The new device is called the LG Sonic Algae Control, and uses an underwater sound emitter called a transducer to control all kinds of algae that might grow in or around a pool or water storage tank, even rooted algae. Algae usually forms in pools, ponds or water storage tanks when nutrients such as nitrogen or phosphorous build up. When algae grows large enough, it can strangle other aquatic plant life, contaminate the taste and odor of the water, block sunlight from promoting oxygen and food in the water, and even kill fish in the case of plank tonic algae. Some forms of algae can be environmentally beneficial, but the LG Sonic web site recommends implementing a control device as soon as the organism interferes with use of a body of water.
Chemical algaecides are the most traditional methods used to control algae in bodies of water, but these chemicals can be more harmful to aquatic life or swimmers than the algae itself. The underwater sound waves of the LG Sonic kill the algae by ripping vacuole cells -- which contain the organism's life functions -- without leaving behind chemical byproducts to harm living organisms.
According to the LG Sonic web site, the device also kills some forms of destructive fungi such as Fusarium and Pythium. Some of algae take longer to kill than others, but visible affects should take place after six weeks, the web site says.
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