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NUTRIENT POLLUTION AND ALGAL BLOOMS
Nutrient pollution is a primary cause of algal blooms. The two key nutrients of concern are;
• Phosphorous (P), as ortho-phosphate (PO4 3- ) and,
• Nitrogen (N), as nitrates (NO3 - )
These nutrients enter our water ways from point source emissions, overland flow and groundwater discharge commonly associated with;
• Excessive fertilizer use
• Sewage Treatment Plants (STP’s)
• Urban Stormwater
Algal blooms impact on infrastructure and damage or destroy local ecosystems by consuming available oxygen reserves and blocking out light. Some forms of algae, most commonly cyanobacteria (or blue-green algae), can also have adverse affects on human and animal health and its presence can severely limit water use.
The Role of Bottom Sediments
In freshwater systems, excess phosphorous is the main concern, as this is the key limiting nutrient in algal growth. Phosphorous can occur as soluble compounds in the water column and as a variety of solid compounds (eg. ferric phosphate) stored in the sediments at the base of rivers and lakes.
Recent research has demonstrated that some algal blooms are related to the seasonal release of stored phosphorous from lake or river sediments. Algal bloom prevention and control measures will therefore require;
• Blocking or limiting the seasonal release of P from bottom sediments,
• Lowering soluble phosphorous concentrations in the water, and
• Management and control of P inputs into water bodies.
AlgalBLOCK
AlgalBLOCK is specialised surface activated form of calcium carbonate, a naturally occurring, non-toxic compound.
AlgalBLOCK prevents algal blooms forming by;
• Lowering soluble phosphorous concentrations during application,
• Creating a long term barrier to phosphorous release from bottom sediments, and
• Locking phosphorous into stable insoluble compounds.
Benefits include;
• Long term prevention / control of algal blooms by limiting P availability.
• As it doesn’t directly kill algae there are no issues associated with increased BOD (Biological Oxygen Demand) and toxin release from decomposing algae.
• Does not contain copper, unlike many of the commercial algaecides, reducing any risks associated with copper accumulation in bottom sediments.
RESULTS OF DEMONSTRATIONS
Demonstrations of the effectiveness of AlgalBLOCK are currently underway at a number of sites across Victoria. Demonstration links will be updated as data is received.
Demonstration Site 1 –
Sewage Treatment Lagoon (coming soon)
Demonstration Site 2 –
Sewage Treatment Lagoon (coming soon)
Demonstration Site 3 –
Ornamental Pond (coming soon)
Demonstration Site 4 –
Recreational Water Body (coming soon)
If you would like to receive brief email updates on the demonstrations, please contact us with your email address.
RELATED TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS
AlgalBLOCK Information Sheet (165KB)
Clear Solutions Newsletter (465KB)
Use of Active Barriers to Reduce Eutrophication Problems in Urban Lakes (215KB)
Active Barriers to Reduce Phosphorus Release From Sediments: Effectiveness of three forms of CaCO3 (205KB)
FURTHER INFORMATION
For further information on AlgalBLOCK or the current demonstrations please contact;
Dr. Jeff Taylor
Phone (61-3) 9205 9515
Fax (61-3) 9205 9519
or email
WaterQuality@earthsystems.com.au
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Algal Blooms | AlgalBLOCK | Demonstration Sites | Technical Publications | Contact
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