Nutrient levels in lakes and ponds lead to nuisance algae growth, odors, poor water clarity, and organic sediment buildup (muck). Bioaugmentation methods use bacteria, enzymes and sludge-eating cultures that help reduce these nutrients in the pond. Adding phosphatases to NaOH-EDTA extracts of different microalgae mass samples changes peak distribution in NMR spectra (Fig. 1).
Ultrasonic Algae Control
As a result of increasing industrialization and urbanization, the environment is being put under strain. One of the effects is the increased runoff of fertilizers that contain nitrates and phosphates into lakes, streams and other water bodies. These nutrients are the primary causes of algae blooms and cyanobacterial growth.
Following a year of intensive water quality and hydrologic monitoring, the community developed an algae control plan with internal and external phosphorus management measures. The plan will help to reduce nutrient levels and improve water quality for swimming, fishing, boating and wildlife habitats.
A key part of the plan involves using an enzymatic process to eliminate organic sludge, which is the main cause of algae blooms. This system uses natural enzymes that feed indigenous bacteria to eat the excess nutrients that promote algae and green water. This can be a very effective way to eliminate the sludge and reduce algae growth in your pond.
Enzyme Therapy
Unlike skimming, which removes the HAB once it has already formed, and chemical treatments that disrupt other organisms in the ecosystem potentially are as harmful, enzyme therapy works to prevent HABs. It also works to degrade debris and nutrient buildup on the bottom of the lake, including rotting leaves, uneaten fish food and dead algae. The first step in the enzymatic treatment of microalgae is the degradation of polysaccharides that comprise the cell wall of the alga. Several studies demonstrated that using carbohydrate-degrading enzymes such as lysozyme increases protein recovery from different microalgae species.
An organic enzyme is a powerful tool to help break the phosphate cycle that feeds invasive and nuisance algae. Phosphates are a natural part of the water supply, but high levels can lead to blooms. A product combines the powerful stain removal with the prevention capabilities of Phosfree to bring phosphates down to near zero.
Biological Augmentation
The bacteria and enzymes in NT-MAX clear muck, restrict sediment buildup, digest organic wastes, and eliminate toxic blue-green algae. They also feed indigenous bacterial populations that can eat the nutrients that cause green water and algae. Filamentous algae, which produce toxins, grow into long hairlike strands and spread rapidly during summer due to warm water, calm water, and a buildup of nutrients. These cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, are often responsible for the blooms that can poison livestock, pets, and people in ponds. Ultrasonic wave energy disrupts their buoyancy regulation, preventing them from accessing sunlight and nutrients. They cannot perform photosynthesis and decompose naturally on the bottom without releasing harmful toxins. The aerator or water circulation device adds oxygen and surface agitation to the water, which are additional factors that can help control algae and improve water quality. The nutrient levels in the water are also regulated, which further helps prevent algae growth.
Aeration
Many ponds and lakes suffer from eutrophication, an overabundance of organic matter that clogs waterways. Eutrophication results from the natural breakdown of plant materials, accumulating excess nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen. This imbalance leads to algae growth and other unsightly pond and lake conditions.
Unlike dangerous chemical algaecides or herbicides, the trillions of lab-cultivated, beneficial bacteria strains in NT-MAX Biological Digester Treatment aggressively digest algae, sludge and decaying organic debris into harmless water and carbon dioxide, breaking down the nutrient cycle that leads to a pond or lake overgrowth. The bacterium also attacks odors and breaks down oily substances such as pet waste, fecal matter, and dead fish or plants. Proteins were extracted from the microalgae samples and analyzed using trichloroacetic acid precipitation and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. It was found that the phenolic content in crude extracts from microalgae that were pretreated with lysozyme increased over time due to better disruption of cell walls.
