ALGAE

Algae are a type of plant-like organisms that can make food from sunlight by photosynthesis. Although the term algae refers to a diverse group of photosynthetic organisms, from a water treatment standpoint, unicellular species are of highest concern.

HOW WE MEASURE

To gain the benefits of early warning, Real Tech’s optical absorbance sensors are a powerful screening tool that can be used to continuously monitor your source water. Chlorophyll a, the green pigment found in algae and cyanobacteria, has a natural peak absorbance in the visible light spectrum. Our sensors use chlorophyll a measurements to estimate algae cell count in real-time. Turbidity interferences, that tend to heavily impact algae fluorescence measurements, are simply and effectively eliminated using additional reference wavelengths. Real Tech’s system provides a fast and effective tool for continuously monitoring that will help you keep a pulse on your source water.

Real Tech’s monitoring systems can be installed at or near the plant intake, or between the reservoir and water treatment plant for timely indication of increasing algae concentration. Early detection means better decision making and management for your plant. Our systems, together with additional laboratory sampling to confirm the identification of toxins and their concentrations, are a water treatment plant’s best tools to mitigate the risk of HABs.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

In general, presence of algae in surface waters and wastewater is associated with water quality deterioration. In surface water, the presence of algae creates surface scum, poor water clarity, and noxious odours. This may lead to problems in the drinking water treatment process, such as reduced filter runs and an increase in the amount of disinfectant needed, which can increase the cost of the treatment. On the other hand, algae have many commercial uses, and are produced on an industrial scale for applications such as fuel, fertilizer, animal and human food, and stabilizing agent production, and as a pollution control tool.

Real Tech has the solutions to help our clients get the information they need, when they need it. Discover our real-time algae sensor here.