The Florida Department of Environmental Protection recently started its algae bloom mitigation project on Lake St. Charles, with help from LG Sonic’s technologies and the Lake St. Charles Community Development District.
The project began on July 1st, 2021 and will end on October 1st, 2022. The project chose LG Sonic’s technologies for their treatment durability and cost-effectiveness. If effective, these technologies may also be implemented in neighboring contaminated waters.
Lake St. Charles is a valued feature of the community and a hypereutrophic headwater for the Archie Creek watersheds, connecting to Tampa Bay.
The new project involves the installation of eco-friendly ultrasonic technologies that do not harm the environment unlike traditional algae treatments, which can lead to copper build-up in the sediment and result in a lack of beneficial bacteria in the water.
Harmful algae blooms (HABs) are a growing environmental concern, affecting all parts of the world. Excessive nutrient pollution entering water bodies, especially phosphorus and nitrogen, fuel the proliferation of HABs.
These blooms can cause serious illnesses in humans, animals, and fish, degrade water quality, and result in foul taste and smell.
Two ultrasonic devices (MPC-Buoys) manufactured by LG Sonic were deployed earlier in July. These devices combine real-time water quality monitoring, a web-based software, and ultrasound to combat algae blooms.
The MPC-Buoys emit low-power ultrasound into the water, creating a sound wave in the top water layer, impacting algae’s buoyancy. The algae then sink to the deeper layers of the water column, where they can’t access sunlight anymore. They decompose over time without releasing toxins into the water. The technology is safe for humans, fish, and plants.
About LG Sonic
LG Sonic is the leader in algae management, designing innovative technologies that fight harmful algal blooms and improve water quality across industries. Thanks to the Dutch-based company, 100+ clients in 55+ countries had 10,000+ units installed to keep their algae under control. For over 10 years, LG Sonic has invested in research and development. Today, the company delivers sustainable solutions that restore aquatic ecosystems without chemicals or other pollutants. LG Sonic’s technologies control algae blooms worldwide.
