Algicidal Foam Composition for Low-Impact Algal Bloom Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current algicide applications face challenges such as the need for high concentrations, environmental impact, and difficulty in effectively treating harmful algal blooms, particularly in waters with high organic load or varying pH levels, and existing treatments are not effective against toxic cyanobacteria and microalgae.

Innovation Solution

Aqueous foam precursor compositions containing a foam-forming agent, algicide, and optionally a flocculant, which can be deployed as a foam using a gas propellant, targeting phytoplankton blooms with algicides like hydrogen peroxide and metal phenolic networks to induce oxidative stress and flocculation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If high concentrations of algicides are used to treat harmful algal blooms, then the effectiveness against phytoplankton is improved, but the environmental impact worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness against phytoplanktonVSAvoidenvironmental impact

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state parameter of the algicide delivery system from liquid to foam. This foam formulation allows for controlled release and improved retention on water surfaces, enabling effective treatment at lower concentrations and reducing environmental impact while maintaining reliability against phytoplankton blooms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The foam acts as an intermediary carrier that delivers the algicide to the target. This foam matrix provides controlled release and improves the distribution and retention of the active ingredient on water surfaces, enhancing effectiveness while reducing the total amount of chemical needed and thus environmental impact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If copper salts are used as algicides in waters with high organic load or pH above 7.0, then the algicidal action is improved, but the efficacy deteriorates due to reduced effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealgicidal actionVSAvoidefficacy in varying water conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs hydrogen peroxide-based algicides that generate hydroxyl radicals through Fenton reactions, a mechanism that remains effective across a broader range of pH conditions and organic loads compared to copper salts. The foam delivery system further enhances this by protecting the active ingredient and enabling controlled release under varying environmental conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes copper-based chemical algicides with hydrogen peroxide-based chemical algicides that operate through a different mechanism (oxidative stress via hydroxyl radicals). This substitution provides adaptability to varying water conditions including high organic load and pH levels where copper salts fail

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If foam formulations are used to deliver algicides, then the controlled delivery and retention are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrolled delivery and retentionVSAvoidformulation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the phase transition property of foams (gas bubbles dispersed in liquid) to achieve controlled delivery and retention on water surfaces. The foam structure provides extended contact time and controlled release of the algicide while the formulation remains relatively simple, combining a foam-forming agent with the algicide and water

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite foam formulation that combines a foam-forming agent (surfactant), the algicide (hydrogen peroxide), and water. This composite structure provides the benefits of controlled delivery and retention while maintaining formulation simplicity through the use of commercially available foam technologies

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The compositions effectively mitigate and eliminate phytoplankton growth, reducing biomass by up to 90% within hours, while minimizing environmental impact through controlled delivery and synergistic action of algicides and flocculants.

Implementation Method 1

The mode of action of H2O2 involves the triggering of oxidative stress. Thereby it may prompt an autocatalytic cell-death cascade among the phytoplankton population.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxidative stress: Oxidation