Algae control in off-river storage systems in Malaysia

Algae blooms, a rapidly escalating global environmental concern, have cast shadows over various regions, particularly the sun-soaked landscapes of Southeast Asia. With an unwavering commitment to ensuring excellent water quality for its customers, one of Malaysia’s foremost municipal water treatment companies took a groundbreaking step in 2020. They introduced MPC-Buoy to protect and preserve water quality in their operations.

The ideal climate

Nestled within this ecologically diverse region, Malaysia has experienced a surge in Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) events over the past decade.

The intricate interplay of abundant sunlight, warm temperatures, and nutrient-rich waters creates an ideal breeding ground for algae, capable of disrupting ecosystems and human activities.

These blooms, characterized by rapid onset and decline, pose significant challenges to water quality management and environmental protection.

Preserving the raw water supply

The innovative system found its home in off-river storage infrastructure, strategically utilizing ultrasound technology to treat water sourced from rivers. This treated water is then stored in expansive ponds or reservoirs adjacent to water treatment plants.

This partnership, initiated by Hydro Nusantara Sdn Bhd, has successfully played a crucial role in preventing the intrusion of algae into water treatment plants through monitoring, prediction, and control provided by MPC-Buoy.

Real-time water quality monitoring

The MPC-Buoy, a central component of this groundbreaking initiative, not only serves as a robust long-term solution for algae treatment but also fills a void in water management strategies in Malaysia. The real-time monitoring of water quality embedded in the MPC-Buoy has emerged as a pivotal tool in comprehending the dynamics of water bodies.

By providing an integrated and comprehensive overview of water quality, the MPC-Buoy offers an invaluable contribution to understanding and managing the intricate balance of water quality. Every 10 minutes, it collects essential parameters, including Chlorophyll α (green algae), Phycocyanin (blue-green algae), pH, Turbidity, Dissolved oxygen, and Temperature, thereby providing a real-time snapshot of the water’s health and enabling prompt responses to any deviations from the norm.

This data-driven approach not only aids in preventing and controlling algal blooms but also facilitates informed decision-making, ensuring the continued well-being of water resources and the communities that rely on them.

Looking ahead

The implications of this success are far-reaching and well worth exploring. Algae blooms, although a natural phenomenon, can trigger a cascade of detrimental effects. These range from depleting oxygen levels in water bodies to releasing toxins that endanger aquatic life, human health, and even local economies. The forward-looking approach chosen in integrating MPC-Buoy within the operations not only curbs the immediate repercussions of algal blooms but also offers a sustainable framework for ongoing monitoring and mitigation. This achievement exemplifies the vital synergy between technological innovation and environmental stewardship.

This successful case study in Malaysia paves the way for similar endeavors across Southeast Asia and beyond. As the global community grapples with escalating environmental challenges, collaborative efforts, such as the one between Hydro Nusantara Sdn Bhd and LG Sonic, demonstrate that practical solutions can emerge from the crossroads of innovation and sustainability.