OR MINIMIZING

highly effective in thousands of lakes, ponds, and other water repositories at addressing a broad range of algae and cyanobacteria. These systems are a chemical-free solution, are safe to use, and do not upset the ecological balance of the environment.

Nutrient Mitigation – Beneficial bacteria are useful for removing excess phosphate, the primary nutrient that triggers algae blooms, by consuming the phosphate and converting it to a non-soluble form (polyphosphate) that remains in the bacterial cells. This removes it from the water column and the muck, preventing it from being continually recycled back into the water.

Aeration – Lakes, ponds, reservoirs, and other water body aeration products deliver water circulation and increase the amount of dissolved oxygen throughout the area, resulting in the reduction of nutrient/sunlight-driven cyanobacteria growth. One of the more common and visible forms of aerators are fountains and surface aerators. In deeper ponds (i.e., greater than 6 feet), bubbler-type diffusion aeration is most beneficial. The additional oxygen these provide to the water makes algae growth much more difficult by greater circulating the water from top to bottom. Aeration should not be viewed as the only solution in algae remediation especially when nutrients such as phosphorous are abundant.

Algaecides – Algaecides are chemical compounds that when applied to an area showing early signs of cyanobacteria or full infestations, kill the algae and either prevent or destroy a harmful algae bloom. There are several examples of these, including:

J Copper-based algaecides (copper sulphate, copper II alkanolamine, copper citrate, etc.)

J Potassium permanganate (can reduce water dissolved oxygen and works as an oxidizer)

J Chlorine (works to disinfect bacteria and algae – not for ponds with fish or other wildlife)

J Hydrated lime (cannot be used in ponds with fish due high pH change on addition)

J Hydrogen peroxide (sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate –dissolves to release hydrogen peroxide)

Hydrologic Manipulations – Capably applied, the manipulation of inflow/outflow of water in the system to agitate the water column and disrupt stratification helps to control the growth of cyanobacteria. While the infrastructure necessary to leverage this process can be expensive, once in place it can be an effective component of an algae prevention process. This option requires a sufficient volume of water and the ability to control the flow. While this is a recognized industry solution, there can be undesirable impacts to some life forms in many situations so hydrologic manipulation applications must be completed with care.

The application of these preventative algae management approaches is critical to preserving the viability of the water source and preventing harm to life in and around the water source. Many water quality professionals use a combination of these solutions, like ultrasonic systems and nutrient mitigation (good algae) solutions to prevent or expedite the remediation of algae. As municipalities and governments seek out safe, yet effective algae control methods to prevent and alleviate cyanobacteria algae growth, the above solutions are available today and have proven effective across a wide range of environments.

By leveraging these technologies and processes for preventative algae control, there likely isn’t an algae problem that water management professionals haven’t experienced over the years and haven’t been successful in ultimately treating. After the deployment of one or more of the above systems – sometimes used in combination - observers will see an instant defence against cyanobacteria to keep its growth at bay. For those with an active area of cyanobacteria growth, there will be a rapid decline, with a significant reduction – typically within 30 days.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, REGIONAL CENTER FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY

(RCREEE)