In 2023, on Labor Day weekend, The Hunting Creek Lake in Frederick County in Maryland had to close all swimming access due to a harmful cyanobacteria bloom, impacting water quality.
The Cunningham Falls State Park faced a significant challenge when a cyanobacteria bloom took place in the Lake. This incident highlighted the growing concern over harmful algal blooms (HABs) and their impact on public health and recreational activities. Ranger Mark Spurrier, manager of Cunningham Falls and Gambrill State Parks emphasized why the need for installing MPC-Buoys was important.
“That’s what prompted us to push to get these buoys,”
“We want to control it the best we can.” He added.
Installation of the technology
In June 2024, the park installed two solar-powered buoys equipped with ultrasonic transmitters, known as sonicators at the Hunting Creek Lake. The devices emit low-power ultrasonic pulses into the photic zone; the sunlit upper layer of the water, creating a pressure barrier that inhibits cyanobacteria from rising to the surface to photosynthesize. Altogether, disrupting the formation of HABs without the use of chemicals.
Results: Since the installation of the MPC-Buoy’s, the lake has not experienced any toxin-producing blooms, even during periods when such events were previously common.
Furthermore, The importance of proactive measures were emphasized by Spurrier, stating that –
“With climate change, there’s the potential for this to get worse and become more than one in September or one in November. That was the fear,”
MPC-Buoy in the Hunting Creek Lake
Revisiting Success in the U.S.
Over the years, ultrasonic technology has been successfully implemented worldwide, addressing a diverse range of water quality challenges. From drinking water reservoirs and industrial wastewater bodies to recreational lakes and power plant cooling systems, delivering effective solutions.
City of Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Background: The City of Minneapolis, US is the only source of drinking water for half a million residents. Each year, the Water Treatment & Distribution Service pumps approximately 21 billion gallons of water from the river. The reservoir faced challenges with algae growth in its drinking water reservoirs, impacting water quality and increasing treatment costs.
- Challenges: Algal blooms led to higher chemical treatment expenses and affected the taste and odor of the water.
- Solution: In 2013, the city installed LG Sonic’s MPC-Buoy systems in its reservoirs. These solar-powered buoys monitor water quality in real-time and emit ultrasonic waves to sustainably control algal growth.
- Results: The implementation of the buoy’s led to an 82% reduction in chlorophyll-a levels, indicating a significant decrease in algae. The city achieved a return on investment in less than two years, highlighting the cost-effectiveness of the solution. Furthermore, there was a notable improvement in water quality, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
However, to fully grasp the impact of ultrasonic technology, it’s essential to look beyond the results. The advanced principles and innovative engineering behind these systems establish them as an advancement in modern water management practices.
How LG Sonic stands out?
- Cost-Effectiveness: Installations across various industries and water bodies consistently demonstrate the significant benefits of LG Sonic’s solutions, including reduced reliance on chemicals, lower operational costs, and enhanced water quality.
- Environmental Sustainability: By replacing chemical treatments with ultrasonic technology, facilities ensure safer, eco-friendly water management practices. The technology is 100% safe for aquatic life, including fish, making it an ideal sustainable solution for maintaining healthy water ecosystems.
- Real-Time Monitoring: Advanced monitoring systems provide actionable data, enabling tailored solutions for specific water quality issues.
- Versatile Applications: LG Sonic technology adapts to various environments, from drinking water reservoirs to industrial ponds, proving its flexibility and reliability in impacting water quality.
An employee using MPC-view for real-time water quality monitoring
Conclusion
Altogether, the success of ultrasonic technology in combating harmful algal blooms (HABs) demonstrates its effectiveness and adaptability across diverse water management scenarios. From protecting public health and recreational activities in Maryland’s Hunting Creek Lake to ensuring the safety and quality of drinking water in cities like Minneapolis and communities in New Jersey, this approach has consistently delivered sustainable, chemical-free solutions.
By addressing the challenges of environmental preservation and operational efficiency, this technology enables water managers worldwide to proactively safeguard vital water resources against the growing threats of climate change and nutrient pollution.
As the demand for sustainable water management continues to grow, ultrasonic solutions offer a forward-thinking approach to maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems and delivering long-lasting effects.