WUXI, China, May 5 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- According to the Wuxi Wireless Sensor Networks Research Institute (CAS Wuxi Hi-tech Micronano Sensor Network Engineering and Technology R&D Centre), sensor network technology will play a much bigger role in the treatment of Taihu Lake, Wuxi, China.
In an interview with Xinhua News Agency, Tan Zhenhua, Technical Director of Wuxi Wireless Sensor Networks Research Institute, said: "Given the high probability of blue-green algae outbreaks in Taihu Lake this year, we will work together with relevant departments to upgrade the warning system and increase the credibility of our predictions by expanding the scale of data collection."
Gu Gang, Director of the Taihu Lake Pollution Prevention Office, mentioned in a press conference that the frequency and intensity of algal blooms wouldn't decrease, considering the possibility of high temperatures and little rain in the Taihu Basin this summer.
Eutrophication is the major factor behind the outbreak of blue-green algae in Taihu Lake. Tan said: "There are multiple reasons for the outbreak, such as pollution discharge, wind speed, water flow and temperature, etc. Therefore, we have to expand the scope of supervision and collect as much data as possible in the hope of making correct predictions, which is quite hard to do with standard prediction methods."
Since the middle of 2008, Wuxi Wireless Sensor Networks Research Institute has committed itself to applying sensor network technology to Taihu Lake surveillance. With advanced technology, environmental data such as chlorophyll concentration, oxygen content, temperature, wind speed and water flow can be acquired through radio telemetry, survey meter satellite images and other methods.
With real-time internet data transmissions, scientists can make predictions about coming outbreaks of blue-green algae over the following three days.
Tan said: "This year, through joint efforts with relevant departments, we will set up more radio telemetry systems, try to collect data that is more representative and increase the credibility of our predictions with a view to offering effective protection against outbreaks of blue-green algae."
Since the large-scale outbreak of blue-green algae in 2007, China has made vigorous efforts in the treatment of Taihu Lake, in which technology has played a crucial role. In addition to the warning system, the Wuxi government has also taken other measures, such as industrial upgrading and development of low-pollution and low-emission industries, including new materials, environmental protection, new energy and new industrial applications of biotechnology, etc.
For more information, please contact:
Zhu Ying
Tel: +86-510-8271-1727
Email: wxwxb@126.com
