New Buoy System Offers Early Defense Against Toxic Algal Blooms in Lake Erie
TOLEDO, Ohio — Researchers at the University of Toledo have unveiled an innovative buoy system designed to stop harmful algal blooms in Lake Erie before they spiral out of control. The breakthrough could prevent another drinking water crisis like the one that left half a million residents without safe tap water a decade ago.
How It Works
Funded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the buoy system uses hydrogel disks to slowly release a hydrogen peroxide-based algaecide into the water over weeks or months. Unlike traditional methods that require frequent manual applications, these buoys operate autonomously, reducing labor costs and improving efficiency.
When the algaecide runs low, the buoy tilts sideways—a simple visual cue for refilling. Early tests in lab-simulated Lake Erie conditions showed the system eliminated nearly all toxic cyanobacteria within a week while sparing other aquatic life.
A Preventative Approach
Algal blooms, fueled by fertilizer runoff, release dangerous toxins that threaten drinking water, wildlife, and local economies. In 2014, Toledo’s water supply was contaminated, forcing a three-day do-not-drink advisory.
“Current methods react to blooms after they’ve grown,” said Dr. Youngwoo Seo, a lead researcher and environmental engineering professor. “Our goal is early intervention—stopping the problem before it becomes unmanageable.”
Dr. Yakov Lapitsky, a co-developer, envisions scaling up the design for larger bodies of water. “Instead of deploying hundreds of small buoys, we could use fewer, larger ones to cover the same area efficiently,” he said.
Next Steps: Real-World Testing
The team, including doctoral students Umberto A. Kober and Haniehsadat Barikbin, is now testing the buoys in outdoor ponds under natural weather conditions. If successful, water treatment operators could deploy them seasonally, requiring minimal oversight.
University officials see broader potential. “This isn’t just about Lake Erie,” said Grace Bochenek, UToledo’s VP of Research. “Communities worldwide facing similar threats could benefit from this technology.”
Commercial Potential
A patent application has been filed, and licensing talks are underway. Beyond algae control, the buoy system could be adapted for pesticide delivery in rice fields or other aquatic environments needing sustained chemical treatment.
For now, the focus remains on protecting Lake Erie—and ensuring another Toledo water crisis never happens again.
— Reported by Nexio News
