The removal of algae from lagoon effluents has been extensively researched over the past decade for upgrading existing lagoons to meet suspended solids limitations for discharge. Recently, improved microstrainers, using 1 um polyester fabric, have been shown capable of removing typical oxidation pond or lagoon algae. In this case, a filtered effluent is produced, but no attempt is made to recover the algal solids. The algal solids are recycled to the pond at a solids concentration of only about five to ten times that of the pond effluent, since the concentrating factor is limited by the carryover characteristics of the microstrainer and the backwash water is used to remove the solids from the filter fabric.