Patent pending
Background
When algae grows rapidly and excessively, it is called a “bloom.” Algal blooms can produce toxins invisible to the naked eye. These blooms are harmful because the highly potent toxins of some algae species can cause direct harm to people, animals, fish, and ecosystems. They can also cause indirect harm, such as when blooms decompose and remove oxygen from the water (hypoxia), suffocating fish and other aquatic life. HABs can occur not only in freshwater, but in marine ecosystems as well.
HAB toxins can contaminate drinking water, cause skin and respiratory irritation, and even lead to illness or death after eating contaminated seafood. They can be fatal to pets, livestock, and dry-land wildlife, and decimate fish populations. Because of the multifaceted nature of the harm caused by HABs, there is a massive opportunity for companies who want to partner with technical experts to help communities and local industries solve the challenges HABs present.
Summary of the Invention
DinoSHIELD addresses critical gaps in HAB management by providing the first naturally-derived, biodegradable, and removable active control option for marine environments. It allows for targeted treatment of high-priority areas and creates intervention options for emergency scenarios threatening critical infrastructure or public health. The system bridges the divide between preventative measures and post-bloom remediation, offering a proactive intervention capability particularly valuable for protecting critical infrastructure (e.g., desalination plants, power station cooling intakes) and high-value recreational areas.
It uses biologically derived algicidal compounds produced by the marine bacterium Shewanella sp. IRI-160. The technology encompasses several methodologies for bacterial cultivation, compound extraction, preservation, and targeted deployment. Collectively, these methods create the first environmentally responsible solution for active HAB mitigation in marine systems. The system provides revolutionary capabilities for:
- Selective control of harmful dinoflagellate blooms without significant impacts on non-target organisms.
- Environmentally compatible mitigation without introduction of harmful chemicals.
- Scalable production from laboratory to commercial applications.
- Strategic deployment options for various bloom scenarios and water body types.
Licensing Information
NOAA is seeking qualified licensees to manufacture and sell this technology, which is Patent Pending in the United States. Interested parties should contact the NOAA TPO at noaa.t2@noaa.gov for more information.