Rio de Janeiro state’s water distribution system, Companhia Estadual de Águas e Esgotos (CEDAE), has installed LG Sonic technology to control algae growth in one of their primary drinking water reservoirs.
For 46 years, CEDAE has treated and distributed water in Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro state. CEDAE transfers water distribution and sewage treatment services to concessionaires in 48 cities across the state. In the past two years, inadequate water quality has become an increasing problem for Rio de Janeiro’s citizens.
Extensive algae growth triggered issues in the primary water source of the state. The main issue faced is geosmin, natural compounds with a robust, earthy taste and odor concentrated in the Guandu River. The Guandu River is vital to the people in Rio de Janeiro, as it serves 9 million people and 85% of the total urban water demand.
Eight MPC-Buoy were deployed to improve the water quality in the Guandu River. The MPC-Buoys use ultrasonic sound waves into the water to prevent algae from growing. With its real-time water quality monitoring capabilities, algae growth can be predicted and controlled.
CEDAE’s Sanitation and Major Operations Director, Daniel Okomura, emphasized that real-time water quality monitoring, which allows for the modification of ultrasound frequencies to match the algae in the water body, also will improve the efficacy of their operations and maintenance.
By choosing LG Sonic technology, CEDAE reinforces its commitment to water security throughout the state. Leonardo Soares, CEO of CEDAE, strengthened that the project supports the company’s current operation model that focuses on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles because the technology is chemical-free, and there are no contaminating products added to the water.