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How to use Coptrol to Control Algae in

Effluent and Waste Water Treatment

Systems

Effluent Systems: 6 critical questions to answer |cyanobacteria|should algae be treated|most effective method|

Because an effluent lagoon is a highly eutrophic environment, with large amounts of organic matter being regularly pumped into the lagoon there are 6 critical

questions that should be answered before considering algal

treatment.

1. Are the species of algae present likely to be cyanobacteria and if

so what is the likelihood of toxin contamination in the water

system?
2. Should the algae be treated?
3. What is the most effective method of treating algae?
4. Do algal concentrations limit evaporation rates?
5. Does algae assist with the breakdown of biomass and organic

pollutants?

6. What is the likely environmental impact of killing the algae?

Do algal concentration limit evaporation rates? |locality| easy test|

There is some evidence in the literature confirming
algal concentrations do inhibit evaporation rates. It is dependent

on a number of variables that are often specific to the locality.
This problem can be relatively easily determined by conducting Algae Bloom waste

a small scale experiment. RCI is able to suggest experimental methods if required.

Do the algae assist with the breakdown of biomass and organic pollutants?| biomass|respiration ycle|

When considering the nature of the environment, concentration of biomass involved and the normal respiration cycle of an algal cell, the argument

that high levels of algae will assist in the

breakdown of organic biomass is difficult to sustain.

There are times in a 24 hr cycle when algal populations are

depleting oxygen from the system. On balance the proposition

that algal populations will contribute to aerobic activity is highly

unlikely.

What is the likely environmental impact of killing the algae?| Environment|toxin levels|

The consequence of killing such a large volume of algae needs

to be understood before action is taken. The sudden death of

this number of algal cells is likely to result in the following:

A release of all the toxins present in the algal cells at one time.

This of itself probably does not change the overall status of a system as it is already likely to be highly contaminated with toxin. Killing all the algae at one time will cause a spike in toxin level which will stimulate bacterial digestion of toxins already taking place.

Oxygen levels are likely to be relatively low in a system of this type; the death of large volumes of algae will cause these Oxygen levels to decrease.

This may result in the death of fish.

There are various methods of treating algae to consider.

Some common options to are:

1. Use of Copper Sulphate
2. Use of Copper Sulphate and

hypochlorite
3. Use of Coptrol

Use of Copper sulphate in effluent systems.|bluestone| chemistry of Cu in effluent|

A review of the chemistry of this approach is outlined below:

Effluent water is usually highly mineralised. When copper

sulphate is added to effluent water copper sulphate reacts

in the water. Initially copper is released from the sulphate Filamentous algae waste

bond creating Cu++, at the same time sulphate reacts with water creating mild sulphuric acid.

It is the Cu++ that is toxic to algae; however, its persistence in this form has a very limited duration. Cu++ reacts with carbonates and hydroxides in solution to form insoluble copper compounds which have no algal toxicity. In most cases only 5% of the Copper ion from Copper Sulphate remains in

the Cu++ phase for 60 minutes. Most is lost as an insoluble

form in less than 60 minutes and never comes in contact with

the target algae.

Try conducting a pilot test using copper sulphate and watch for a cloudy reaction, the reaction will be copper sulphate changing into an insoluble copper carbonate/hydroxide compound.
In Australia Copper Sulphate is no longer approved for use in effluent treatment systems.

Use of Copper sulphate and hypochlorite in effluent systems |hypochlorite|

Hypochlorite, does not work as an efficient algaecide in fresh
water. When used in an organic rich environment such as effluent it is
even less effective.

Mixing Copper Sulphate and hypochlorite together should be avoided. It will produce a highly noxious chlorine gas that could cause significant health problems to anyone exposed to it.

Use of Coptrol in effluent systems |Coptrol in effluent|

Coptrol has a number of major advantages.

Coptrol is a liquid designed to remain stable in highly mineralised

aquatic environments without the risk of precipitation. It is ideally

suited for use in effluent pond systems as these are usually

environments high in carbonate and hydroxide anions. Application

rates will depend on the likely concentration of algae. Once the

algal situation is brought under control lower rates of application

can be used to ensure ongoing control.

Applying product over a large surface area will require either a large

input of labour or aerial application. Dosing marginally effective

copper sulphate from a boat is a highly labour intensive operation

with the possibility of health problems for those exposed to the

lagoon for prolonged periods.

Application of Copper Sulphate by air also has serious issues.

Reacting copper crystals into slurry in an aircraft tank creates

real potential for corrosion in an aeroplane. There is also the

question of the even distribution of copper sulphate in such large

volumes over such large areas.

By contrast Coptrol is a non corrosive liquid that can be readily

applied by air over large areas. For example Coptrol is routinely

aerially applied to rice production systems in Australia.

Coptrol works by accumulation of copper in the algal cell. The

chelate acts as a nutrient source for algae. This ensures the algae

keeps accumulating copper until it becomes toxic to the algae.

The chelate protects the copper from precipitation. Coptrol is

approved for use in potable water supplies in Australia.

In summary Coptrol is easier and cheaper to apply than the

alternatives and has a proven record dealing with algal problems

in effluent systems.

Dose Recommendations

If algae is a problem in effluent system follow this 5 step method to keep your waters clear and bright.

1. First identify the algae present. If you are not certain

visit www.algae.info. This site enables you to identify all the

common algae in Australia.

2. Now calculate the volume of water to treat. Ignore depths below 1

metre. We have a page which explains the methods used to

determine the amount of water to treat. If you need assistance see

How to calculate the volume of water to treat with Coptrol.

3. Next calculate the amount of Coptrol needed. An easy

way to calculate is:

To control algae in effluent systems add Coptrol at the rate of 8-10 litres per megalitre of water.

4. Dilute the required amount of Coptrol using a 1:10 or even a 1:20

Coptrol water dilution.

5. The best application method is by spraying. Apply on a sunlit wind

free day when algae first appear. If this is impractical look at our

general recommendations.

If you still need help call RCI at no cost to you. Contact RCI where our free call numbers are displayed. Or you can email us using this form.

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