Adaptation10 - December (Harmful algal blooms)

Thanks, Adaptation10 Readers!

Welcome to the final edition of Adaptation10 for 2024.

Our DSR & Partners team have showcased close to 100 adaptation companies this year, from deep tech weather forecasting startups to old-school manufacturers of climate-resistant building materials.

Since the tie-up with Climate Proof & Louie Woodall, the Adaptation10 series has focused on businesses tackling drought, flood, heat, storm, and wildfire risks. These are well-known climate hazards that have often made front-page news this year. However, there are many, many other climate risks that don’t get as much media attention but are no less dangerous or less in need of innovative solutions.

In 2025, we intend to publicize more of these underappreciated climate risks and the companies working to address them. In this edition, we offer something of a preview: a list of businesses combatting harmful algal blooms (HAB).

Thank you, Adaptation10 readers, for your interest and engagement this year. We look forward to presenting many more companies in 2025. As always, you can reach out to Daniel or myself via email with thoughts, feedback, and ideas on what to cover in the new year.

The Horror of HAB

This summer, a member of the DSR & Partners team vacationed in the US. They returned with an eye-opening story on the dangers posed by harmful algal blooms (HAB).

On a particularly scorching day — they recall it being around 38°C (104°F) — they decided to go swimming in one of the local lakes. But upon arrival, they were met with a sign warning would-be bathers about HAB risks in the area.

The lake in question was in American Fork, Utah, where the summers are hot and dry. HABs thrive under these conditions — high temperatures, stagnant water, and limited inflows of fresh water in combination can cause algae colonies to grow out of control and take over vast tracts of lake and coastal water.

These blooms are more than just an inconvenience to bathers and beachgoers. HABs release toxins that can cause skin irritation, respiratory issues, and even severe illnesses in humans. They can also decimate aquatic ecosystems by deoxygenating the bodies of water they take over, causing massive fish die-offs and suffocating plant life.

Their effects can have catastrophic economic consequences, too. In 2019, a HAB caused by the species Chrysochromulina leadbeateri killed over 8 million farmed salmon in Norway. This single event cost the industry approximately $80 million, and underscored just how vulnerable even advanced aquaculture systems can be to these threats.

HABs are not isolated incidents; they are intensifying as a direct consequence of climate change. Rising global temperatures are creating the ideal conditions for algal blooms to flourish, meaning they are likely to become more frequent and severe in the years to come. Coastal and lakeside communities that rely on the water to support their populations and power their economies are all at risk.

They must adapt in order to survive. Proactive measures can help mitigate the risk of HABs. For example, communities can take steps to reduce nutrient runoff into water bodies and improve water flow. Investing in monitoring systems can provide early warning of emerging blooms, while nascent technologies can disrupt them as they start to form.

In this edition of Adaptation10, we showcase some of the companies working to combat HABs and protect our lakes and coastlines amid rising temperatures. We hope the report motivates readers to explore this emerging market further and engage with broader efforts to safeguard our waters from this particularly pernicious, and underappreciated, climate threat.

All the best for the rest of your year and stay save,

Daniel & Louie

CSS

US-based Consolidated Safety Services Inc (CSS) has been around since 1988, providing health and safety services to public and private entities. One of their core competencies is addressing HABs. The company leverages predictive modeling and advanced tools to provide early warning of bloom outbreaks. This HABTracker system provides real-time predictive capabilities to forecast the location and severity of HABs, enabling proactive management strategies. The system integrates data from satellite imagery, in situ water quality sensors, and environmental models, allowing researchers and authorities to develop specific responses to emerging threats.

Ixom Watercare

Ixom Watercare, based in NorthDakota (US), is a leader in water treatment solutions. The company supports the water industry with a host of products and services that optimize water quality. Their SolarBee? series of solar-powered mixers are floating circulators that use solar energy to move around the water in lakes and reservoirs. This helps prevent stratification, a phenomenon whereby different layers of water attain different temperatures. Stratification is one factor that can give rise to algal blooms. SolarBee? circulators can operate completely on solar (SB Series), completely on grid electricity (GF Series), or on a combination of both.

