As the world pushes forward looking for eco-friendly alternatives that preserve the environment, technology already exists that provides a safe, effective and efficient means of algae control. This article will explain how a chemical-free algae treatment – ultrasonic technology – works, some of the research behind it and the benefits.
What is Ultrasonic? Ultrasonic units emit specific ultrasonic soundwaves in frequency ranges utilizing low-wattage power and low-wattage amplifiers. Sealed within a water-resistant polymer, the interior components are powered using 120/220-volt AC, 24-volt AC/DC, or through solar power units on shore or mounted to a pontoon.
Using internationally patented technology, some units emit more than 2,000 frequencies over multiple bandwidths. This creates an environment that is not conducive to algae survival.
Ultrasonic frequencies travel through the entire water column. As a result, this technology can be used to control blue-green algae, most filamentous algae and numerous types of diatoms. The impact varies depending upon the type of algae or diatom. However, the end result is cleaner water, reduced maintenance costs, fewer chemicals and a more sustainable body of water.
Algae Killers
Blue-green algae typically looks like a green surface coating that you see on a pond or lake from the late morning until the early evening, disappearing when the sun goes down. Blue-green algae cause harmful algae blooms that can are detrimental to people and even kill livestock, pets and a variety of other aquatic and non-aquatic life forms. When attacked, blue-green algae release a variety of toxins to defend themselves, including endotoxins, neurotoxins and hepatotoxins that target the skin, central nervous system and liver, respectively.
Ultrasonic technology can also be effective in eliminating filamentous algae, which are typically the kind that you can pick up and hold in your hand. In the case of filamentous alga, there are no toxins to be concerned about, and the ultrasonic technology vibrates and breaks the outer cell wall of the algae.
When using chemicals to treat blue-green algae, the chemicals lyse, or break, the outer cell wall of the alga, causing them to sense that they are under attack. This causes them to release their toxins in literal self-defense. Treating blue-green algae with chemicals can cause a toxic situation in the water being treated.
In addition, chemical treatments can interfere with the food chain in bodies of water, causing undesired results, including fish kills if too much of the chemical is applied to the water. Another issue with using chemicals is that if there is any water flow, the effectiveness of chemicals may be diluted by the continuous flow of incoming untreated water. Algae can also develop a resistance to chemical treatments if the dosage is applied incorrectly or inconsistently. Ultrasonic technology has none of these potential side effects.
How Ultrasonic Technology Works
By using ultrasonic technology, the sound waves specifically target the gas vesicles, or air bladders, inside the blue-green algae, causing them to rupture within the cell walls while leaving the outer cell wall intact. The air that was originally inside the now ruptured gas vesicles seep through the outer cell wall, causing the alga cells to sink to the bottom of the body of water where they can decompose safely and be consumed by aquatic life and naturally occurring bacteria. The decomposition process can be aided by aeration and the introduction of beneficial bacteria.
A Chemical-free Treatment for Filamentous Algae
Ultrasonic technology can also be effective in eliminating filamentous algae, which are typically the kind that you can pick up and hold in your hand. In the case of filamentous alga, there are no toxins to be concerned about. The ultrasonic technology vibrates and breaks the outer cell wall of the algae. Once that happens, bacteria can enter the inside of the cell and consume it, effectively killing the algae.
Diatoms are another danger that are impossible to see with the naked eye. The classic diatom has a crystal-like outer shell that can look like snowflakes and other amazing geometric designs under a microscope. In large numbers, they can cause clarity or turbidity issues in water. Ultrasonic sound waves can effectively vibrate and scramble the inside of many different diatoms, rendering them incapable of remaining viable and living. They will sink to the bottom of the body of water and be consumed by aquatic life and naturally occurring bacteria.
In addition to killing and controlling algae, ultrasonic soundwaves also emit resonant frequencies that mimic water turbulence to bacteria. Bacteria prefer slow-moving or stagnant water to form biofilm. Biofilm is the slippery coating on the inside of water tanks, basins, aquaculture netting and cages, water intake grates, rocks on the edges of ponds, streams, rivers and lots of other places.
Thwarting Biofilm
Biofilm serves as a means for algae to attach and grow on a surface. It can also cause serious health and treatment issues in public drinking water supplies. By preventing the biofilm from forming on surfaces, maintenance costs associated with having to remove biofilm and any associated algae attached to it, or chemically treat it, can be greatly reduced. This also directly leads to better water-quality management in public water supply scenarios.
Case Studies
There have been numerous international studies from around the world showing that ultrasonic technology is effective at killing and controlling algae. It has also been proven harmless to humans, animals, fish, mollusks, plants, zooplankton and other aquatic life. Users of the technology have also voiced their opinions and praises about these eco-friendly products.
For example, the historic seaside town of Cumberland Harbor and the community of Osprey Cove, located in St. Mary’s, Georgia, had algae growth throughout their communities. The growth was especially unsightly, as these communities are particularly prestigious. They installed ultrasonic algae-control systems, and the results were cleaner, fresher water and a more appealing presence to homeowners and visitors.
All around the world, people use environmentally friendly algae-control and remediation systems that are effective, environmentally friendly, energy saving, and cost effective. Applications range from fish farming to golf courses, from water holding tanks to municipal ponds, and from livestock watering basins to wastewater treatment lagoons, clarifiers and plants. As research continues, applications will expand to further benefit our environment.
About the Author
Antonio Trigiani is president and owner of Diversified Power International (DPI) LLC in Piney Flats, Tennessee. A committment to the environment led Tony toward research and development within the Hydro BioScience division, which manufactures ultrasonic algae remediation and control products. Tony and his employees work diligently researching, designing and developing these chemical free, eco-friendly, ultrasonic products. The first Hydro BioScience Quattro-DB Solar Raft was released in 2016. It is Tony’s quest to provide the world with a cleaner environment that leaves no environmentally hazardous footprint. 800/334-5091; www.hydrobioscience.com
Read Mastering String Algae in Five Steps … our most popular article on string algae treatment.
Useful information. Helped us to understand the recent technology to treat the pond water chemicals free treatment. Thanks for the article.