Principles and research progress of physical prevention and control technologies for algae in eutrophic water
Yuyao Wang,
Yuanrong Zhu,
Kuo Wang,
Yidan Tan,
Xiaojie Bing,
Juan Jiang,
Wen Fang,
Liang Chen,
Haiqing Liao
Affiliations
Yuyao Wang
State Key Laboratory of Environment Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; College of Geography and Environmental Science, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China
Yuanrong Zhu
State Key Laboratory of Environment Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; Corresponding author
Kuo Wang
State Key Laboratory of Environment Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
Yidan Tan
State Key Laboratory of Environment Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
Xiaojie Bing
State Key Laboratory of Environment Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
Juan Jiang
State Key Laboratory of Environment Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
Wen Fang
College of Geography and Environmental Science, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
Liang Chen
School of Water Conservancy and Environment, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, China
Haiqing Liao
State Key Laboratory of Environment Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
Summary: The abnormal reproduction of algae in water worldwide is prominent in the context of human interference and global climate change. This study first thoroughly analyzed the effects of physical factors, such as light, temperature, hydrodynamics, and operational strategies, on algal growth and their mechanisms. Physical control techniques are safe and have great potential for preventing abnormal algal blooms in the absence of chemical reagents. The focus was on the principles and possible engineering applications of physical shading, ultrasound, micro-current, and ultraviolet (UV) technologies, in controlling abnormal algal reproduction. Physical shading can inhibit or weaken photosynthesis in algae, thereby inhibiting their growth. Ultrasound mainly affects the physiological and biochemical activities of cells by destroying the cell walls, air cells, and active enzymes. Micro-currents destroy the algal cell structure through direct and indirect oxidation, leading to algal cell death. UV irradiation can damage DNA, causing organisms to be unable to reproduce or algal cells to die directly. This article comprehensively summarizes and analyzes the advantages of physical prevention and control technologies for the abnormal reproduction of algae, providing a scientific basis for future research. In the future, attempts will be made toward appropriately and comprehensively utilizing various physical technologies to control algal blooms. The establishment of an intelligent, comprehensive physical prevention and control system to achieve environmentally friendly, economical, and effective physical prevention and control of algae, such as the South-to-North Water Diversion Project in China, is of great importance for specific waters.
