Sustainable Management of Algae in Eutrophic Ecosystems

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.