University tests new treatment for algae at town park lake

Researchers from the University of Bath are testing a new water treatment system at Warminster’s Lake Pleasure Grounds in a bid to tackle the blue-green algae which has kept the lake closed since July.

The lake was closed to the public on 3rd July following the discovery of potentially harmful blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) in the water.

Sanjay Nagarajan, lecturer in the Department of Chemical Engineering and deputy director of the Research Centre for Sustainable Energy Systems at the University of Bath, has been working with Warminster Town Council to test the novel treatment unit.

“We have installed a reactor that creates bubbles from water without adding chemicals,” said Sanjay.

“We are testing whether those bubbles, as they implode, can break down microalgae and reduce algal bloom over time.”

Testing has taken place over a week in both very hot and cooler weather conditions, with support from the Lake Pleasure Grounds team.

The initial tests were possible due to funding from the University of Bath’s Institute for Sustainability and Climate Change Innovation Pot.

“We hope this data will support research grant applications,” said Sanjay. “If successful, the funding could help us build a larger system to clean up the lake.”

Warminster Town Council will continue to work with other agencies to re-open the lake as soon as it is safe to do so.

Pictured: Dr Sanjay Nagarajan and Dr Paramabhorn Tosuwanhave