Adelaide to discuss nanobubble trial for Lake Torrens
Elected members of the City of Adelaide council will in the coming weeks discuss a proposal to conduct a trial of nanobubble technology in Lake Torrens. It could potentially help reduce microbial contamination in the water. The initiative is supported by local residents and business owners, as parts of the River Torrens have already been closed to users for the third time this year, including rowing clubs and boat operators.
As ABC News Australia reports, the current restriction was introduced because of enterococci. Earlier this year, high levels of E. coli were recorded in the lake, while thousands of dead fish were seen along its banks.
Proposal from local residents
The campaign to test the technology is led by singer-songwriter John Schumann, who lives near the lake. He submitted a petition to the city council asking it to examine the possibility of using nanobubbles. According to Schumann, the body of water should be a central part of Adelaide, and its current condition disappoints him.
Tony Schumann, an operator of sightseeing river boats, also supported conducting the trial. Closures of the waterway restrict the work of boat operators and rowing clubs’ access to the river.
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How the technology works
Nanobubble technology creates microscopic bubbles using gases, including oxygen and ozone, which are then dispersed in water. Arash Zamyadi, a senior lecturer in civil and environmental engineering at Monash University who researches the technology in Australia, explained that it may help break down contaminants, including microorganisms, pathogens and chemical toxins.
At the same time, the scientist noted that this is a new technology that requires further research into its effectiveness. A year-long nanobubble trial to restore Lake Albert was previously conducted by Wagga Wagga City Council in New South Wales.
Last year, the City of Charles Sturt council proposed using the technology against algae in West Lakes, but SA Water and the state environmental authority opposed it due to insufficient scientific evidence and an uncertain impact on wildlife.
Possible trial location
Adelaide Deputy Lord Mayor Carmel Noon supported conducting the test. If approved, the equipment is planned to be installed in the section between Torrens Weir and Albert Bridge on Frome Road. If the trial succeeds, Noon hopes to extend the technology further along the river and across the territories of several municipalities.
