CLEARWATERPMPC

"Development of an efficient environmentally-friendly Algae Control System, based on ultrasound technology, designed for use in bigger ponds and lakes"

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Both in lakes, large ponds, water reservoirs and public waters, the growth of blue-green algae constitute a formidable problem. These types of algae represent a group of bacteria, known as cyanobacteria. They give rise to a distinctly foul odour and are also known to produce toxins. These toxins can cause various discomforts and illnesses. As well as causing skin irritations they are even suspected to be involved in the occurrence of liver cancer. Each year, numerous lakes are forced to close for all recreational use due to the growth of blue-green algae. In response to this global problem, a substantial annual budget is being released by governments with the purpose of keeping lakes clear from blue-green algae.

Today’s traditional algae controlling methods (e.g. aeration, chemical or biological additives, ultrasound and others) are not sufficiently effective when it comes to larger waters. There are high labour costs associated with the need for frequent maintenance and dosage. Another concern is the environmental impact in particular cases, especially when chemicals are used.

The ClearWaterPMPC project offers solutions to these problems by providing an environmentally-friendly technology that is based on ultrasound. Ultrasound is a well-known and proven technology for the treatment of algae. In contrast to currently available ultrasound based algae control systems, the ClearWaterPMPC project will be more cost-effective due to its low operation and installation costs. It will have an implemented online lake monitoring system and the possibility for remote control of specific control parameters. The system will also be independent of power supply from shore, since it will be self-supporting of power through solar panels and/or windmill generator.

The technical issues that will be encountered in the development work demand expertise at a high level in the areas of Ultra Sound, electronic design and IT-systems. In addition, the project requires highly skilled re'

Introduzione (Teaser)

European researchers have developed an algal management system based on ultrasound technology to control algal blooms that threaten public health and water quality.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Growth of blue-green algae (known as cyanobacteria) is a major problem in reservoirs, ponds and lakes, producing a foul odour and even toxins. These toxins can cause discomfort and illness, including skin irritation. They are also suspected of contributing to the occurrence of liver cancer.

Traditional means of controlling algae include aeration, the use of chemical or biological additives, and ultrasound. However, these are not sufficiently effective in larger water bodies and incur the high labour costs associated with frequent maintenance and dosage.

The EU-funded project http://clearwater-pmpc.com/ (CLEARWATERPMPC) provided an answer to these problems using environmentally friendly technology based on ultrasound. Ultrasound is a well-known technology for combating algae; however, the CLEARWATERPMPC system is more cost effective due to low operation and installation costs.

Researchers developed a buoy system that can autonomously control algal blooms by monitoring and interpreting water quality parameters. The buoys work using an ultrasound signal based on the type of algae present in the water, which does not affect plants, insects or other life present in the water body.

Solar panels and batteries provide the buoys with sufficient power for continuous operation through the summer growing season. The power is distributed to the control unit and the ultrasound driver, which consumes most of the energy when transmitting high-power ultrasound signals.

The device's sensors are attached to submersible arms, which are lowered in to the water when the buoy is moored. The controller and sensors were integrated with the buoy and tested under laboratory conditions before the buoy was deployed.

Algal blooms develop fastest in the warmer parts of Europe, while Scandinavian countries use surface water more frequently for drinking water. Therefore, southern Europe and Scandinavia face the greatest challenge from blue-green algae and present the largest market for the CLEARWATERPMPC buoy system.