Cyanobacteria "Blue-green Algae"
What is Blue-Green Algae?
Blue-Green Algae, scientifically called Cyanobacteria, is a wide spread problem affecting many ponds across North America, especially during the warmer months. Despite its name, blue-green algae is not technically a form of algae, it’s bacteria. They do not reproduce sexually, but rather they divide to multiply. But what causes the confusion of whether cyanobacteria are algae is that they can photosynthesize, which causes them to act like algae. Cyanobacteria sources energy from the sun similar to how algae does and multiplies rapidly to create visible blooms that look and feel like true algae.
What Causes Algal Blooms?
Blue-Green Algae blooms occur in bodies of fresh water depending on:
- Availability of light
- Water Temperature
- Alteration of Water Flow
- pH Changes
- Trace Metals
- Nutrient Pollution
Nutrient pollution is reaching epidemic levels and is wreaking havoc on ecosystems all over the world, with one of the worst side effects being blue-green algae. When nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus pollute fresh waters, they act as a fertilizer to blue-green algae, causing rapid growth resulting in a bloom.
Algal blooms release cyanotoxins when they expel energy during reproduction and when they die. Cyanotoxins are extremely dangerous to humans and animals. When ingested from drinking this toxic water they can cause symptoms like: "headaches, nausea, fever, sore throat, dizziness, stomach cramps, diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, muscle aches, mouth ulcers, and blistering of the lips, and in some cases death" [1]. Humans and animals that swim in these contaminated waters can also experience severe rash on the skin.
Solving the Blue-Green Algae Problem
Cyanobacteria can be problematic when using a body of water for livestock, irrigation, fish, recreation, or other farm related uses. Toxic algal blooms can last days, weeks, months, or even all year depending on the climate, and toxins can remain in the water long after a bloom has disappeared.
So how can you defend against nutrient pollution and blue-green algae blooms to protect fresh water from becoming toxic? Adding more toxins and chemicals in the form of herbicides and algaecides is not the answer. These methods may clear up some of the symptoms affecting the water but they will not treat the root problem. The reason the pond or water body has become problematic in the first place is because of high nutrient load and low saturated oxygen levels.
To solve blue-green algae problems once and for all you need to reduce nutrient load in the body of water, oxygenate the water, and support it with beneficial bacteria and enzymes. Nature’s Pond Care, powered by Koenders Water Solutions Inc has been in business for 30 years, working with tens of thousands of pond owners around the world to clean water naturally using these three easy steps.
Step 1 – Renew
Natures Pond Conditioner is Made from a natural blend of beneficial bacteria, enzymes, plant extracts and a food-grade dye. This powerful formula goes to work breaking down and consuming phosphorus, nitrogen, blue-green algae, and other polluting nutrients to start the process towards clean and clear water.
Step 2 – Revive
Once the nutrients have been broken down, bottom up aeration infuses the water with oxygen, allowing the digested nutrients to make its way out of the pond and into the air. The oxygen supports the beneficial bacteria in the water to further help eradicate blue-green algae and polluting nutrients.
Step 3 – Remove
Finally remove unwanted aquatic vegetation manually to maintain the health of your pond with the Cutter n’ Rake.
By following our simple, cost-effective 3-step program, you can eliminate the effects of nutrient pollution and toxic algal blooms and improve the health of your pond, naturally. For more information about Koenders Water Solutions and Nature's Pond Care products, Click Here.
Algal blooms are a serious issue, go to www.watertoday.ca to view all the water advisories of algal blooms in Canada to ensure your safety.