City News Blog: Join the City of Lakeland and Partners - Look at Innovative Algae Reduction Biofuel Technology

City News Blog: Join the City of Lakeland and Partners - Look at Innovative Algae Reduction Biofuel Technology

Lakeland, FL (April 24, 2025) | The City of Lakeland, Bonnet Springs Park, and global infrastructure leader AECOM invite the public and media to a special Open House on May 14, 2025, showcasing a transformative, Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP)-funded initiative that is revolutionizing the fight against harmful algal blooms - and turning environmental challenges into renewable energy solutions.

The event will spotlight AECOM's award-winning Hydronucleation Flotation Technology (HFT), now paired with its Intelligent Process Automation System (IPAS), an innovative system designed to harvest wild algae and seamlessly integrate with Hydrothermal Liquefaction (HTL) to convert it into clean, renewable fuel. The innovative system is currently in place on Lake Bonnet.

Held at the Nature Center at Bonnet Springs Park from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the Open House will feature technology demonstrations, expert talks, and guided tours - offering an inside look at how this solution is improving water quality, preventing harmful algal blooms (HABs), and creating green value from waste.

Event Schedule:

• 10:00 a.m. - Welcome & Opening Remarks
  Featuring the FDEP Grant Manager, AECOM Project Manager, and expected remarks from the Mayor, City Manager, Lakeland City Commission members, and the CEO of Bonnet Springs Park.
• 10:30 a.m. - Technology Showcase
  AECOM will present the capabilities and benefits of HFT and IPAS.
• 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Guided Project Tours
  AECOM experts will lead small group tours for a close-up look at the technology in action.

Tackling Algal Blooms at the Source

Harmful algal blooms degrade water quality, endanger aquatic ecosystems, disrupt recreation, and pose serious health risks. These blooms are primarily fueled by nutrient pollution, especially excess nitrogen, and phosphorus in waterbodies.

Unlike traditional methods that only address symptoms, AECOM's patented HFT and IPAS solution targets the root cause by physically removing nutrient-rich algae and suspended solids. Using microbubbles, the HFT process gently lifts algae from the water column, leaving behind clear, oxygen-rich water and significantly reducing the risk of future blooms.

Key Benefits of the Technology:

• Prevents Harmful Algal Blooms: Removes excess nutrients that fuel HABs.
• Improves Water Quality: Returns low-nutrient, oxygenated water to aquatic ecosystems.
• Creates Renewable Value: Repurposes algae into fuels, fertilizers, and sustainable products.

"This project demonstrates how we can work with nature to both heal our environment and create sustainable resources," said Dan Levy, Vice President/National Director of Algae Practice at AECOM. "It's not just cleanup - it's transformation."

This FDEP Innovative Technologies Grant project exemplifies the power of science, innovation, and collaboration in advancing a cleaner, circular future for Florida's water resources.

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