FGCU tests new technology that could clean up algae blooms in canals, marinas
LEE COUNTY, Fla. – Florida Gulf Coast University is testing out a new technology that could clean up algae blooms in canals and marinas without using any chemicals.
The University is partnering with the company Molear with a grant of $355,000 to set up four Nano Bubble Generators. The machines produce nanobubbles, which are so small, you can’t even see them through a microscope.
The location for their experiment is the small town of Pahokee, on the eastern shore of Lake Okeechobee, with a marina that has a chronic Blue-Green Algae problem.
“So it’s not going to solve the long-term blue-green algae issues in our state,” Dr. Barry Rosen with FGCU’s Water School said. “That starts with controlling nutrients.”
The idea is to see if this technology could be used in place of chemicals for algae spot treatment, like Hydrogen Peroxide.
“A chemical-free, nontraditional pesticide to help control and remediate algae,” said Eli Kersh, director of Surface Water Treatment from Moleaer.
Usually, spot treatment is done with chemicals, but Molear, the company partnering with FGCU, believes their Nano Bubbles can do the same thing.
“They are so small they are not buoyant, invisible to the naked eye, eventually these bubbles will become unstable and collapse, they release a lot of energy and create an oxidative effect,” Kersh said.
Their plan is to run their four Nano Bubble Generators at Pahokee Marina for six months, to compare with other algae spots along the lake to see if it works.
“Actually using them in surface water, lakes and marinas is a relatively new application,” Kersh said. “There is still a lot to learn as we grow and experiment.”
Gloss