Home (eng) – Ultraschall :: Kontrolle und Reduktion von Algen-Massenbildung

Movie Trailer – 5 min

AM — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 12:19:13 +0000

„Forschungsprojekt Ultraschall“ – Trailer from Anthro Media on Vimeo.

Movie documentation – 30 min

AM — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 12:16:55 +0000

Forschungsprojekt Ultraschall (30′ Version) from Anthro Media on Vimeo.

Research Goal

AM — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 11:54:49 +0000

The testing, investigation and review in collaboration with renowned research partners …

The details of how and why extremely small and lightweight sound waves attenuate the growth of microscopic algae cells is still not fully understood at present.

To document the positive effects but also to monitor unintended side effects for micro fauna and flora, physicists and biologists work together within this interdisciplinary research project.

The applied ultrasound waves are many times weaker than those used within medical ultrasound applications. Based on the agreed upon safety limits for medical applications, there are no side effects to be expected for swimmers. Nevertheless a precautionary distance of 1 meter to the ultrasound transmitter are recommended.

To widen the responsible usage of the ultrasound technique within the public domain and industry applications, the mechanisms of activity as well as a review and investigation of concerns are part of the joint project, tested over 30 months in application areas:

a) industrial process water circuit
b) reduction of plankton volume in bathing waters

The investigation and review of the ultrasound technique is accompanied by renowned research partners.

High Tech – Ultrasound

AM — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 11:26:15 +0000

The advantage over previous measures to reduce algae …

No toxins are used. Because sound travels extremely well under water, ultrasonic technology uses only very small amounts of energy. To treat an area of 300 x 150 m with ultrasound, the energy consumption is only 80 watts (equalling the energy of a light bulb, which is sufficient to reach and treat an area of about six football fields).

The use of ultrasound to control algae mass developments has been developed over the last 10 years for various application areas in different European countries, including the treatment of irrigation systems, fish farming, as well as industry applications and the treatment of natural pools.

This technology can not only cut costs on conventional biocides but support restructuring measures in the aquatic environment, wastewater treatment, drinking water treatment, and diverse home applications – with far-reaching ecological and economic benefits for all.

Algae Mass Development

AM — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 11:11:48 +0000

An overabundance of nutrients …

A mass development of algae affects the health of swimmers and interferes with technical processes in water treatment.

Mass development of phytoplankton and / or cyanobacteria are the result of an excessive nutrient supply in the aquatic environment. They affect aquatic ecosystems with a variety of adverse consequences up to the complete devaluation of entire ecosystems (eutrophication).

The most effective steps against eutrophication are the permanent and drastic reduction of nutrient supply. It is achieved by protecting waters.

But sometimes a rapid reduction or elimination of nutrients is not possible. Biocides (poisons) are not a viable strategy.

The use of ultrasound has been developed for the treatment of algae mass developments in irrigation systems in vegetable production about 10 years ago. This research project has explored how to improve the designed efficiently in industry and natural waters, in a resource-efficient and environmentally friendly way.