Ultrasound in vertical farming and the agriculture industry
WE CONTROL ALGAE WITHOUT CHEMICALS
GO 100% GREEN AND SUSTAINABLE – NO MORE CHEMICALS
Our vertical farming customers agree —
the DB-GLOBE ultrasound system is the ultimate solution for controlling algae, biofilm, and bacteria.
Can Ultrasound (24–205 kHz) Be a Solution for Controlling STEC in Vertical Farming?
Yes, ultrasound within this frequency range can be an **effective part of a solution** for combating STEC,
particularly in water systems and on plant surfaces. However, it is important to understand both its potential and limitations.
How Does Ultrasound Work Against STEC?
Ultrasound uses acoustic cavitation (formation and collapse of tiny vapor bubbles), which:
1. Mechanically disrupts** – Bubble collapse generates high-energy shockwaves that damage bacterial cell walls and biofilms.
2. Produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) – Increases oxidative stress, killing bacteria.
3. Enhances disinfectant effectiveness – Improves penetration of chemical disinfectants into biofilms.
Advantages of Ultrasound in Vertical Farming
✅ Reduces biofilm in water pipes – Breaks down slime layers, releasing STEC and making them more vulnerable to disinfection.
✅ Non-thermal method – Does not harm plants (if used correctly).
✅ Combinable with other methods – Works synergistically with UV, ozone, or mild disinfectants.
✅ Environmentally friendly – No chemical residues.
Limitations and Challenges
Frequency-dependent effectiveness
Low frequencies (24–50 kHz) – Stronger cavitation, better for biofilm removal, but may damage plant cells if applied directly to leaves.
Higher frequencies (100–205 kHz) – Less cavitation but more precise, suitable for continuous water treatment.
Incomplete sterilization alone
Ultrasound can reduce but not always fully eliminate STEC, especially if bacteria are embedded in biofilms or plant tissue.
Combination with other methods (e.g., mild acid wash or low-dose H₂O₂) improves efficacy.
Practical implementation
Requires energy and equipment for continuous/periodic treatment.
Optimal frequency and exposure time must be tested for each system.
Recommended Applications in Vertical Farming
1. -Water treatment
– Continuous low-intensity ultrasound (100–200 kHz) in pipes to prevent biofilm.
– Periodic high-intensity treatment (24–50 kHz) for system cleaning.
2. – Equipment and surface sanitation
– Ultrasonic baths for disinfecting tools and containers.
3. – Leaf surface treatment (with caution!)
– Short-duration, low-intensity ultrasound (200+ kHz) to reduce surface bacteria without harming plants.
Conclusion: Can Ultrasound Be a Solution?
Yes, but as part of a multi-barrier approach:
-Ultrasound (especially 50–150 kHz) is promising for controlling biofilm and STEC in water systems.
-For full sterilization, it should be combined with mild chemical treatments (e.g., ozone) or UV.
– Direct use on plants requires careful optimization to avoid damage.
ALPHA SYSTEM IN LABORATORY
AQUARIUS TECHNOLOGIES
tested ALPHA on water treatment plant in laboratory. GREAT RESULT!
Heavy algae and green plants in waterways under the plants growing in water without soil.
Pictures taken December 2021 – results 3 weeks after installation.
Pictures: ALPHA 2-ways installed the 15.11.2021
in Spice plants at Aquarius Technology Laboratory to prevent clogging of filters
Water used for irrigation can contain high levels of nutrients, some of these nutrients
are beneficial for the plants, but can also lead to extensive algae growth.
Algae in irrigation reservoirs can clog the irrigation system and can also be spread over the irrigated area.
In addition, some types of fungus also present in these waters can be extremely harmful for the plants grown.
Biofilm blockage inside T-tape
Bio film and algae from the irrigation dam dripper blocks and clogs inside the Drip line.
The only sustainable and 100% Green solution to solve the problem is ALPHA 4-ways ultrasound system.
Bio film and algae clogging inside T-tape tube prevent free and full waterflow to VEGETABLE soil.
The only sustainable and 100% Green solution to solve the problem is ALPHA 4-ways Ultrasound system.
ALPHA 4-ways ultrasound system in the irrigation reservoir is the only way to replace expensive and dangerous chemicals.
Ultrasound reduces odor, avoids algae in irrigation dams, dripper blockage and fouling, bacteria, bio film and algae
clogging inside T-tape, Drip-line, water reservoirs, waterways, inside irrigation pipes and blocking irrigation drippers.