional embodiment, water enriched in oxygen may be removed from the growth reservoir and recycled to the second vessel. Further, at least a portion of the metabolic and respiratory waste products of the fish may be transferred to a growth reservoir containing algal turf.

Abstract: A high proteinaceous animal feedstock comprises algae having a solids content between from about 6 to about 95 weight percent. The feedstock is typically prepared by harvesting at least a portion of algal turf from its growing surface and removing water from the severed algal turf until the solids content of the severed algal turf is between from about 6 to about 95 weight percent.

Abstract: A water purification system creates an integrated, small-scale marine or fresh water ecosystem that is particularly useful as a home, school, office, or laboratory aquarium. In operation, water from the aquarium tank is routed to an algal turf scrubber screen or equivalent algal-growing surface placed in a movable, tray-shaped receptacle. An algal turf, comprising preferably a dense colony of microalgae, resides on the screen. As the receptacle fills with water, the center of gravity of the receptacle moves across the axis of the pivots upon which the receptacle is mounted. At this time, the substantially filled receptacle rotates on its pivots and the desired surge effect across the scrubber by the exiting water is achieved. The surge, light energy provided by lights above the receptacle, and algal photosynthesis promote metabolic cellular-ambient water exchange to remove carbon dioxide, dissolved nutrients and organic compounds, and other pollutants. Oxygen is also released into the water.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water purification system that creates an integrated, small-scale marine or fresh water ecosystem that is particularly useful as a home, school, office, or laboratory aquarium. In operation, water from the aquarium tank is routed to an algal turf scrubber screen or equivalent algal-growing surface placed in a moveable, substantially flat, horizontally positioned, tray-shaped receptacle. An algal turf, comprising preferably a dense colony of microalgae, resides on the screen. As the receptacle fills with water, the center of gravity of the receptacle moves across the axis of the pivots upon which the receptacle is mounted. At this time, the substantially filled receptacle rotates on its pivots and the desired surge effect across the scrubber by the exiting water is achieved.

Abstract: A method of producing an algal turf for use as a scrubber of carbon dioxide, nutrients and pollutants as well as biomass production is disclosed. A growing surface for spores or benthic microalgae is provided on a water surface. The growing surface is subjected to periodic water surge action to promote metabolite cellular-ambient water exchange and light is provided, natural or artificial to promote growth. The growing turf is harvested before being overgrown by larger macroalgae.