Toledo, Ohio, Apr 03: Researchers from the University of Toledo have developed a novel buoy-based system designed to tackle harmful algal blooms caused by cyanobacteria—a growing environmental and public health concern. The study, published in ACS ES&T Water, introduces a “set it and forget it” approach that delivers sustained algaecide treatment with minimal maintenance.
Harmful algal blooms occur when excess nutrients, often from fertilizer runoff, trigger rapid growth of algae and cyanobacteria in water bodies. These blooms can release toxins dangerous to humans, animals, and ecosystems. A notable example includes the Lake Erie algae bloom 2014, which disrupted drinking water supplies for hundreds of thousands of residents in Ohio.
To address this issue, the research team—led by Yakov Lapitsky along with Umberto Kober, Hanieh Barikbin, and Youngwoo Seo—designed specialized buoys capable of gradually releasing a hydrogen peroxide-based algaecide over several weeks or months.
Sustained and Efficient Treatment
Constructed using PVC pipes in “T” or cross-shaped designs, the buoys contain hydrogel disks that regulate the slow diffusion of algaecide into surrounding water. Once deployed, the system continuously targets cyanobacteria without the need for repeated manual application. A built-in visual indicator signals when the algaecide reservoir is depleted, allowing for easy maintenance.
In controlled laboratory tests using water samples from Lake Erie, the buoy system demonstrated remarkable effectiveness. Within one week, nearly all cyanobacteria were eliminated, while other beneficial microorganisms remained largely unaffected. The system maintained consistent performance across multiple release cycles, each lasting up to 35 days.
A Step Toward Scalable Environmental Solutions
Researchers highlight that this approach addresses key challenges in current algal bloom management—namely, the need for sustained, targeted, and cost-effective treatment.
“If successfully scaled up, this concept could enable early mitigation of harmful algal blooms without the need for labor-intensive repeated algaecide applications,” said Lapitsky.
While further research is needed to optimize long-term performance and prevent microbial buildup on buoy surfaces, the innovation represents a promising step forward in protecting water quality and public health.
The study was supported in part by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, with algaecide materials provided by SePRO Corporation. A patent application has been filed by members of the research team.
