Riverside Global
Algae
Management
Algae
Management
Algal Bloom
Algal bloom is one of the most common issues in lakes, ponds and water reservoirs. Every year, excessive algal blooms are the reason for forced closing of many lakes during summer months. At Riverside, we believe in environmentally friendly solutions to create a balanced ecosystem, naturally reduce impacts of algal blooms and improve overall water quality.
For effective management, identification of algae type is very important. Typically, there are three different types of algae 1) planktonic algae, 2) filamentous, and 3) macroalgae.
Planktonic algae are single celled and free-floating on top layer of the surface water and gives it a green coloration.
Filamentous algae are the most common type of algae and typically known as ‘pond scum’ or ‘pond moss’. Some of the common filamentous algae are Cladophora (wet cotton texture), Spirogyra (bright green and slimy) and Pithophora (wet horse’s mane texture).
Macroalgae do not have roots, stems, or true leaves and remains below the water surface, many times it’s mistaken with aquatic plants. Chara is the most common multicellular macroalgae, also known as skunkgrass or muskgrass.
Planktonic Algae
Filamentous Algae
Chara Macroalgae
Algae Management Best Practices
Algae management often include an addition of aeration system to enhance the level of Dissolved Oxygen (DO), beneficial bacteria to reduce nutrients load, muck pallets to reduce the bottom sludge, and aquatic vegetation to reduce phosphate is required to help the pond to reach a better balance. There is a long list of do’s and don’ts, some of the best management practices (BMPs) are as follows:
- Do not overfeed fish. Use good quality fish food with less than 1% phosphorus.
- Do not dump grass clippings in or near water.
- Try to keep all organic material (old leaves, woody debris etc.) out of the pond.
- Maintain a vegetated buffer strip (native spp.) on sides of the pond to intercept the phosphate load of fertilizer runoff from surrounding farmlands.
- Stop erosion and sediment load coming into the pond.
- Use ditches and grading to divert polluted run-off away from the pond.
- Minimize the use of lawn fertilizers.
- Remove pet waste from shoreline areas.
Find a Solution
Every waterbody is unique and needs a tailored solution, we strive to develop an exclusive, environment friendly and cost-effective management plan for your Lakes/ Ponds. Let Riverside help to properly identify the algae and then develop a sustainable strategy.
Meet our team. We are dedicated professionals that provide environmentally friendly solutions to solve your algae and water quality problems.
