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Ultrasound technology is a proven, cost-effective and reliable solution to rid harmful algae within wastewater treatment plants that face the challenges of aging infrastructure, labor shortages, and strict regulations.
Eliminating algae from wastewater is one of the most essential actions we can take to save our environment. Additionally, this is essential to effectively and efficiently operating and maintaining plants and equipment.
Operators of wastewater treatment facilities are responsible for returning wastewater to its natural state where it can be used again. Lagoons or holding ponds in wastewater treatment facilities can be a haven for formulating harmful algae blooms under the right conditions, such as warmer climates and overabundant nutrient sources.
Consisting of blue-green algae or cyanobacteria, these algae blooms can interfere with wastewater treatment by increasing the oxygen demand and suspended solids. As the blooms die off, they can contribute to the accumulation of sludge. The toxins generated from cyanobacteria can be toxic to humans and wildlife. In addition, it can release foul-smelling odors.
Operators have relied heavily on filtration, the application of algaecides, and the placement of aeration devices on reservoirs to increase oxygen levels to assist with the decomposition of vegetation and nutrients and help reduce the food supply for algae. But that’s not enough.
Maintaining Aging Physical Plants
While battling algae blooms and ensuring compliance, wastewater treatment plant operators must also address the physical effects of clogged or damaged infrastructure, including filters. An entity permitted by the National Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) facilities that discharge polluted water are subject to significant fines.
Chemicals are Short-Lived and Hazardous
While chemicals can be fast and effective in temporarily killing algae, they can have harmful effects on the environment and require frequent applications from an already overworked team. The chemicals also need to be handled and stored safely.
Aeration Systems Don’t Kill Algae
The use of aeration systems can be expensive, and while helpful in contributing to water health, they don’t directly kill algae.
The mission for wastewater treatment systems is challenging – and the responsibilities are significant. Those operating plants must collect used water and sewage, remove contaminates, and then transport treated clean water back into water sources for reuse. This important mission is highly regulated, regardless of who is responsible. The plants can be publicly or privately owned municipal plants managed by local governments or outsourced companies. Private companies, such as power plants, oil refineries, may also have their wastewater treatment facility onsite for treating wastewater.
There are more than 16,000 wastewater treatment plants in the United States. A challenge of this proportion requires an efficient solution.
Ultrasound technology is a reliable solution to algae control that requires very little manual intervention, is very safe to use, is proven to be effective in killing algae, and has built-in checks in the form of sensors to test water health and report intelligently and proactively to personnel who can remotely monitor changes and respond as required.
Algae won’t go away by themselves. Let WaterIQ Technologies help you find the best solution to eliminate algae from your wastewater treatment plant. Take a look at our case studies and other information in our Resources section, and feel free to contact us at any time for answers to your questions.