A research team led by Professor YEUNG King Lun, Chair Professor of the Division of Environment and Sustainability (ENVR) and Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, has developed an innovative approach to managing microalgae and pathogens in water by utilizing a multi-functional algicidal and bactericidal delivery system with controlled and sustained release features.

In a recent interview with Wen Wei Po, Prof. Yeung discussed how this approach could address the issues of algal blooms including red tides, while eliminating harmful microorganisms in an environmentally friendly and cost-effective manner. Unlike conventional solutions that rely on heavy metals or antibiotics, the team has developed methods for preparing inorganic matrices to dose dissolvable sodium chlorite for controlling algal growth in water. This multi-functional delivery system has been proven effective for long-acting water treatment, and can enhance water quality by eliminating harmful microbes and algae.

The researchers applied these novel inorganic matrices to algicide products by precisely controlling parameters such as temperature, humidity, and reaction rate during the synthesis process. This approach enhanced the structural strength of the algicidal material by 82%, making it denser and more stable. Following a single application, the material’s effective duration is 30 to 60 times longer than that of traditional liquid or powder formulations. In addition, the entire preparation process requires no heating or pressurization, achieving zero wastewater and zero exhaust emissions－a truly sustainable advancement.

The technology has already been implemented in aquaculture enterprises in Mainland China, resulting in a dramatic reduction in fish mortality rates and achieving a sterilization rate of over 91% for up to 15 days. This pioneering research has received U.S. patent certification and was honored with the Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva, recognizing its technological innovation and global impact.

Read the full articles in Chinese here:
大公文匯網 – https://www.tkww.hk/epaper/view/newsDetail/1974520930340311040.html
文匯網 – https://www.wenweipo.com/a/202510/05/AP68e1827ce4b05f24db59bfbf.html