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 fertilizers1” have led to more frequent and wide

spread harmful algal blooms (HABs2). 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 algae1.

TOXINS Algae are not only unsightly and often malodorous, but in many cases produce harmful toxins that

can threaten wildlife, livestock, and human health1. Over ¼ of all algae species produce toxins2.

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 result3.

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 organisms4. 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 agriculture1.

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!info@ocion.com ! ! ! ! ! John - JohnO@ocion.com! ! ! Jacques - JacquesV@ocion.com!

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Version Date: January 7, 2014