ALGATEST

Owner

Goods & Services

The overall objective of the AlgaTEST is to provide an effective algaecide treatment recommendation for a water resource containing algae. Field samples are received for laboratory evaluation. The AlgaTEST evaluates the algae at a specific site in terms of density, biomass, classification, chlorophyll content and physical characteristics (i.e. colonial, filamentous, mat-forming, planktonic). The AlgaTEST also measures water quality parameters for a site (i.e. pH, alkalinity, hardness, conductivity, DO, turbidity). Laboratory algaecide treatments are selected based on 1) the type of algae, 2) water quality parameters, 3) water resource characteristics (i.e. flow, surface area, depth), 4) water resource uses (fishing, irrigation, recreation, cooling water, discharge), 5) previous treatment history and 6) any product regulatory restrictions. The specific site algae in the site water are used in the algaecide treatment experiments. An array of algaecide treatments may be evaluated. A series of treatment rates are used to assess the concentration of algaecide(s) that should be applied to decrease application of excessive product amounts. Measured responses of the algae to evaluate treatment efficacy may include: cell densities, biomass, chlorophyll content, carotenoid content, phycobilin content, cell viability, ATP production, carbon fixation, and ion uptake/release. Visual and statistical comparison of different algaecide treatments and rates are used to determine a field site application recommendation. By measuring the sensitivity of the specific algae at a site, an effective algaecide treatment and rate can be selected and subsequently decrease selection of a less effective product or use of excessive product amounts. This in turn will save time invested on a project, decrease overall algaecide cost, decrease chemical residues, and have a lower potential for non-target species risks with an application