Blue Lion Labs

Blue Lion Labs, based in Canada, is a pioneer in sustainable aquaculture. The company has developed an AI-powered monitoring system, called Plankton AI, that can automatically identify certain types of microorganisms in live water samples in real-time. This helps with spotting potential harmful algae or sea lice before they can disrupt aquatic bodies. Blue Lion Labs is tailoring its initial solution for the aquaculture industry, so that fish farmers can get early warning of health threats to their stock.

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EutroPHIX

The US-based EutroPHIX specializes in the restoration of water quality by addressing phosphorus pollution and algal blooms. Clients get the benefit of personalized assessments and tailored prescriptions from the company’s team of experts. EutroPhix then uses a series of best-in-class tools and technologies to tackle algae and restore water quality, including algaecide and oxidizer formulation and phosphorus reducers

Laser Diagnostic Instruments AS (LDI) is a leader in non-contact water sensor technologies. Their innovative products include the Remote Optical Watcher (ROW), an autonomous sensor for detecting oil spills on water surfaces, and the Algal Bloom Detector, which monitors chlorophyll-a concentration in real time, providing early warning of HAB outbreaks. LDI’s cutting-edge solutions are designed to address critical ecological challenges, offering reliable, precise tools for safeguarding marine and freshwater environments.

(Learn more here) specializes in water treatment using Nano Bubble Ozone Technology (NBOT). This is a chemical-free alternative for removing harmful algae, bacteria, and toxins, and unwelcome nutrients like nitrates and phosphates that degrade water quality. Greenwater’s NBOT system pumps tiny ozone bubbles under the surface of a given body of water, disinfecting them while increasing their dissolved oxygen levels. Customized consulting packages and monitoring ensure effective and sustainable water treatment tailored to diverse environmental needs.

(Learn more here) develops high-tech solutions to combat HABs and other threats to water safety. The company leverages AI, satellite monitoring, and advanced analytics to monitor water quality and tailor effective solutions. Their flagship Lake Guard? suite offers environmentally-friendly water treatments that eliminate algae, prevent future blooms, and improve water clarity. The company also offers advanced water surveillance technologies, which equip clients with accurate data on water quality and the level of algal blooms.

(Learn more here) is an innovator in nanobubble technology for agriculture, aquaculture, and lake and pond management, among other industries. Their nanobubble generators introduce ultra-fine bubbles into water, significantly enhancing oxygen delivery, reducing contaminants, and improving water quality. This water treatment approach enhances freshwater health without recourse to chemicals. In relation to HABs, Moleaer’s nanobubble solutions are able to reverse the oxygen-depleted conditions at the bottom of lakes and inhibit phosphorus and nitrogen release, which in turn reduces algae growth and prevents future blooms.

(Learn more here) deploys ultrasonic technology to disrupt algae colonies and stop the formation of harmful blooms. The company’s devices emit ultrasonic pulses that generate a pressure cycle around algal cells, preventing them from rising to the water’s surface and gathering energy via photosynthesis. Starved of food, the algae die off and sink to the waterbed without releasing harmful toxins. LG Sonics claims its solutions can reduce algae growth by up to 90%, lowering the need for chemical treatments, improving water clarity, and promoting healthier aquatic ecosystems.

(Learn more here) uses satellite imagery and ground sensors to provide real-time water quality assessments. Their GybeMaps web app allows users to track the turbidity, chlorophyll-a, and cyanobacteria levels of water bodies with a host of data visualization tools. Gybe helps detect harmful algal blooms early and supports proactive water quality management for healthier ecosystems.

THE STORY (HAB technologies in action)

The Battle Against the Bloom

Clearwater Lake was once a jewel of natural beauty. Its pristine waters, surrounded by rolling hills and lush forests, were a source of pride and prosperity for the lakeside community. Families fished from its shores, tourists flocked to its crystal-clear depths, and local businesses thrived on the steady influx of visitors.

