Fed Event TODAY at 12:15 PM

Environmental Policy Roundtable

Friday, March 18, 2011, Room 1107 Van Munching Hall, 12:15 - 1:30pm

Algal Turf Scrubbers and Clean Water Innovation

Increased urbanization and farming have led to euthrophication of our waterways, leading to many environmental problems, including algal blooms. One proposal to clean the waters involves using algae. Dail Laughinghouse, MEES doctoral student, will lead a discussion about current and previous work using Algal Turf Scrubbers (ATS). The ATS are mini-ecosystems dominated by periphytic algal mats (algal turfs) and have been in constant operation for over two decades. Ranging from 0.1m2 to 3ha in size, the systems provide multiple benefits to the environment by improving water quality as well as producing biomass for biofuels and other co-products.

Dail’s research focus is in the taxonomy, systematics and ecology of algae, mainly in freshwater and estuarine habitats. He has also been involved with projects working with subaerial habitats and soil crusts.

We look forward to seeing you at our discussion.

Best,

Your EESG Team

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The Ecological Economics Student Group (EESG) is a student-organized forum for the presentation and discussion of ideas and new work within the broad domain of Ecological Economics and interdisciplinary environmental policy. This seminar is also offered for 1 credit as 'Ecological Economics and Development' (MEES 608N).
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