How Microalgae Is Transforming Wastewater into Sustainable Farming Solutions

How are we doing? Who do you want to learn from next? Text us with notes and ideas.Ever wondered what happens when innovative minds tackle agricultural waste? Meet Tom Bessell, co-founder of ALBON, who's revolutionizing how we think about wastewater and soil health.Tom joins us from Dig South to share his startup's groundbreaking approach to environmental challenges. Albon has developed proprietary photobioreactors that harness microalgae's natural ability to clean agricultural wastewater. The process removes phosphorus, nitrogen, and grease from contaminated water while simultaneously capturing atmospheric carbon. But the innovation doesn't stop there - the nutrient-rich algae is transformed through pyrolysis into biochar, a powerful soil amendment that helps farmers improve crop yields and water retention naturally.What makes this technology particularly fascinating is its circular nature. The dirtier the wastewater, the faster the algae grows and the more nutrient-dense the resulting biochar becomes. It's a perfect example of turning a problem into an opportunity. Tom explains how their technology can help revitalize over-farmed soils by reactivating natural carbon cycles that industrial agriculture has disrupted. Currently piloting with the Sydney local government, Albon is eyeing future expansion into meat and dairy processing facilities where wastewater is especially nutrient-rich.Tom's entrepreneurial journey offers valuable lessons in adaptation. What began as a carbon capture concept in late 2023 evolved into their current wastewater treatment model after the initial approach proved impractical. This pivot demonstrates how environmental innovation often requires flexibility and responsiveness to real-world constraints. Follow Albon's continuing development on Instagram at @albon_au or on LinkedIn to witness how this Australian startup is transforming agricultural waste streams into sustainable resources for the future of farming.South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA) is a public, nonprofit organization that fuels South Carolina’s innovation economy by supporting technology-based startups, academic research, and industry partnerships. Through funding, coaching, and its investment arm SC Launch, SCRA helps early-stage companies grow, commercialize ideas, and scale within the state’s key innovation sectors.Support the showTitle Sponsor: Charleston American Marketing AssociationPresenting Sponsor: Charleston Media SolutionsAnnual Sponsor: ‪SCRA; South Carolina Research AuthorityQuarterly Sponsor: King and ColumbusCAMACast Cohosts: Stephanie Barrow, Mike Compton, Rachel Backal, Tom Keppeler, Amanda Bunting Comen, Silicon Harbor Hot Take Host: Stanfield Gray, https://digsouth.comProduced and edited: RMBO AdvertisingPhotographer | Co-host: Kelli MorseScore by:  The Strawberry Entrée; Jerry Feels Good, CURRYSAUCE, DBLCRWN, DJ DollaMenuStudio Engineer: Brian Cleary and Mathew ChaseYouTube...