Ultrasonic Solutions for Environmental Problems
Thank you for your interest in ultrasonic technology. The use of ultrasound for controlling algae and biofilm has been known for some time and many publications have been written on the topic. However, the recent practical use of such tools is driven by the technological improvements made in the last ten years.
Algae are present on vegetation, in the air, soil, and water. Their microscopic spores are continuously introduced by wind, dust storms, rain showers, etc. into water sites. When algae growth overtakes a water site, the water quality deteriorates causing adverse environmental and financial impacts. Once a water site becomes contaminated with alga cells, bacteria can then use the algae colony as a nesting site and food source creating conditions for biofilm growth. Biofilm on surfaces can cause multi-billion-dollar losses each year (www.cen-online.org, June 9 2008). Utilizing this state-of-the-art technology, ultrasonic units are used to control algae and biofilm in closed (cooling tower, irrigation and food processing piping systems) and open (lakes, ponds and reservoirs) water systems.
Unpolluted water is a critical cornerstone for a sustainable environment. Ultrasonic algae and biofilm controllers have proven to be a cost effective, non-chemical tool in water quality management. Combining science and engineering, the future of an ecologically balanced approach for eliminating unwanted algae and biofilm is available now.