Algae bloom targeted

ZHUHAI has launched a trial blue algae bloom early warning and forecast system, the first of its kind in China, to ensure the safety of the local and Macao water supply.
The trial was under way at Nanping Reservoir, a major source of water to Macao, Dajing Hill Reservoir in New Xiangzhou, Longjing Reservoir in Doumen District and Xiangfengling Reservoir in Jinwan District, and a related contingency plan will be completed next month, according to the Zhuhai Water Authority.
The system will analyze real-time water samples collected from the reservoirs and once incipient tendency is found, it will forecast and control the growth of blue algae and kill it through ecological, physical and chemical means, the authority noted.
Starting in 1959, Zhuhai has built the Yinkeng and Zhuxiandong reservoirs and Zhuhai-Macao water supply facilities. Harmful algal bloom has been found in Taihu, Chaohu, Dianchi and other lakes since April 2007, arousing nationwide concern about adverse human health effects it might cause.
Initiated in 2007, the system is expected to monitor, forecast and control the harmful algal bloom, the authority said.