Stikstof Spons
Seaweed for Nitrogen Removal
Stikstof Spons is a feasibility study by Seaweedland, exploring whether seaweed grown on land can be used to remove nitrogen from saline water streams. The project, made possible with support from SNN, investigates how seaweed absorbs nitrogen under controlled conditions, and whether this process can be developed into a scalable, nature-based water treatment solution.
The Netherlands faces a structural nitrogen challenge that affects biodiversity, water quality, and land use. Many existing solutions focus on reducing emissions on land, while saline and brackish water flows are often overlooked. This project examines whether seaweed cultivation can capture nitrogen directly at the source, before it enters natural ecosystems.
Different seaweed species and cultivation conditions are tested in a controlled setup to determine if this form of bioremediation is both technically and economically viable. If successful, nitrogen is stored in newly grown biomass, which may potentially be valorized, depending on composition and safety.
The goal of Stikstof Spons is to build the scientific and practical foundation for a larger pilot, and to explore whether this circular, nature-based approach can contribute to healthier water systems in the Northern Netherlands.
