Blue Green Algae Bloom

Blue Green Algae Description:

Blue-Green Algae (cyanobacteria) can be found in lakes, reservoirs, ponds, and almost any other type of water body, including the ocean. It becomes abundant in shallow, warm, undisturbed water that receives adequate sunlight. It will form blooms, giving the water a shimmering blue-green paint or scum appearance. Blooms can develop very quickly and be toxic, frequently leading to the closure of recreational waters when spotted. Beach closures due to blue-green algae are common and occur more frequently every year.

Because natural toxins or poisons are produced by some Blue-Green Algae (HABS – Harmful Algae Blooms), you should take caution and not let pets or humans play in or drink the water when the algae is present. In 2014 the drinking water of Toledo, Ohio, was contaminated by a large Cyanobacteria Bloom due to agricultural run-off entering nearby Lake Erie. During the month of August, strong winds blew algae into the drinking water supply intakes, rendering the drinking water unsafe to drink for two days.

Blue-Green Algae Identification:

• Shimmering blue-green color
• Foamy sheen-like appearance (resembling floating spilled paint)
• Blooms may appear to be bluish, brownish, or reddish-green.
• As parts of the bloom die off, a foul “decomposing” odor may be present.
• Blue-green is heavily influenced by wind, tides, and waves. It can be gathered in or confined to specific areas by wind or wave movement.

How Does CLEAN-FLO Reduce Blue Green Algae Naturally Without the Use of Herbicides?

Installing one of our inversion oxygenation systems is the best way to start naturally controlling blue-green algae. Many water bodies are frequently treated with chemical herbicides during the summer to control these algae blooms. As the algae die after each treatment, the dead algae settle to the bottom and start to decay, releasing additional nutrients to fuel new growth.  And so the cycle of treatment – bloom, treatment – bloom is established. Muck typically accumulates over time from decaying and dead plant material, animal and fish waste, leaves, and grass clippings, leaking septic systems, and watershed inputs. The muck is also very high in nutrient content, which is available for additional plant growth. Stop the vicious cycle of chemicals.

Our custom-designed systems are being used around the world to treat all types of bodies of water. Ponds, lakes, reservoirs, rivers, marinas, swimming beaches, etc., are all being treated with our systems. Our system improves water quality, reduces nutrients, increases oxygen, and controls nuisance plant growth. In addition, our bioaugmentation program is designed to further reduce nutrient levels in the water and the organic muck and sediment on the bottom. Our bio-dredging process is cleaner and much less invasive than traditional dredging.  By reducing nutrients in the water column and reducing muck on the bottom, we can control harmful algal blooms naturally and without using chemicals.

Converting nutrients into diatoms improves fish health and reproduction, increases beneficial aquatic life, and provides a healthy water body for all to admire and enjoy.