What is the Best Algal Turf Scrubber?

If you’ve landed here wondering how to get rid of algae on your lawn or turf—don’t worry, you’re not alone. The name algal turf scrubber can be a little misleading. It doesn’t actually have anything to do with cleaning grass. Instead, it’s one of the most innovative, nature-based technologies available for cleaning water.

At Green Mechanics, we specialize in algal turf scrubbers (ATS) designed to remove nutrient pollution from waterways in a cost-effective, community-driven way. But what makes one ATS “the best”? Let’s break it down.

First Things First: What is an Algal Turf Scrubber?

An algal turf scrubber is a shallow, sloped channel where water flows over a surface designed to grow algae. As the water moves across, the algae act like a natural sponge, pulling out pollutants such as nitrogen and phosphorus. These are the same nutrients that, in excess, cause harmful algal blooms and water quality problems in rivers and bays.

The algae are then harvested—removing the pollution from the water for good. The harvested algae can even be repurposed as fertilizer, compost, or renewable energy feedstock.

What Makes the Best ATS?

Not all ATS systems are created equal. Here are the qualities that matter most:

1. Efficiency – The best ATS systems deliver 2–3x more nutrient removal than conventional stormwater solutions.

2. Cost-Effectiveness – By relying on nature to do the work, ATS systems save municipalities and landowners money while meeting water quality goals.

3. Scalability – A strong system can be adapted to different sizes: from small community projects to large municipal-scale operations.

4. Low Disturbance – The best systems require minimal land and maintenance compared to traditional infrastructure like ponds or green roofs.

5. Community Benefit – Beyond clean water, the best ATS projects create local jobs, generate water quality credits (a financial incentive in the Chesapeake Bay and beyond), and support a circular economy.

Green Mechanics’ Approach

At Green Mechanics, we design ATS systems that bring all of these elements together. For example, at the Port of Baltimore, our 2 x 50 meter ATS was installed to intercept polluted runoff before it reached the Patapsco River. The result: twice the nutrient removal efficiency and measurable harbor water quality improvements—all at a fraction of the cost of traditional methods.

So, What’s the Best Algal Turf Scrubber?

The best ATS is one that’s:

• Rooted in nature

• Proven by data

• Accessible to communities

• Affordable to build and maintain

• Designed with people and ecosystems in mind

At Green Mechanics, we believe the best system is not just a piece of infrastructure—it’s a partnership between science, community, and nature.

Want to see if an algal turf scrubber could work in your community?
Contact us to learn how this nature-based solution can save money, generate credits, and restore waterways.