The Science of Algae. West Bishop Algae and Aquatic Research Scientist

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Sharon Gray
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2 The Science of Algae SePRO Corporation SePRO Research and Technology Campus, Watson Seed Farm Rd., Whitakers, NC West Bishop Algae and Aquatic Research Scientist Todd Horton Aquatic Market Development Manager Phone:

10 The Algae Diverse Classification (many kingdoms) Elaborate Characteristics No true roots, stems or leaves Over 30,000 species Identification Important in determining management

11 Introduction to Algae Phyla Chlorophyta Green algae Charophyta Plant like, erect Cyanophyta Blue- green algae Euglenophyta Flagellated, eye spot (some red)

12 Introduction to Algae Phyla Pyrrophyta Dinoflagellates, transverse flagellum Chrysophyta Yellow- green Bacillariophyta Diatoms, silica wall Haptophyta Golden algae

14 Algae Succession

15 The good?

16 The bad

17 Problematic Algae Algal impacts Economic Drinking/irrigation Tourism Property values Ecological Toxins /taste & odor compounds Disrupt habitat/ Outcompete Water characteristics (Speziale et al. 1991; Falconer 1996; WHO 2003)

18 Algae Impacts Water quality and ecological Oxygen demand ph fluctuations Densities Secondary Compounds Toxins Microcystins liver Saxitoxins brain LPS stomach Aplysiatoxins skin Taste and odor Geosmin dirty MIB fishy

19 Proactive Management

20 Sources of Nutrients Fertilizer Pet waste Wildlife Livestock/agriculture Municipal wastewater Industrial effluent Atmospheric deposition

21 Phosphorus Limiting nutrient in freshwater Correlative to Algae biomass Increased bloom frequency Harmful algae blooms (N:P) Trophic status 1 pound P supports 500 pounds algae Prevention approach (NPDES) Phosphorus Oligotrophic 12 ppb Chlorophyll Mesotrophic ppb Eutrophic ppb Hypereutrophic > 96 ppb > 56 No P added P added

22 Phosphorus (Evil P) Mitigation External BMP s critical Internal accumulation (often a significant P fraction) - TN:TP ratio 5:1 cyanobacteria overwhelmingly dominant artificially induced (Ghadouani et al. 2003) - Low TN:TP cyanobacteria dominate (Lake Michigan) (Seale et al. 1987) - TN:TP ratio 29:1, dominated by green algae (Smith 1983; 12 lakes throughout the world) - Si:P < 25:1 Microcystis dominates, more silica more Asterionella (Holm & Armstrong 1981) Cyanobacteria use: carbon (use CO2 and CO3), Light (Phycocyanin), Temperature (>24C, not always), Moving water (Planktothrix, Anabaena planctonica)

23 Nitrogen Fixation Heterocysts N 2 (g) + 3 H 2 (g) 2 NH 3 (g) Paerl 1990; Paerl et al. 1991

24 Phosphorus Management Options Chemical Lanthanum modified bentonite (Phoslock, specific, no buffer, permanent) Aluminum sulfate (Alum, non- specific, ph crash, release) Algaecide/phosphorus remover (SeClear) Polymers (Floc Log, Chitosan) Iron (non- specific, release)/ Calcium (high ph only, release) Other Aeration (oxygenate benthic layers) Dredging Bacteria?

25 Phoslock Application Park Project using reclaimed water Before Phoslock After Phoslock

26 Park Lake Results Soluble Phosphorus Pre Treatment mg/l Post Treatment < mg/l Maintained low from November to March No cyanobacteria blooms seen Total Phosphorus Pre Treatment mg/l Post Treatment mg/l Secchi Disk 0.25 to 4 feet

27 Treated with Phoslock No Phoslock Treatment

28 Reactive

29 Control Techniques Action Options Mechanical harvesters, sonication Physical dyes, aeration, raking Biological bacteria, grass carp, Tilapia Chemical

30 USEPA Algaecides Diquat Dibromide Endothal Peroxides Copper (Captain / SeClear) Chelated v. free ion Adjuvants

31 305,000 cells/ml Neurotoxins/ Hepatotoxins/ Geosmin 70% reduction in P

32 Site Name: Site Location: Size: Water Character: ph 8.9 Alkalinity 44 Hardness 48 Field Site 1 K Pond Galion, OH 1/3 acre 4 ft average depth Dissolved Oxygen 7.5 Conductivity 87 Total Phosphorus 19 applied at 0.4 mg Cu/L on algal mats, ONE application (treated 7/16/11)

33 Pre- treatment Worst ever filamentous mats slimy, brownish

34 1 DAT

35 4 DAT

36 14 DAT

37 30 DAT WOW

38 Field Site 2 Site Name: Site Location: Size: Water Character: ph 7.4 Alkalinity 106 Hardness 114 Golf Course Pond Coastal, NC 0.47 acre 3.5 ft average depth Dissolved Oxygen 4.8 Conductivity 282 Turbidity 17.5 applied at 200ppb + 1% sufactant to ¼ of the pond on 7/21/11 After 2 applications (3 weeks apart) algae gone

39 From 75% to 5% coverage in one week < 2% after three weeks Total Phosphorus decreased from 1502 to 1018ppb after 5 treatments (32%) Before SeClear After 2 applications of 200ppb

41 Summary Algae are diverse and widespread throughout water resources Algae can restrict uses of a water resource and pose threats to biota Phosphorus mitigation is a critical piece to algae management Algaecides can control nuisance algae and restore a balanced community

42 Thank You

Total Suspended Solids Total Dissolved Solids Hardness

Total Suspended Solids Total Dissolved Solids Hardness Total Suspended Solids (TSS) are solids in water that can be trapped by a filter. TSS can include a wide variety of material, such as silt, decaying plant and animal matter, industrial wastes, and sewage.