EU-research 'clears' the way for high quality lakes and reservoirs

Traditional algae controlling methods (e.g. aeration, chemical or biological additives, and others) are not sufficiently effective when it comes to larger waters. They may also be associated with high labour costs and potentially negative environmental impacts, especially when chemicals are used. In order to address these problems, the EU-funded CLEARWATERPMPC project has successfully developed and commercialised an environmentally-friendly technology. Known as the MPC-Buoy, the CLEARWATER solution uses ultrasound technology to prevent the growth of blue-green algae.

The MPC-Buoy is equipped with three ultrasonic transmitters with a reach of at least a 500 metre diameter. Underneath the buoy, sensors also monitor the water quality in real-time. The sensors communicate the information to a web server.

As part of the project research, two MPC-Buoys were installed in the Skrzyneckie Male lake in Poznan, Poland. The buoys provided a complete overview of the water quality by collecting the following parameters every 10 minutes: Chlorophyll (green algae), Phycocyanin (blue-green algae), pH, TSS, dissolved Oxygen and the temperature.

The project showed that the ultrasound treatment needs to be adjusted according to the type of algae and other parameters in the water, to perform at its highest efficiency.

Monitoring also showed a difference in the algae levels between the lake with the installed MPC-Buoys and several similar other lakes in the surrounding area. For example, the level of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) cells in the Kórnickie Lake, which is located in the same area as Skrzyneckie Male Lake, was nine times higher compared to the lake in which the MPC-Buoys were installed.

Local inhabitants also noticed visual improvement in water quality. The CLEARWATER project team reports that locals have said that the water in the lake has become cleaner and no algae scum occurred after the deployment of the two MPC-Buoys.

Although ultrasound was already a well-known and proven technology for the treatment of algae, the CLEARWATER buoy is said to be unique for several reasons. In contrast to the currently available ultrasound based systems, the MPC-Buoy is more cost-effective due to its low operation and installation costs. It also has an implemented online lake monitoring system and the possibility for remote control of specific control parameters. Additionally, the system is independent of power supply from the shore, since efficient solar panels are used to provide power all year round in any country.

The MPC-Buoy is patented by Dutch company LG Sound, the project coordinator. The project concluded in December of 2013, and the MPC-Buoy has already been installed in lakes in Poland, the UK, the USA, Japan and Ireland. It has proven to be effective in lakes, ponds, dams and more.