Operators of wastewater treatment facilities are responsible for returning wastewater to its natural state where it can be used again. Lagoons or holding ponds in wastewater treatment facilities can be a haven for formulating harmful algae blooms under the right conditions, such as warmer climates and overabundant nutrient sources.
Consisting of blue-green algae or cyanobacteria, these algae blooms can interfere with wastewater treatment by increasing the oxygen demand and suspended solids. As the blooms die off, they can contribute to the accumulation of sludge. The toxins generated from cyanobacteria can be toxic to humans and wildlife. In addition, it can release foul-smelling odours.
Operators have relied heavily on filtration, the application of algaecides, and the placement of aeration devices on reservoirs to increase oxygen levels to assist with the decomposition of vegetation and nutrients and help reduce the food supply for algae. But that's not enough.
Maintaining Ageing Physical Plants
While battling algae blooms and ensuring compliance, wastewater treatment plant operators must also address the physical effects of clogged or damaged infrastructure, including filters. An entity permitted by the National Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) facilities that discharge polluted water are subject to significant fines.
Chemicals are Short-Lived and Hazardous
While chemicals can be fast and effective in temporarily killing algae, they can have harmful effects on the environment and require frequent applications from an already overworked team. The chemicals also need to be handled and stored safely.
Aeration Systems Don't Kill Algae
The use of aeration systems can be expensive, and while helpful in contributing to water health, they don't directly kill algae.
Ultrasound Eliminates Algae in Wastewater Treatment Plants
Ultrasound technology is a reliable solution to algae control that requires very little manual intervention, is very safe to use, is proven to be effective in killing algae, and has built-in checks in the form of sensors to test water health and report intelligently and proactively to personnel who can remotely monitor changes and respond as required.
Ultrasound has been proven to be very effective in killing algae. Ultrasonic sound waves damage green and green-blue algae, causing them to sink and die. Arc Intergrated Systems using waterIQ technology can test your water to determine the species of the algae and confirm that ultrasound will be effective.
Arc Intergrated Systems using waterIQ technology can be quickly installed and operational. With our cloud-based solution, it's easier to share collected data and interpret prescriptive courses of action. Our support helps you focus on other pressing needs.
Arc Intergrated Systems using waterIQ ultrasound systems are reliable and need little manual intervention. They include robust onboard water testing and system reporting capabilities that upload data to the cloud so you can monitor both the system and water sensor readings, such as dissolved oxygen levels.
Understand more about the impact of algae by reading our Primer on Algae and Biofilm.
