Frequently asked questions about the ultrasonic system against algae blooms, DUMO Algacleaner.

1. Ultrasonic treatment FAQ

2. Which are the effects of DUMO
Algacleaner on algae?
• Ultrasound produces pressure variations
that affect algae in several ways:
– Rupture of gas vacuole.
– Effects on cell membrane and/or wall.
– Free-radical reactions.
– Effects on photosyntesis.
1) Rajasekhar,P., Fan, L., Nguyen, T., Roddick, F.A. 2012. A review of the use of sonication to control cyanobacterial
blooms. Water Research 46: 4319-4329.

3. • These effects cause important damages to algae.
• Finally, algae die and fall down to bottom.
Untreated pond water Treated pond water

4. Does DUMO Algacleaner cause
the same effects in all the
aquatic ecosystems?
The effects depend
on several factors:
1) Shape,
dimensions and
use.

5. 2) Qualitative and
quantitative composition of
phytoplankton community:
 Cyanobacteria (green-blue algae)
 Diatoms
 Chlorophyta (green algae)
 Chrysophyta (golden-brown
algae)
 Dinoflagellates
 Euglenophyta

6. 3) Algae growth stage
● Lag phase
● Exponential growth rate
● Decreasing growth rate
● Stationary phase
● Death
The key factor is to carry out the ultrasonic
treatment early in the bloom life cycle,
preferably during exponential growth phase
(Purcell, 2009)2.
2) Purcell, D. 2009. Control of algal growth in reservoirs with ultrasound. PhD thesis. Department of
sustainable systems. Cranfield University. UK. 227 pp.

7. How much time is necessary to
notice the effects?
• Reaction time depends heavily on many
factors of the aquatic ecosystem
dynamics.
• Usually, 2-3 weeks are enough.

8. After treatment, there are lots of
algae on the surface...
• Sometimes algae is
dead, but gas vacuoles
are not completely
damaged so algae float.
• The best solution is to
remove algae from the
surface.
• This reduces
eutrophication levels.
Algae floating on the surface of a pond

9. Is DUMO Algacleaner enough to
solve the problem with algae?
• DUMO Algacleaner is normally enough.
• However, sometimes it's necessary
additional actions to increase its efficiency.

10. When is it appropriate to install
DUMO Algacleaner?
• As soon as possible, as it's:
– ecological.
– avoids the use of anti-algae chemicals.
– a middle/long-term treatment.

11. Case study
0 days 7 days 14 days 21 days 28 days 35 days 42 days
0,00
500,00
1.000,00
1.500,00
2.000,00
2.500,00
3.000,00
3.500,00
Chl
Irrigation pond with cyanophyte Mycrocystis aeruginosa bloom in Seville
(Southern Spain).
0 days 7 days 14 days 21 days 28 days 35 days 42 days
0
50
100
150
200
250
DBO 5
• DUMo Algacleaner can reduce
algal biomass in 42 days.
• Effects become evident in just
2 weeks.
• DUMO Algacleaner contribute
to water quality improvement
(decrease of DBO5 parameter)
Test carried out by the Experimental Centre of New
Technologies of Water (CENTA) in 2014 (www.centa.es)

12. DUMO Algacleaner benefits
Ecological
Non hamful
Clean
Easy to install
24/7 Service
Minimal mantenance
Low power
consumption