In October 2024, LG Sonic joined a strategic partnership with Wholeschool Software, Biild, Dublin City University (DCU), and Laganview to develop innovative solutions for the severe algal bloom crisis affecting Lough Neagh in Northern Ireland. This collaboration marks a significant effort to address one of the UK’s most pressing water quality challenges.
Photo credit: BBC
Understanding Lough Neagh’s Algal Bloom Crisis
Lough Neagh, Northern Ireland’s largest freshwater lake, has become increasingly threatened by harmful algal blooms. The lake, which serves critical functions for drinking water supply, recreation, and local ecosystems, faces ecological devastation from cyanobacterial blooms driven by excess nutrient accumulation. Lough Neagh’s algal bloom problem requires immediate, scalable solutions to protect the water body and the communities that depend on it.
Learn more: What causes algal blooms and how to prevent them
A Multi-Partner Approach to Lough Neagh’s Water Quality Challenge
The partnership selected to develop novel solutions for Lough Neagh brings together expertise from multiple sectors. Dublin City University’s research capabilities, combined with LG Sonic’s proven algae control technology, provide a comprehensive approach to tackling the specific conditions affecting Lough Neagh. This collaborative effort demonstrates the commitment to finding sustainable, long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes.
Partners involved:
- Dublin City University (https://www.dcu.ie/)
- Laganview (https://www.laganview.org/)
- Wholeschool Software / Biild (https://biild.ie/)
Building on Proven Innovation
LG Sonic’s involvement stems from a previous successful collaboration with Dublin City University, where the companies jointly developed the lab-on-chip phosphate analyzer, a breakthrough technology for autonomous water quality measurements in surface water applications. This proven track record of innovation positions LG Sonic as a key partner for addressing Lough Neagh’s algal bloom challenges.
LG Sonic’s Solutions for Lough Neagh
The MPC-Buoy platform, deployed across more than 60 countries, provides a proven model for controlling algae in large water bodies. The solutions proposed for Lough Neagh include:
- Solar-powered buoys for continuous water quality monitoring
- Chemical-free ultrasound technology for algae control
- Real-time data integration for decision-making
- Ecosystem-safe approach protecting zooplankton, invertebrates, fish, and aquatic plants
Learn more: How ultrasonic algae control works
Why Lough Neagh Matters Globally
Lough Neagh’s algal bloom crisis isn’t unique; it reflects a global challenge. However, successful solutions deployed at Lough Neagh could serve as a model for other freshwater lakes facing similar eutrophication problems across Europe and beyond. The significance of this partnership extends beyond Northern Ireland.
Read about similar projects: View our case studies from other water bodies
Next Steps for Lough Neagh’s Recovery
The collaboration aims to develop and implement innovative solutions that restore Lough Neagh’s ecological health while maintaining its value as a critical water resource. As research progresses, the partnership will provide insights into how technology and collaboration can address freshwater algal bloom crises at scale.
Interested in Solutions for Your Water Body?
If you manage a lake, reservoir, or water system facing algal bloom challenges similar to Lough Neagh, LG Sonic can help. Contact our team to discuss your water quality challenges and explore proven solutions.