Laguna Avendaño is more than Quillón’s main tourist attraction. It is a vital ecological asset and a key driver of local economic development. To protect this important lagoon, the Municipality of Quillón has taken a proactive step. By implementing advanced, environmentally friendly water treatment technology to restore ecological balance.
Located in the heart of the commune, Laguna Avendaño is a central hub for tourism, recreation, and community life, attracting visitors for activities such as swimming, boating, and nature-based tourism. The lagoon also plays an important environmental role, supporting local biodiversity and contributing to the area’s economic activity. Preserving its water quality is therefore essential for both environmental protection and sustainable tourism development.
Addressing the Challenge of Algae Growth
Algae are a natural part of freshwater ecosystems, but when concentrations rise too high, they can disrupt ecological balance and negatively affect water use, tourism, and public perception. Warm temperatures and nutrient availability can create conditions that favor excessive algae growth, making proactive monitoring and management essential.
In Laguna Avendaño, preventing these high concentrations is critical to maintaining the lagoon as a healthy, safe, and attractive destination for residents and visitors alike.
Real-Time Monitoring and Preventive Control
The project includes one master buoy equipped with water quality sensors. These sensors continuously measure key parameters such as chlorophyll, phycocyanin, pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen. The collected data is transmitted in real time to external servers for analysis. This allows system settings to be adjusted dynamically based on current water conditions. The ultrasonic buoys operate preventively. They identify conditions that could lead to an algal bloom and adjust frequencies to keep algae levels within safe, balanced ranges. This approach does not eliminate algae completely. Maintaining some algae is essential for preserving the lagoon’s natural food chain and overall ecological stability.
Sustainable and Autonomous Technology
Each buoy has a 500-meter operational radius. Including, full 360-degree coverage and is powered by an autonomous photovoltaic system. Hence, this ensures continuous operation without external energy sources. The sensors also include an automatic daily cleaning mechanism, which improves data accuracy and long-term performance.
The ultrasonic technology is safe for people, fish, birds, plants, and other aquatic life, as it specifically targets green and blue-green algae associated with cyanobacteria.
A Long-Term Investment in Environmental Protection
The installation of the ultrasonic buoys was approved by the municipal council as part of a broader effort to care for and remediate Quillón’s main water body. Local authorities emphasized that this investment represents a shared commitment to protecting a natural heritage that belongs to the entire community.
By combining technology, sustainability, and real-time data, Quillón is strengthening its position as a leading tourist destination in the Ñuble Region while ensuring that Laguna Avendaño remains healthy and resilient for future generations.