A European consortium will develop a 3.2 million euro project that will see drones used to treat algae blooms.
The water-based drones would be combined with water sensors, which it is hoped will localise algae bloom hotspots and offer required treatment with ultrasound frequencies.
Called the "Dronic Project", the process starts with its ‘Master' drone, which follows a programmed route to localise algae hotspots. In this process several water parameters are measured.
If algae above certain concentrations are found, the drone will map the location and dimension of the bloom. This data is sent to the ‘Slave' drone, which then navigates to the hotspot and treats the algae blooms on location with ultrasonic sound waves. The consortium will see LG Sound joining forces with ACSA France, CNRS France, SEPTENTRIO Belgium, VITO Belgium, UL Slovenia, Ministry of Agriculture Cyprus and Scottish Water from the UK. It is hoped the technology will help provide "effective treatment against algae and cyanobacteria in lakes and inland water reservoirs used for drinking water production".
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