RAJASRI YADAVALLI AND S.S. VUTUKURU
Abstract
Application of algicides to control algal blooms is a regular practice but often their ecological effects are ignored in view of the larger interests of water quality. The use of copper sulfate destroys the beneficial bacteria that would naturally break down nutrients and, as an herbicide, kills plant life that would absorb them. ‘Water Health’ is currently employed as an eco friendly alternative to conventional algicides against algal blooms. The product is a proprietary blend of extracts from several kinds of minerals and plants specifically formulated to consume organic waste. In the present study, the growth responses of Chlorella pyrenoidosa were studied in three different media in the presence of algicide at 0.01% and 0.05% concentrations. Maximum decrease in the growth of Chlorella pyrenoidosa was observed in BBM medium followed by CM and MBM in both 0.01% and 0.05% concentrations suggesting that the algicide is toxic to the green alga irrespective of the nutrient type and concentrations.