Then Clearwater Lake turned into a shimmering nightmare. Higher temperatures stoked by climate change turbocharged the algae population, triggering a massive harmful algal bloom (HAB) that poisoned the water, suffocated marine life, and emitted a foul stench that drove tourists away.

For the townspeople, the bloom wasn’t just an environmental crisis; it was an economic one, too. With businesses shuttered and livelihoods on the line, the community was desperate for a solution. That’s when a coalition of ten innovative startups stepped forward, each armed with cutting-edge technology and an unrelenting drive to save Clearwater Lake.

The Arrival of the Team

Under the watchful gaze of anxious townsfolk, the first truckloads of equipment rolled into town. The companies — hailing from across the globe —? set up a makeshift headquarters in the town hall. A sprawling map of the lake dominated the central table. Each company brought a unique weapon in the fight against the algae menace.

Leading the charge was BlueGreen Water Tech, whose eco-friendly treatments were designed to target and neutralize the cyanobacteria responsible for the bloom. “We’ll detoxify the water,” promised Maya, their lead scientist, as she examined samples of the toxic sludge under a microscope. “But it’s going to take a coordinated effort.”

The Battle Begins

The operation commenced at dawn. IXOM Watercare deployed their solar-powered buoys across the lake. The sleek devices agitated the water with gentle currents, disrupting the bloom’s growth. Meanwhile, (Unlock here) pumped the lake with nanobubbles, destroying harmful microorganisms and reoxygenating the water. The once-stagnant lake began to show signs of movement, but there was still a long way to go to restore the waters to health.

Using high-frequency sound waves, (Unlock here)′s algae control devices worked to disrupt the rampant algae colonies further. “We’re seeing a drop in toxicity levels,” said an LG Sonic technician, her voice cautious yet hopeful.

Overhead, satellites collected real-time data on Clearwater’s health and transmitted it to (Unlock here), which used the insights to map the bloom’s spread and tailor more effective solutions for tackling its growth. On the ground, CSS used forecasting algorithms to pinpoint potential hotspots and identify the best attack vectors. Armed with this intelligence, Blue Lion Labs ran predictive models, warning the team of areas where the algae might regroup.

Setbacks and Perseverance

Midway through the operation, disaster struck. An unexpected thunderstorm swept through the area, churning the lake and scattering the equipment. One of the buoys malfunctioned, and a surge of runoff from nearby farms threatened to worsen the bloom.

“We need to act fast,” said Jim from EutroPHIX, whose specialized water testing technology was able to identify the types of contaminants that had flooded into the lake. “It’s agricultural fertilizer. If we don’t block it, we’ll lose all our progress.”

With time running out, the team pivoted. LDI deployed their Algal Bloom Detectors to rapidly assess the resurgent bloom’s growth, while (Unlock here) worked tirelessly to neutralize cyanobacteria using its own nanobubble tech. “We’ve restored worse,” said their lead engineer, surveying the sickly Clearwater.

A Tangible Victory

After days of round-the-clock work, the results were undeniable. The toxic green sheen began to fade, replaced by the lake’s natural, deep blue. Fish cautiously returned to the shallows, and birds that had abandoned the lake circled overhead. By the time the last buoy was retrieved, Clearwater Lake was on the road to recovery.

The townsfolk gathered on the shore to celebrate, their cheers ringing out as the companies’ representatives congratulated each other. “We couldn’t have done it alone,” said Maya of (Unlock here), her eyes scanning the rejuvenated waters. “Every technology, every idea was crucial.”

A Hopeful Future

As the sun set over Clearwater, the team packed up their equipment, knowing the fight was far from over. “This lake is just one of many,” said Liam from (Unlock here), looking at the satellite images of other water bodies still plagued by blooms. “We’ve won here, but the battle continues.”

For the people of Clearwater, their lake’s recovery was a symbol of hope. And for the ten HAB-fighting companies, it was proof that innovation, collaboration, and determination could overcome even the most daunting challenges.

Methodology & Disclaimer