Habitat degradation, excessive nutrients, reduced streamflow and water scarcity create an environment conducive to undesirable algal blooms and nuisance aquatic weeds in streams and ponds. Nuisance algal blooms and aquatic weed s are often removed with herbicides or chemical treatments . The application of chemical treatments not only removes target species but also removes beneficial bacteria and algal species, along with disrupting the existing microbial ecosystem which assimilates nutrients and wastes. An alternative method to chemical treatments is to enhance the natural microbial communities to process nutrients and waste.
The W ater C leanser (Marine Easy Clean, Aust.) provides an alternate means of eliminating algal blooms, including Cyanobacteria and filamentous algal mats. The Water Cleanser is a wax block infused with carbonaceous and trace elements along with millions of microscopic capillaries which provide habitat for beneficial bacteria. T he development of a biofilm of beneficial bacteria and other microbiota, increases the process of organic waste decomposition.
Methods of utilizing blocks to eliminate Cyanobacteria and filamentous algal blooms along with aquatic weeds were developed for streams and ponds . Blocks were evaluated in different high and low flow streams at numerous sites. The blocks were also evaluated in three one- acre ponds with Comanche Springs pupfish with duplicate ponds with blocks and a control pond receiving no treatment. Ponds were monitored for water quality, dissolved oxygen, fish health and abundance. Blocks were also evaluated in channel catfish ponds.
The blocks were effective in eliminating Cyanobacteria and filamentous algal blooms in ponds and streams. Cyanobacteria , filamentous algal blooms and Chara sp. were eliminated within one to two weeks with the use of blocks in streams. Untreated parts of the stream continued to have nuisance algal blooms. Blocks were used in pupfish ponds with existing Cyanobacterial mats, filamentous algae and Chara sp. Besides reducing Cyanobacteria, filamentous algae and Chara sp. , zones of submerged aquatic plants were also eliminated. D issolved oxygen concentrations were less variable in treated ponds than in the pond with no blocks . When adequate numbers of blocks were used in channel catfish ponds, there was improved water quality and the elimination of algal mats and selected weeds. Overall, the blocks were effective in algae, Cyanobacteria and selected aquatic plant removal when the appropriate number and placement of blocks were employed. Proper use of the blocks resulted in improved water quality, health and propagation in the both channel catfish and pupfish.