Research Information System
Journal of Engineering Technology and Applied Sciences, vol.7, no.1, pp.31-44, 2022 (Peer-Reviewed Journal)
In recent years, severe mucilage formation threatening
nearshore marine ecosystems has intensified investigations on possible
separation of components forming mucilage flocculation, deactivating bacteria
adhesion and decomposing the colloidal structure. Challenges to eliminating mucilage
formation in marine ecosystems require long-term measures, however quick
reaction with environment-friendly approach is of great importance for the
control of mucilage expansion since the impact of mucilage can be significantly
hazardous in nearshore marine areas during seasonal change and may spread to more
expansive areas when disregarded. In the
present study, ultrasonic vibration at 40 kHz frequency generated by sonication
showed a time-dependent destructive effect on the colloidal structure of
mucilage. Results showed that an ultrasound wave with 40 kHz frequency for 60
minutes of application could be effective for nearly 50% dispersal of mucilage aggregation on sea surface that in terms
might be a useful tool for rapid response in an Emergency Action Plans.
However, further research is encouraged for
understanding how sonication mitigates the aggregation of phytoplankton and
bacteria forming the complex matrix of polymeric mucilage structure.