THE GROWING ALGAE PROBLEM All over the world, natural and man-made water bodies are experiencing an increase in the number and size of algae blooms. Rising global temperatures, “deforestation, waste production, urbanization, agricultural development and use of fertilizers 1 ” have led to more frequent and wide spread harmful algal blooms (HABs 2 ). The term algae is used to describe a number of microorganisms that are capable of producing these “blooms”, including phytoplankton, zooplankton, dinoflagellates, cyanobacteria (also called blue-green algae), and true algae 1 . TOXINS Algae are not only unsightly and often malodorous, but in many cases produce harmful toxins that can threaten wildlife, livestock, and human health 1 . Over ¼ of all algae species produce toxins 2 . When wildlife water sources, drinking water reservoirs, recreational waters for swimming, or shellfish are contaminated with even small concentrations of these toxins, animals or humans that come into contact with these waters may become ill and, in extreme cases, death may result 3 . ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE Not only is algae a problem in drinking water, it is also damaging to the environment. The exponential growth and decay of algae in natural lakes, and ponds can lead to oxygen depletion of these natural water bodies, causing the death of fish and other aquatic organisms 4 . Moreover, oxygen depleted water bodies containing decaying matter (such as algae and expired aquatic organisms) are breeding grounds for anaerobic bacteria, which often produce harmful gasses, such as methane – a powerful greenhouse gas, and hydrogen sulfide – a highly toxic gas that contributes to acid rain, among others. ECONOMIC IMPACT Algal blooms are not only dangerous to animal, human, and environmental health, but can also have costly economic impacts. For example, HABS pollute natural and man-made waters, causing negative economic effects on industries such as drinking water supply, aquatic outdoor recreation, tourism, real estate, aquaculture, livestock and agriculture 1 . OCION CAN HELP Algae has the strong potential to negatively impact wildlife, livestock, human, and environmental health. It also has the potential to be economically damaging to many industries. Thus, solutions for algae control are of great importance. POLYDEX/ OCION PX10 is an environmentally friendly algaecide that combines highly active natural mineral ions with OCION’s innovative Aqueous Ion Matrix (AIM) technology, to provide long-term control of algae and bacteria (including cyanobacteria) in water. TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB GEN 52 OCION Water Sciences Group OCION Water Sciences USA Inc. OCION Water Sciences Group 350 - 3771 Jacombs Road 10180 Riverside Drive, Unit # 1 FHG van Itersonlaan 28 Richmond, BC V6V 2L9 Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, 33410 3233 EK Oostvoorne, Holland Ph:604.270.2639 Ph: 561.318.8604 Ph: 31.181.850.500 [email protected] John - [email protected] Jacques - [email protected] Version Date: January 7, 2014