Algae Control Methods
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The document discusses various methods for controlling algae growth in lakes and reservoirs, emphasizing the importance of managing nutrient inflow and presenting both traditional and innovative solutions. Key methods include chemicals, aeration, mixing, and ultrasound technology, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Ultrasound is highlighted as an environmentally-friendly option that effectively inhibits algae growth without harming aquatic life.
Algae Control Methods
- 1. © LG Sonic – Ultrasonic Algae and Biofouling Control Algae Control Methods for Lakes and Reservoirs
- 2. © LG Sonic – Ultrasonic Algae and Biofouling Control What is Algae Control? • Actions taken to manage algae problems • The long-term management of algae should at least involve reducing nutrient inflow into the water body • Algae treatment options: • Aeration • Chemicals • Biological additives • Ultrasound technology.
- 3. © LG Sonic – Ultrasonic Algae and Biofouling Control • In all water bodies, a basic level of algae is present • This belongs to the normal lake ecology • Favourable conditions for algae to grow: • stagnant water • high temperatures • high concentration of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) Factors Affecting Algae Growth
- 4. © LG Sonic – Ultrasonic Algae and Biofouling Control • Toxins from cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) can cause: • fish kill • death of domestic animals • illnesses, paralysis in humans • Where surface water is used for drinking purposes, cyanobacteria may also endanger the supply, because toxins and odorous metabolites can dissolve in the water and escape conventional treatment Algae Problems
- 5. © LG Sonic – Ultrasonic Algae and Biofouling Control • Algal growth occurs in three basic forms: • Planktonic • single-celled, microscopic algae • float freely or in colonies in the water • turn the water green or to other colours • Filamentous • single celled algae • which form together long hair like mats • Macrophytes • resemble true plants, appear to have stems and leaves Types of Algae
- 6. © LG Sonic – Ultrasonic Algae and Biofouling Control Algae Control Methods The presence of cyanobacteria is a severe and global problem. When it comes to lakes or bigger ponds, the current methods used to control algae all have their advantages and disadvantages. While some methods are environmentally unfriendly (Algaecides), other methods are expensive (Aeration). The next slides will also explain the new concept of combining real-time water quality monitoring, web-based software and ultrasound to monitor, predict and control algal blooms in large water surfaces. To treat and control the growth of algae, current solutions that are commonly used include the following four main methods: 1. Chemicals 2. Aeration 3. Mixing 4. Ultrasound
- 7. © LG Sonic – Ultrasonic Algae and Biofouling Control 1. Chemicals • Chemical intervention involves treating the water with a variety of additives, such as; alum and lanthanum. • Can cause algal cell rupture, which can result in intracellular toxins being released into the water • A rapid decay of an algal bloom may result in the release of high concentrations of algal toxins into the water • Potential long-term effect of chemicals on the ecological balance Algae Control Methods
- 8. © LG Sonic – Ultrasonic Algae and Biofouling Control 2. Aeration • Used to increase the level of oxygen in the water • Environmentally friendly technique to maintain and rejuvenate water bodies • Important to maintain healthy levels of dissolved oxygen in your pond because the oxygen aids in the breakdown of decaying vegetation and other nutrients that find their way into the water • Disadvantages of this technology are: • high costs for maintenance • energy use • Since aeration does not kill the algae directly, the efficiency of this technology against algae is not always certain Algae Control Methods
- 9. © LG Sonic – Ultrasonic Algae and Biofouling Control 3. Mixing • Main function of mixing is destratification; A process in which the water is mixed to eliminate stratified layers (Epilimnion, Metalimnion, Hypolimnion) • Make it less favorable for algae growth in certain layers • To control algae effectively, it is usually advised to circulate Epilimnion and Metalimnion to keep iron, manganese, and anoxic odors that commonly occur in the Hypolimnion layer away from the surface water • Disadvantages of this technology are: • high maintenance • fluctuating results the systems can have on algae blooms Algae Control Methods
- 10. © LG Sonic – Ultrasonic Algae and Biofouling Control 4. Ultrasound • Sound waves with frequencies higher than the upper audible limit of human hearing (22 kHz) • At specific frequencies, these sound waves can be used to control algae growth • Ultrasound waves create a sound layer in the top layer of the water • the sound layer has a direct impact on the buoyancy of the algae • the algae cells will sink to the bottom and are unable to photosynthesize and eventually die due to a lack of light • Controlling algae with ultrasound is a well-established technology • environmentally-friendly • harmless to fish and plants Algae Control Methods
- 11. © LG Sonic – Ultrasonic Algae and Biofouling Control Summary of Different Algae Control Methods
- 12. © LG Sonic – Ultrasonic Algae and Biofouling Control LG Sonic Ultrasonic Algae Control Solutions