Invasive Plants
Algae
Algae are usually found in damp places or bodies of water and thus are common in terrestrial as well as aquatic environments
What are Algae?
Algae are some of the most robust organisms on earth, able to grow in a wide range of conditions. This simple plants that can range from the microscopic (phytoplankton), to large seaweeds (macroalgae), such as giant kelp that can grow to more than one hundred feet in length. Phytoplankton include both cyanobacteria, (similar to bacteria, and formerly called “blue-green algae”) as well as green, brown and red algae.
Algae are simple aquatic plants that do not have roots, stems or leaves and have primitive methods of reproduction. Algae reproduce very quickly and need only sunlight, water, carbon dioxide and a few inorganic nutrients to grow.
Algae Problems
Algae have become a critical issue for many people in Ireland, particularly those whose leisure pursuits involve water or those whose livelihoods depend on good water quality. Both algae blooms and filamentous algae are the cause of major concern to managers in our lakes, rivers, canals, artificial ponds in public parks, golf courses, fish ponds and canals etc.
Increasing eutrophication in natural and artificial water bodies caused by nutrient run-off from land and other sources has facilitated the spread of algae that commonly form dense and tangled filamentous mats in and on the water. The occurrence of toxic blue-green algae is becoming increasingly common and threatens the safety of our drinking water supplies.
Algae, whether filamentous or planktonic, are notoriously difficult to control. This problem has been exacerbated by the withdrawal of effective algicides by the EU in recent years, leaving many authorities with potential risks to public health through algae toxins.
Commonly form dense and tangled filamentous mats in and on the water
Toxic blue-green algae is becoming increasingly common and threatens the safety of our drinking water supplies
Notoriously difficult to control
Potential risks to public health through algae toxins
Classification of different types of Algae
- Single celled
- Many celled – either colonially or as filaments of cells; or
- Elaborate plant bodies with differentiated cell types
Algae vary considerably in size, shape, and growth form.
Solutions for Controlling Algae
INVAS Biosecurity is very conscious of the enormous problems that algae can have in amenity or municipal watercourses and has amassed an armoury of control tools and products to help resolve these ongoing problems. These include:
- Long-life dried bacterial solution NEW TO IRELAND !!!
- Inert Dyes
- Barley Straw
- Ultrasound
The long-life bacterial solution is new to Ireland but is used throughout the world to purify waters in lakes and ponds. It is now distributed throughout Ireland by INVAS Biosecurity. It is a completely safe non-toxic live bacteria which is used to purify waters in lakes and ponds. All the bacterial strains are classified as biosafety level 1, meaning they are not pathogenic. The bacterial strains are derived from ATCC seed cultures and are stabilised under sterile conditions so that the highest quality liquid and dry bacterial products produced have a minimum 2 year shelf life. The bacteria in our formulation compete with the algae for nutrients, commonly depriving these plankton or filamentous forms of life-giving nutrients. The product has additional properties that include sludge stabilisation, nitrification and denitrification. INVAS Biosecurity will be pleased to carry out an analysis of your water, and based on the findings in respect of nutrient status (particularly phosphorus and nitrogen) and algae speciation, to recommend a control regime which will be tailored to meet your specific needs.
Talk to one of our Specialists today
INVAS Biosecurity offers you an assessment and analysis of your plant invasion problem. We’ll give you a professional opinion and quotation. We can guarantee the best competitive price and excellent services. 100% satisfaction.