Florida Atlantic University Wins EPA Algae Grant
The research team will test 3D-printed structures in Lake Okeechobee to help control harmful algal blooms.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Environmental
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In July 2026, Florida Atlantic University was awarded an $800,475 federal grant to combat harmful algae blooms in South Florida. The funding supports research on 3D-printed phosphate-absorbing structures for use in Lake Okeechobee.
Why it matters
Excessive phosphate levels from agricultural fertilizer and sewage runoff trigger toxic algal blooms that deplete oxygen and block sunlight. By removing these nutrients, the university aims to protect local water systems from contamination.
The project uses 3D-printed structures composed of Sargassum seaweed carbon and lanthanum, guided by artificial intelligence to determine optimal placement. The research received $800,475 in EPA funding, building upon a prior $600,379 state grant.
The players
Florida Atlantic University
This public research university in Boca Raton hosts the team developing innovative solutions for water quality management.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
This federal agency establishes and enforces regulations to protect human health and the natural environment.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
This state agency is responsible for protecting Florida's air, water, and land resources.
The details
Researchers transform activated carbon powder modified with lanthanum into a clay paste to print structures capable of capturing phosphates. Artificial intelligence algorithms analyze water data to identify the most effective locations for the structures to mitigate bloom development.
Timeline
Florida Atlantic University received the EPA grant in July 2026.
The Big Picture
The AI-Guided Use of 3D-Printed Adsorbents for Phosphate Removal project marks a shift from chemical algaecides to sustainable, material-based filtration. This research extends current efforts to mitigate nutrient loading by introducing precise, AI-managed physical removal methods.
The development of lanthanum-modified structures could lead to more effective, long-term water filtration systems that reduce the frequency of harmful blooms. These innovations may eventually lower the cost of managing water quality in local reservoirs and recreational areas.
The takeaway
Using advanced materials like Sargassum carbon alongside artificial intelligence helps target the root causes of water pollution more efficiently. Residents can support these efforts by reducing fertilizer runoff from their own lawns to help minimize phosphate accumulation.
Further reading
For more information on state-wide conservation efforts, visit the Florida Environmental section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by FAU University Press.
Live Poll
Should public funds support using experimental technology to combat algae blooms in your local waterways?
