Monitoring and control of algal growth in the Shuangxikou Reservoir and drinking water source for possible management measures

Harmful algae, particularly cyanobacterial blooms, are global environmental problems that threaten the safety of drinking water supplies, worldwide. This phenomenon has also occurred in the Shuangxikou and the drinking water source, in recent years, especially during seasonal changes. The study aimed at identifying the potential content of algal contamination and how it can be controlled in the Shuangxikou Reservoir with remote sensing technology and field observations. Results revealed very low concentrations of N and P in drinking water that might result in algal blooms under high temperatures in summer. Remote sensing monitoring demonstrated its effectiveness in controlling algal growth in a large water source. It is a cost-effective technology that can be used to investigate the cyanobacterial growth trends. After obtaining the map of cyanobacterial growth and distribution, special ecofriendly ships and floating sodium percarbonate could be used to control algae in areas with high algal occurrence. In this way, the algal content can be controlled safely within a certain range throughout the year. This study, therefore, recommend a combination of remote sensing monitoring and these special ecofriendly ships and floating sodium percarbonate as possible management measures for the control of algal blooms in reservoirs and large drinking water sources.