A team of researchers at Clarkson University has successfully field-tested an innovative process called electrochemical ozonation to tackle the growing problem of harmful algal blooms (HABs). These blooms, fueled by climate change and nutrient pollution, pose a serious threat to both human and animal health. The researchers’ scalable system has been demonstrated in several New York lakes, offering a promising solution to this environmental challenge. Harmful algal blooms have become an increasingly pressing issue across the United States, and this research represents a significant step forward in mitigating their impact.
Pioneering Solution to Tackle Harmful Algal Blooms
The research team at Clarkson University, led by Assistant Professor Yang Yang, has developed a groundbreaking process called electrochemical ozonation to combat the growing threat of harmful algal blooms (HABs). These blooms, which can produce dangerous toxins, have been on the rise in recent years, fueled by factors such as climate change and nutrient pollution.
The team’s innovative approach involves a pilot-scale, boat-mounted reactor that can treat up to 500 cubic meters of water per day. This system is capable of inactivating harmful algae and destroying cyanotoxins within minutes, providing a rapid and effective solution to the problem. The researchers have successfully demonstrated the system’s efficacy in field tests conducted at Lake Neatahwanta and Oneida Lake in New York State, two bodies of water that have been heavily impacted by HABs.
Addressing the Rising Tide of Harmful Algal Blooms
The frequency and severity of HABs have been steadily increasing in New York State, and experts expect this trend to continue. According to Assistant Professor Yang, the primary drivers behind this alarming development are warmer water temperatures due to climate change and nutrient pollution from sources such as agricultural runoff, wastewater, and stormwater.
Some of the most affected water bodies in New York include the iconic Finger Lakes, Lake Champlain, Lake Erie, Chautauqua Lake, and Hyde Lake. Nationally, the problem is equally concerning, with cyanobacterial HABs present for an average of seven days per year per waterbody in 2017. By 2090, this figure is projected to increase dramatically to 18 to 39 days per year per water body, highlighting the urgent need for effective solutions.
Collaborative Efforts to Mitigate Harmful Algal Blooms
The research project at Clarkson University is the result of a collaborative effort involving several experts in the field of civil and environmental engineering. Along with Assistant Professor Yang, the team includes Professor Stefan Grimberg, Co-Director of the Center of Excellence in Healthy Water Solutions, Assistant Professor Siwen Wang, and Professor Emeritus Michael Twiss.
Significant contributions were also made by graduate and undergraduate students, who played a vital role in the design, assembly, and modification of the boat-mounted water treatment system. The study, published in the journal Environmental Science: Water Research & Technology, showcases the university’s commitment to tackling pressing environmental challenges through innovative research and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
