A Shifting Focus: How Algal Turf Scrubbers (ATS) In Natural Waterways Can Prevent Toxic Blooms And Could Save The Algae Energy Industry

Biofuels have generated global interest among oil companies and governments. In particular, algal biofuels are slated to be more promising than traditional biofuel feedstocks, like corn and sugarcane, which are simultaneously cultivated as food products. However, the drawbacks of harvesting algae on a large industrial scale has led to intense criticism. Most critics focus on issues of sustainability, scalability of production, and the legal and ethical concerns of genetically modified crops. New research in cyanobacteria, however, illustrates algae’s potential to produce clean electricity in addition to oil, ethanol, and gasoline. Moreover, using Algal Turf Scrubbers (“ATS”) in natural waterways offers a unique method for the cultivation of algae that also aims to reduce the growth of toxic or harmful algal blooms (HABs). This paper proposes two changes to the field of algae energy research in the United States: first, research should shift away from a focus on biofuels and towards more studies in electricity production, and second, small scale ATS projects need to be utilized on a wider scale, not only to prevent water pollution but also to benefit local economies.