A Proven Natural Solution to Solve Blue-Green Algae Problems Once and for All

What is Blue-Green Algae

Cyanobacteria, commonly known as Blue-green Algae, is spreading across North America at rapid rates due to increases in nutrient pollution. Despite its name, blue-green algae is not technically a form of algae, it’s bacteria. Algae is made up of eukaryotic celled organisms and cyanobacteria are prokaryotic. This means that their cells do not have a nucleus and other cell organs within their membranes like mitochondria or chloroplasts. They also 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

Cyanobacteria blooms occur in bodies of fresh water depending on factors like:

• "light availability
• water temperature
• alteration of water flow
• vertical mixing
• pH changes
• trace metals
• and nutrient pollution" [1]

The last factor, nutrient pollution, is a growing concern that attributes to rapid increase of blue-green algal blooms. Nutrient pollution itself is reaching epidemic levels and is wreaking havoc on ecosystems all over the world, one of the worst side effects is blue-green algae. When nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus pollute fresh waters they act as a fertilizer to the cyanobacteria, 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 toxified waters 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" [2]. Humans and animals that swim in these contaminated waters can also experience severe rash on the skin caused by cyanotoxins.

Solving the Problem Once and for All

 You can see how cyanobacteria can be problematic for  someone using a body of water for livestock, irrigation,  fish, recreation, or other farm related uses. The risks are  undeniably high. 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 algicides are not the answer.  These methods may clear up some of the symptoms affecting the water but they will not get to the root of the 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, cyanobacteria, 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 cyanobacteria 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 Nature’s Pond Care, 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.