Innovative Tool to Mitigate Algal Blooms Achieves Breakthrough Results in Utah
A reservoir in Utah has been transformed from a pea-soupy mess of harmful algal blooms into a clear blue body of pristine water perfect for migratory birds and boaters. This remarkable change is credited to BlueGreen Water Technologies, a company at the forefront of developing environmentally friendly solutions for algal bloom mitigation.
The Magic of BlueGreen Water Tech
The driving force behind this transformation is an extraordinary company called BlueGreen Water Tech. They have invented an eco-friendly algicide that effectively causes mass cell death among the mats of gooey green cyanobacteria. Their innovative approach not only restores aquatic ecosystems but also has significant carbon capture potential.
BlueGreen funds these pond and lake cleaning projects by selling carbon credits to companies aiming to offset their greenhouse gas emissions. The transformation of the Mantua Reservoir in Utah, showcased in the stunning photograph, was achieved at no cost to the public or the state, highlighting the dual environmental and economic benefits of their work.
Algal Blooms: A Global Challenge
“Harmful algal blooms infect 60 million lakes around the world, ultimately rendering them dead aquatic zones. They also hold an untapped potential to remove 5-15 gigatons of carbon each year,” explained Eyal Harel, CEO of BlueGreen, in an interview with Carbon Herald. This dual challenge and opportunity have driven BlueGreen’s mission to tackle algal blooms on a global scale.
The Science Behind LakeGuard
The key to BlueGreen’s success lies in their patented LakeGuard product. Made from sodium percarbonate, it releases hydrogen peroxide upon contact with water, a chemical long used safely as an algicide. This reaction initiates an auto-catalytic cell-death cascade among the harmful algae, effectively clearing the water and restoring the ecosystem.
“What happens is that these harmful algae blooms become a giant carbon sink. By sinking that carbon to the sediment level and allowing it to return to natural processes, we restore biodiversity and, more importantly, restore photosynthesis,” said Jan Spin, the newly appointed President of BlueGreen’s Americas Division. This process not only cleans the water but also enhances the lake’s ability to capture carbon.
A Community and Environmental Win
The restoration of Mantua Reservoir was part of the Utah Waterbodies Restoration Program, conducted in partnership with Brigham City, Utah. The project was funded through the sale of 12,913 tonnes of carbon credits, meaning the cleanup came at no cost to the city. This model demonstrates how environmental restoration can be economically viable and beneficial for local communities.
For locals like Paxton Isom, visiting from Brigham City, the clarity of the water is the most noticeable improvement. Speaking to KSL TV, he recalled how unpleasant the reservoir’s usual pea soup color was at the end of August. The clear, blue water now provides a much more enjoyable environment for recreational activities and wildlife alike.
Expanding Impact
Whether it’s helping corporations improve their ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) scores or offering shareholders an environmentally responsible investment, BlueGreen Water Tech’s innovative approach is making a significant impact. Their work not only transforms local ecosystems but also contributes to global carbon reduction efforts.
Looking Forward
The success at Mantua Reservoir is just the beginning. BlueGreen Water Tech’s model of combining environmental restoration with carbon credit financing offers a promising solution to the widespread issue of harmful algal blooms. As their technology and methods continue to gain traction, we can expect to see more bodies of water around the world transformed from toxic green to crystal clear.
Sophia H.