Algal Control in Warm Weather Pond Using EMOH Device

Abstract

Nuisance algal blooms have been a topic of discussion in Florida as a result of highly visible adverse impacts to coastal waters, but algae is hardly a new concern for warm weather communities. The typical treatment is with copper sulfate. However, copper has been identified by regulatory agencies as a contaminant of concern in coastal waters and has been targeted for stricter regulations, potentially limiting its use in the future for algae control. The EMOH device was proposed as a means to test whether a “green” solution could be found to this algae concern. EMOH creates high volume oxidation in concert with activated organisms. The initial treatment effort covered one year (2016). During treatment, water quality was monitored with periodic measurements of the benthic detrital layer, which is a precursor to algal blooms in these ponds. Photographs of the extent of algal coverage on the surface, water quality in the pond and thickness measurements of the detrital layer defined success. Through the hot summer, despite regular influx of nutrients and rain, the amount of algae declined, and the detrital layer decreased in thickness from 22 - 24 inches to 7 - 8 inches. The decrease of the detrital layer means that over time, the benthic source of nutrient availability can be more controlled. The authors concluded that the EMOH process was successful and that physically removing the detrital layer may be an important step in long-term algal reductions.