High-rate algal pond coupled with a matrix of Spirogyra sp. for treatment of rural streams with nutrient pollution

This study evaluated the unique features of a filamentous algae matrix (FAM) that can be applied to high rate algal ponds (HRAPs) as a promising way to remove nutrient from polluted rural streams. The results show that the HRAPs, coupled with the FAM, effectively removed nitrogen and phosphorus (79.8% and 81.2%, respectively), and achieved high production of DO, with a maximum of 11.0 g O2 g FAM−1 d−1. The FAM functioned wells as a screen to prevent excessive algae loss from the system and obtained relatively high biomass growth rate (0.032 mg L−1 d−1 for nitrogen and 0.344 mg L−1 d−1 for phosphorus). The harvested FAM was a useful fertilizer and the rate of addition of FAM were 1.52 kg d−1 ha−1 of nitrogen and 0.44 kg d−1 ha−1 of phosphorus. Thus, combining the HRAP with the FAM was an effective nutrient removal and resource utilization system for rural streams.