This study uses large eddy simulations to investigate nutrient transport and uptake in suspended macroalgal farms. Various farm configurations and oceanic forcing conditions are examined, with the farm base located near the nutricline depth. We introduce the Damkohler number Da to quantify the balance between nutrient consumption by macroalgae uptake and supply by farm-enhanced nutrient transport. Most cases exhibit low Da, indicating that farm-generated turbulence drives sufficient upward nutrient fluxes, supporting macroalgae growth. High Da and starvation may occur in fully grown farm blocks, a configuration that generates the weakest turbulence, particularly when combined with densely planted macroalgae or weak flow conditions. Flow stagnation within the farm due to macroalgae drag may constrain the uptake efficiency and further increase the starvation risk. Mitigation strategies involve timely harvesting, avoiding dense macroalgae canopies, and selecting farm locations with robust ocean currents and waves. This study provides insights for sustainable macroalgal farm planning.

中文翻译：

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悬浮巨藻养殖场中通过湍流混合补充养分


本研究使用大涡流模拟来研究悬浮大型藻类养殖场中的养分运输和吸收。检查各种农场配置和海洋强迫条件，农场基地位于营养线深度附近。我们引入了 Damkohler 数 Da 来量化大型藻类吸收的养分消耗与农场增强的养分运输供应之间的平衡。大多数情况下表现出低 Da，表明农场产生的湍流驱动了足够的向上营养通量，支持大型藻类的生长。高Da和饥饿可能发生在完全生长的农场区域，这种配置产生最弱的湍流，特别是当与密集种植的大型藻类或弱流动条件结合时。由于大型藻类的阻力，养殖场内的水流停滞可能会限制吸收效率并进一步增加饥饿风险。缓解策略包括及时收获、避免茂密的大型藻类树冠以及选择具有强劲洋流和波浪的农场地点。这项研究为可持续大型藻类养殖场规划提供了见解。