How Envirosonic Ultrasound Works

EnviroSonic’s ultrasound technology is delivered through a submerged transducer producing sound waves and controlled cavitation to manage non-motile algae, including blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), throughout the entire water column, not just at the surface.

Our systems emit ultrasound between 15 and 50 kHz, radiating in a semicircle from each transducer. These waves travel at approximately 1,400 metres per second, delivering targeted acoustic energy that disrupts the buoyancy structures of algae cells.

A key advantage of EnviroSonic is the strength and precision of its acoustic cavitation. With a power draw of 100 watts, cavitation occurs when microscopic bubbles form and collapse due to rapid pressure changes created by the ultrasound pulses. This process also produces short-lived oxidising compounds - hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and hydroxyl radicals.

These compounds occur in very low, safe concentrations, and help oxidise organic matter, and support improvements in overall water clarity and stability. This natural oxidation step enhances algae control while remaining completely safe for aquatic life.

Importantly, EnviroSonic does not cause full cell lysis (the complete rupture of algal cells), which can release taste-and-odour compounds or toxins into the water. By avoiding lysis, EnviroSonic provides a more controlled, low-impact to the environment alternative to chemical treatments.

Across our installations, water managers and operators have reported up to a 98.9% reduction in blue-green algae counts, often within weeks depending on the species and environmental conditions, and these improvements are sustained over time and sometimes with continue improvement to the water quality.

EnviroSonic is safe for people, plants, animals, fish, insects, and zooplankton, delivering effective algae control.