CONTROL OF ALGAL BLOOMS USING A NOVEL UV WATER DISINFECTION SYSTEM

Algal blooms and bacterial growth are a considerable problem in many natural waterways leading to degradation of the local ecosystem. Several methods have been proposed to mitigate and prevent these blooms including the use of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. However, existing commercial UV systems have generally proved unsuited for use in waters with heavy algae content due to their vulnerability to the problem of lamp fouling. This paper introduces a novel UV system in which this problem does not arise. The research reported herein consisted of laboratory tests for proof of concept with the dual purposes of assessing the performance of the new system in water that is severely impaired by the presence of algae, and for determination of the minimum UV dose required for effective algae control. Significant reductions in turbidity and in chlorophyll were obtained with no evidence of lamp fouling.