QC Science High School students develop algal bloom remover

Some of the students of Quezon City Science High School behind the technology called CyaNoMore/ (Photo from the Department of Education)

MANILA, Philippines — A group of students from the Quezon City Science High School have developed a device that can remove algal blooms in water bodies using ultrasonic radiation.

According to a Facebook post of the Department of Education (DepEd) on Thursday, the technology named CyaNoMore: Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms (CyanoHABs) Monitoring and Removal Device through Ultrasonic Radiation can also remove contamination from water.

The device was invented by Aerol Meriales, Paul Puno, Kate Colinares, Juliene Dalde, Precious Mariano, Juliana Noveno, Raissa Pascual, and Lauren Sison.

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According to their research adviser Genevieve Vasquez, the device can be used in the waters of Laguna de Bay to help promote a healthier aquatic ecosystem.

“The destruction of CyanoHABs can contribute to a healthier environment, better water quality, and enhanced well-being in the ecosystem for the residents near Laguna de Bay,” Vasquez said in a mix of English and Filipino.

CyanoHABs are caused by cyanobacteria, which cause water to turn blue-green, especially in hot climates. The CyaNoMore device emits ultrasonic waves to control their formation.

The device also has a built-in spectrometer to gauge the level of concentration of CyanoHABs in the water.

Meanwhile, the researchers said they tested the device in Bunot Lake in San Pablo City, Laguna, where it has been shown that CyanoHAB levels in the water decrease after usage.

“We have conducted off-campus activities to collect water samples from Laguna de Bay for our research. We need to repeat this due to the short life span of bacteria in their unpreserved state,” Noveno said.