Agricultural Products

Growing Algae Biofilms

Growing Algae Biofilms system on rolling spindles

SWBEC develops and evaluates algae biofilm technologies that improve wastewater treatment, nutrient recovery, and sustainable bioproduct production. Algae biofilm systems offer an efficient approach for biomass harvesting while reducing operational costs compared to traditional suspended growth systems. Research efforts focus on optimizing biofilm growth, improving nitrogen and phosphorus removal, and enhancing resource recovery from municipal and industrial wastewater streams.

The center also investigates biofilm community dynamics to improve system performance and support the development of scalable technologies for environmental protection and sustainable resource management.