Evaluation of the potential role of the macroalga Laminaria japonica for alleviating coastal eutrophication

► We studied the biofiltration capacity of Laminaria japonica under laboratory conditions. ► L. japonica showed a significant nutrients uptake and the average N and P removal efficiency was around 44% and 41%. ► The optimum N/P ratio for its nutrient uptake was 7.4 and L. japonica prefered NO3-N other than NH4-N as nitrogen source. ► Temperature and irradiance affected uptake rates significantly.