Algae Torch, a case study

Mellat Park (the Nation’s Park), is one of the most popular parks in Tehran with a large body of water in the middle of it. For the past few years, this body of water has been attacked by a major algae bloom.

Situated at the foot of the Alborz mountain, Mellat park is one of the largest recreation areas in Iranian capital which extends all the way to the west. The park lies in the southern grounds of Tehran International Fair and Enghelab Club. It is watered by the winter-snow streams coming down from Mount Tochal which stands 4,000 m high. It has a long walking trial as well as stations for those who want to picnic.

This park is home to the first musical fountains in Tehran. Since July 2008, it attracts and entertains many families at night.

However, the fountains don’t work properly due to the algae bloom. This algae has affected the good operation of the musical fountain. The high amount of micro algae inhabitants makes the ponds green and during summer omits a foul and irritating smell. The municipally has tried many solutions to solve this problem but to no avail. They first tried to use some fish which could allegedly eat the micro algae.

Recently the WRI (Water Research Institute) hired experts to find a sustainable solution in order to get rid of the algae bloom. WRI’s verification method was to measure the amount of algae before and after of any removal method.

For this purpose WRI used Algaetorch designed and manufactured by bbe-moldaenke.

The Algaetorch measures the total chl-A, Blue-green algae, turbidity on spot which negates the need to get any sample to the laboratory to do long analysis. Algaetorch is an in-situ probe with internal GPS and rechargeable battery. After any measurement Algaetorch shows the data in its LCD on the probe and stores it. The stored data can be easily downloaded via a USB cable to a computer.