algaeand

Algaeand is a term used in some sustainability and ecology discussions to describe the integrated use of algae with terrestrial systems to achieve environmental, economic, and social goals. The concept envisions deploying algae in land-based contexts—such as agricultural fields, constructed wetlands, and soil surfaces—to capture carbon, recycle nutrients, produce biomass, and purify waste streams, while complementing conventional land management rather than replacing it.

The name is a portmanteau of algae and land, signaling the collaboration between aquatic photosynthetic organisms and terrestrial environments. The term generally covers microalgae and macroalgae used in proximity to or in conjunction with soil-based ecosystems, and considers technologies such as algal bioreactors, biofilm-covered soils, edible algae crops, and integrated aquaculture–agriculture systems.

Potential uses include wastewater treatment with algal turf scrubbers on soil or rice paddies, soil amendment with algal biomass, carbon sequestration in soil organic matter, production of biofuels or animal feed, and nutrient recovery from agricultural runoff.

Reported benefits include nutrient recycling, reduced fertilizer demand, and more resilient food-energy systems. Challenges include economic viability, the energy balance of cultivation and harvesting, contamination, regulatory acceptance, and scaling to farm-scale deployment.

The term remains largely conceptual and appears in theoretical discussions and pilot studies rather than as a widely adopted standard. Ongoing research seeks to quantify environmental performance and optimize design parameters for different climates and soils.