Reduced blue-green algae counts in New Zealand

Reducing blue-green algae counts

Five solar-powered algae control systems where installed in the Lower Nihotupu Dam in Auckland, New Zealand to reduce the levels of blue-green algae. The project started in December 2016, the project appeared to be of great success with the blue-green algae count over summer significantly  less than the previous year.

The main objective for this project was to reduce the blue-green algae counts in the dam used as water supply. When blooming in the summer, the blue-green algae increases the process costs of the water. Ultrasound technology combined with real-time water quality monitoring provides a cost-effective solution to control algal blooms. The ultrasonic sound waves provide a long-term solution for a healthy ecosystem and are proven to be safe for humans, plants and other aquatic life.

Results

Since the MPC-Buoy installation in December 2016 the project appeared to be of great success. The blue-green algae count proved to be significantly lower during the summer compared to the previous year. The real-time water quality data predicts new algal blooms allowing them to be controlled before they become a problem.

[This article is based on the article; ‘Sound waves kill algae in Auckland lake’’ published at Stuff Environment, written by Simon Smith.]