How ultrasonic algae
control works

The low-power ultrasound integrated in our devices stops algae growth without harming the aquatic life.

  • Environmentally safe
  • Data-driven technology
  • Long-term algae control

Blue-green algae are in fact bacteria

Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, are photosynthetic bacteria that can produce harmful algae blooms (HABs). HABs are a growing environmental concern due to the toxins they release, which may harm people, pets, and fish. Since HABs degrade water quality, they also have significant consequences for drinking water, local businesses, and recreational activities.

Cyanobacteria require cell buoyancy to remain in the upper water layer in order to obtain sufficient light to grow and thrive. They regulate their buoyancy by varying the production of gas vesicles. Ultrasound waves have a direct negative impact on all HABs that rely on buoyancy.

If you’re having trouble with other types of algae, such as diatoms, please contact us.

Eco-friendly
ultrasonic treatment

  • Low-power ultrasound, no cavitation
  • No release of algal toxins
  • 100% safe for the environment

Ultrasound refers to sound waves with frequencies higher than the upper audible limit of human hearing (20 kHz). At specific frequencies, these sound waves can be used to control algae growth. There’s a distinction between high-power ultrasound that causes cavitation and the low-power ultrasound used by LG Sonic. Cavitation is a result of the formation of micro-bubbles that collapse, generating intense heat. Since cavitation may cause cell lysis, it’s not a recommended water treatment method.

Our devices emit low-power ultrasound waves in the top water layer, generating a constant pressure cycle around the algal cells. This interferes with the algae’s buoyancy regulation, preventing them from accessing sunlight and nutrients. As a result, they can’t perform photosynthesis and sink to the bottom, where they decompose naturally without releasing harmful toxins. No aquatic organisms, animals, or humans are harmed in the process.

Sound waves

From detecting defects in metals, to jewelry cleaning, echo sounding, sonograms, and other medical uses, ultrasound has been applicable in a wide array of industries for decades.

Yousef Yousef, CEO LG Sonic

Algae’s natural buoyancy

Algae move to the water surface for photosynthesis.

Ultrasound affects algal lifecycle

The ultrasound impacts algae’s vertical movement.

Algae sink and die off

They sink to the bottom and decompose without releasing toxins.

Benefits of ultrasonic algae treatment

Safe for you and the environment

The low-power ultrasound integrated in our devices is safe for fish, plants, people, pets, and zooplankton. Our chemical-free solution doesn’t disturb the natural balance of aquatic ecosystems. It only targets the algae, improving water quality sustainably. Multiple studies have proved this.

Effective for large water surfaces

One device has an ultrasonic treatment range of 800m/2600ft. It’s suitable for raw, industrial and irrigation reservoirs, lakes, dams, cooling ponds and towers, aquaculture ponds, wastewater treatment plants, power plants, settling ponds, crystal- and wastewater lagoons.

Designed for long-term efficiency

Our devices are durable. They survive in extreme conditions, such as extreme heat, cold temperatures, high altitudes, or even in dry desert environments. Unlike other ultrasonic treatments, our method prevents the algae from adapting to the ultrasound, ensuring long-term algae control.
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Real-time water quality monitoring

Our ultrasound treatment starts with real-time monitoring. Data is key when it comes to getting an algal bloom under control.

LG Sonic uses a monitoring system that collects water quality information every 10 min. These datapoints include:

  • chlorophyll-a (green algae)
  • phycocyanin (blue-green algae)
  • pH level
  • water temperature
  • turbidity
  • dissolved oxygen

Plus, we can integrate satellite remote sensing into the MPC-Buoy to map out remote geographic locations and large water bodies where algae can vary from one area to another.

Data-driven algorithm

Algorithms rely on large volumes of data to work effectively. We’ve built a massive database to fuel the optimization analysis.

Our database contains more than 10 years of information collected from thousands of LG Sonic devices around the world.

It includes datapoints on different types of water bodies, water conditions, algae species, seasons, etc.

Our database is continually refreshed with new information, continually optimizing predictive algorithms for the benefit of all our customers.

Chameleon Technology™

As highly adaptive organisms, algae can become resistant to treatment methods, including ultrasound.

To avoid this, we’ll determine the most effective ultrasonic program for your unique situation, whether you need to control blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), phytoplankton, or diatoms.

The program parameters will be specific for wave form, frequency, pause, and amplitude. The key to long-term results is adjusting settings before the algae mutate.

That’s what we call the Chameleon Technology: ultrasonic programs which adapt to changing water conditions.

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Developed in Cooperation with Respected Academic Institutions

Stop the algae problem now

Harmful algal blooms are not a seasonal phenomenon but recurring events. With the reality of global warming and population growth, these blooms are only aggravating.

Short-term fixes don’t address the issue. Algae management must be viewed as a long-term strategy, integrated into overall water resource management.

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Aquawiper prevent biofouling formation on ultrasound transmitter

System components

Guaranteed ultrasound efficiency all year round

Biofouling is the accumulation of microorganisms on submerged surfaces. It can also form on our ultrasonic transmitters. To ensure optimal ultrasound efficiency, our devices have an automatic cleaning system integrated. It’s called the Aquawiper™.

The Aquawiper™ is the first and only automatic ultrasound transmitter cleanser. This unique feature takes away the chore of manually cleaning the transmitters on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Plus, it significantly reduces maintenance time, costs, and labor.

Clearly visible results

Algaecides offer quick results but must be dosed frequently. Ultrasound treatment takes a little longer for visible results but provides long-term algae control.
Before
After

Trusted by 100+ Water Resources & Energy Utilities

Easy maintenance of the MPC-Buoy

Ultrasound integrated into the MPC-Buoy product

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Frequently asked questions

  • What is the impact of LG Sonic ultrasound on zooplankton?

    Recent studies commissioned by the Dutch water board and conducted by research agency Ecofide have concluded that the LG Sonic ultrasonic algae control is safe for fish, plants, zooplankton, and other aquatic organisms.

  • Why control the algae if nutrients are the problem?

    Reducing nutrients is, of course, also necessary but difficult to achieve, even in the long-term. The majority of nutrient management methods are costly and require frequent dosing with unknown side-effects for the aquatic ecosystem. Besides, the duration and intensity of algal bloom events is strongly depended not only on nutrients but also on a combination of environmental factors, such as climate change, weather patterns, and an unbalanced ecosystem.

  • What kind of water does your ultrasound work in?

    The MPC-Buoy ultrasonic algae control technology can be installed in freshwater, salt water, and brackish water.

  • What’s the largest water body that has LG Sonic implemented? Any issues linking many buoys?

    We have multiple projects with large numbers of MPC-Buoy units installed. For example, in Dominican Republic, 50 MPC-Buoys are in operation in a 7km2 reservoir. The buoys communicate with each other for optimal treatment.

  • What's the minimum depth of water required for LG Sonic treatment?

    We recommend a minimum water depth of 3 feet / 1 meter.