Combat algae growth in irrigation systems and hydroponics

Intra Hydropure is renowned for its efficacy in removing biofilm and eliminating harmful bacteria and fungi in irrigation systems. However, its benefits extend to preventing algae formation, a common issue in greenhouses and hydroponic environments. Algae proliferation leads to water discoloration, irrigation system impairment, and dripper clogging. They flourish particularly in deep water cultivation and nutrient film technique (NFT) systems. Other areas that often encounter, algae pose problems in ponds, heat exchangers, and piping.

Key Algae Impacts:

• Reduces water oxygen levels.
• Inhibits root growth.
• Competes with plants for fertilizer.
• May be toxic to seedlings.

Given that algae thrive in water or on wet surfaces, treatment against algae will impact surface and wastewater. This makes environmentally safe treatment approaches crucial. This article highlights Intra Hydropure as a safe and effective preventive method against algae.

Understanding algae diversity

Algae are a diverse group of photosynthetic eukaryotes, inhabiting sea and freshwater, and moist land. They form the base of aquatic food chains and are used in various human applications. Their size ranges from microscopic to giant kelps exceeding 80 meters. Algae are classified into seven major groups based on pigmentation:

• Blue-green (cyanobacteria)
• Freshwater green algae
• Golden-brown algae (diatoms)
• Brown algae (seaweeds)
• Red algae
• Single-celled desmids and dinoflagellates (marine plankton)
• Yellow-green algae

Figure 1. Microscopical images to illustrate the variety of different types of freshwater algae (By Alexander Klepnev – Own Work, CC by 4.0)

The limitations of traditional algicides

Traditional algicides require direct contact with algal cells, posing challenges for long-term control due to algae's rapid reproduction. These algicides often come with water use restrictions, application limitations, and potential harm to non-target species.

Intra Hydropure's advantage:

• Silver-stabilized hydrogen peroxide.
• Decomposes into water and oxygen.
• Leaves no residues.
• Compatible with organic farming.

Intra Hydropure: Effective algae reduction

Blue-green algae, common in greenhouses, form an oily, blackish-green layer. Tests show Intra Hydropure's efficacy:

Experiment

To assess the effectiveness of Intra Hydropure, blue-green algae were cultured in aerated freshwater under constant light. The solution was divided into five tubes, with Intra Hydropure added at 0, 10, 25, 50, and 100 ppm. After 24 hours of incubation, the results were photographed (Figure 2). The 0 ppm tube remained green, while higher concentrations led to a gradual color reduction. At 100 ppm, the green color was nearly gone, indicating complete algae elimination within 24 hours.

Figure 2. Incubation of blue-green algae with up to 100 ppm Intra Hydropure for 24 hours resulted in the visual elimination of the algae.

• Laboratory tests: Increasing concentrations of Intra Hydropure significantly reduced algae within 24 hours.

• In practice: a continuous dosage of 40 ppm of Intra Hydropure will deliver full algae reduction.

Conclusion: A safe and effective algicide

Intra Hydropure effectively prevents algae formation. Continuous use, even at 10 ppm, reduces algae growth. The standard recommended 40 ppm dosage in irrigation systems is effective against biofilm and microbiological issues, and also stops algae. Its decomposition into water and oxygen makes it a safe, residue-free alternative to traditional algicides also suitable for organic farming.

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