This posting is our third in a series discussing the use of ultra sonic systems for the control of algae. In this note we will ultra sound in the context of a total water management system. As noted in the previous note we discussed how ultra sound can damage the hard outer cell wall of certain algae species. This damage leads to the eventual death of the algae so affected. There are other factors to consider in the overall approach to algae control.
If the environmental in the water allows for aggressive growth of the algae and the algae is already well entrenched in the water. Ultrasound alone might take a long time to impact the population. This process can be helped along by other water management practices that have value beyond the control of algae.
One of these factors is the dissolved oxygen content of the water at all water depths. Oxygen supports animal life for fish and bacteria. Clearly, to keep the fish in the water body healthy the oxygen content of the water must be at a minimal level. Less obvious is the need to support the bacterial community in the water. One of the reasons that the algae have become entrenched in a body of water is the presence of nutrients that supports their growth. If the water is low in oxygen, bacteria can not compete with the algae and the algae tend to get out of control. If the bacteria in the pond have a good level of oxygen, then they can compete with the algae and reduce the nutrient that both rely on. In addition, the bacteria can also decompose the algae that die in a healthy manner improving the water quality and appearance of the water.
In order to maintain the proper oxygen level the water needs to be aerated. This aeration needs to be done in a fashion that will promote good oxygen levels throughout the body of water and at all depths. A variety of aerations depths are available to do this and experienced personnel can guide the owner of the water body to select the proper type and size of aeration device. A rule of thumb is that the amount of aeration should be equal to the one horse power for the aeration pump for each acre foot of water. Moving the water will also equalize the temperature in the water. The warmer the water the more algae there will be.
The natural bacteria in a body of water may have been seriously depleted by the competition and water quality. As a result it may be necessary to add good bacteria to the water along with enzymes that will assist the bacteria to break down nutrients. This should only be done once the oxygen levels in the pond have been adjusted properly. The application of the bacteria is easy to do. Typically the treatment is done only once or twice a season.
The combination of aeration, bacteria and ultrasound should eliminate the presence of algae in most bodies of water. This process can be accelerated to some extent by the use of dyes to darken the water. Food grade dyes are applied to reduce the amount of light that the algae receive from the sun. Algae are plants and thus they use photosynthesis to grow. As the light is reduced, they will have difficulty growing and competing with the good bacteria in the water. This will hasten their removal from the water. The dye will break down naturally in the water over time. So, if the algae remain a problem the process might need to be repeated.
The use of ultrasound, naturally occurring bacteria and aeration represent a way to quickly control algae growth in a body of water in an environmentally friendly fashion that wonâ??t harm fish or aquatic plants. Once the pond is properly balanced, no further addition of bacteria or dye will be needed and the use of toxic heavy metals (such as copper) can be eliminated. Spartan Environmental Technologies can help you with developing an environmentally friendly solution to your algae control problem. Contact Spartan for further information.