Institute of Fundamental Technological Research

Algae are aquatic organisms classified separately from plants. They are known to cause many hazards to humans and the environment. Algae strands contain nitrogen-producing cells that help them float (heterocysts). It is hypothesized that if the membranes of these cells are disrupted by means of ultrasound, the gas may be released analogous to sonic cracking, causing the strands to sink. This is a desirable ecological effect, because of the resulting suppressed release of toxins into the water.
We subjected small quantities of blue-green algae of the Anabaena sphaerica species to ultrasound of frequencies and pressures in the clinical diagnostic range, and observed the changes in brightness of these solutions over time. Blue-green algae were forced to sink at any ultrasonic frequency we studied, supporting our hypothesis that heterocysts release nitrogen under ultrasound insonification in the clinical diagnostic range.
Although the acoustic fields we used to eradicate blue-green algae are perfectly safe in terms of mechanical index, the acoustic pressures surpass the NURC Rules and Procedures by over 35 dB. Therefore, caution should be taken when using these techniques in a surrounding where aquatic or semi-aquatic animals are present.

Ultrasonic algae eradication, Blue-green algae, Sonic cracking

Algae have been proven to be a severe health hazard to humans, aquatic and semi-aquatic animals. Chemical methods available to control the algae have unwanted side-effects. For this reason, ultrasonic algae control has been under investigation. We measured the eradication effectiveness of ultrasound at three typical centre frequencies. At all three frequencies physical damage to the algae was observed. We conclude that it is possible to eradicate blue-green algae in the clinical diagnostic range. Taking into account the geometry, the low attenuation in water, and the NATO Undersea Research Centre for Human Diver and Marine Mammal Risk Mitigation Rules and Procedures, even at these low voltages, the safe swimming distance is at least several meters away from the sound source.

Ultrasound, Algae eradication

The benefits of ultrasonics in algae control have been well known [1]. The transmit frequencies used to study this application have been as low as 20 kHz and as high as 1.7 MHz. Most commercial equipment operates in the lower ultrasonic range. There have been speculations about the physical mechanism behind the algae eradication, specifically about the role of cavitation. Furthermore, the consequences for swimmers in water subjected to ultrasonic treatment have been unknown. In this study, we investigate the role of cavitation as potential danger for swimmers. Furthermore, we give an estimate of swimmer safety radii, based on current regulations.

Ultrasound, Swimmer safety