Warm summer weather, stagnant water, and sunshine are some of the common conditions that cause toxic algal blooms.
Currently there are 40 lakes in New Jersey that are closed or under advisory because of algal blooms that can release harmful toxins. To solve these algal bloom problems, the City of Newark deployed LG Sonic technology that already after the first month reduced 50% of algae.
“Improving the health of the state’s waterways and lakes, including those impacted by harmful algal blooms, is vital to protecting public health and enhancing recreational opportunities that are important to local economies,” said Commissioner Catherine R. McCabe.
To solve existing issues and prevent future occurrences of harmful algal blooms, the New Jersey DEP awarded the City of Newark Department of Water and Sewer Utilities a grant to install eight LG Sonic MPC-Buoy systems. These systems are now deployed at Echo Lake in Passaic County that serves its Pequannock Water Treatment Plant and is used for recreation.
MPC-Buoy systems monitor water quality in real-time and based on this data, they send adjusted ultrasonic frequencies that treat algal blooms. LG Sonic ultrasound fixes the algae in the water column and prevent them from absorbing sunlight that is essential for photosynthesis. The systems are proven to reduce up to 90% of algae while not affecting fish and other aquatic life.
“After the first month we already reduced 50% of algae count in Echo Lake. With a strong track record of reducing 70-90% of algae in large water reservoirs, we are confident we will solve problems in Echo Lake and hopefully soon in other reservoirs across New Jersey. With interactive frequencies and a database containing over 20 million water quality and algae related data sets, we can select frequencies to optimise treatment to the specific algae and water conditions that are present,” said Greg Eiffert, Director of LG Sonic US.