Blue Green Algae – Unsightly And Dangerous

By Author: Richard Hyden
Total Articles: 2
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Blue green algae represent a serious problem to water storages after most summers in Australia. Because ponds are generally shallow with significant surface area they are a fertile breeding ground for algae, particularly in the summer months.
In Australia when blue-green algae grow to large numbers, they can form thick accumulations on the surface of the water. These accumulations are commonly seen as unsightly scums on ponds and a major priority at the end of summer is to remove algae from the pond.
Algal blooms a hazard in Australia
As well as looking and smelling unpleasant, certain algal blooms are toxic and algal toxins can seriously affect animals and humans. Toxic algal blooms cause a rash known as “swimmer's itch”, while powerful neuromuscular toxins released by other cyanobacteria can kill fish living in the water or the animals that drink the water. These toxins can persist in water for weeks.

Research provides a simple, safe, easy to use remedy
While it ...
... is obviously very important to remove algae from the pond, it need not be particularly difficult. In Australia getting rid of algae is an important public health issue which has increasingly involved the use of Coptrol algaecide from RCI Australia. After winning an Australian Government sponsored research grant RCI developed Coptrol, a unique algaecide which is simply sprayed on the surface as the most effective way to effect algae removal and end up with clear sparkling water.
Green algae treatment is made easy because algae seek out Coptrol for its nutrient value and absorb it into their cell wall. Digestive enzymes within the cell break down the compound and release the copper within the cell to kill algae.
It is best to treat algal blooms early and to exclude livestock for at least 28 days.
Keeping fish safe in stored water
Decomposing algae treated with Coptrol may lead to oxygen depletion of the water. Therefore, in bodies of water containing fish, it is best to kill algae slowly. It is recommended to treat only one third of the area, then wait 10 days to allow the oxygen level to build up again. Then, resume the treatment beginning from the shore and moving outwards in bands to avoid trapping fish in treated areas.
More details may be obtained by contacting RCI