Diatomix effectively reduced blue-green algae in a 40-hectare raw water dam, improving water quality through sustainable nutrient management and enhanced diatom growth, oxygenation, and ecological balance.
A 40-hectare raw water storage dam had persistent issues with blue-green algae (BGA) blooms, leading to taste and odor problems. Despite the presence of an aeration system to address water stratification and mixing, BGA counts remained seasonally high, particularly in summer and autumn. Upgraded aeration in 2018 did not resolve the issue, leaving the dam vulnerable to recurring water quality challenges.
In 2020, a trial of Diatomix, a micronutrient-rich liquid formulation designed to support diatom microalgae growth, was initiated in a side-arm of the dam. Diatomix leverages amorphous silica gels to ensure diatoms efficiently uptake essential nutrients, reducing nitrogen and phosphorus levels that fuel BGA growth. After a successful 7-month trial, the entire dam was dosed using six solar-powered, automated dosers to ensure consistent application.
Figure 1 – Raw water storage dam treated with Diatomix to reduce BGA cell counts (40 Hectare). The polynomial trend lines for each stage of treatment show that aeration only periods still had seasonal growth of BGA.
Following the introduction of Diatomix, BGA cell counts significantly decreased. Previously, BGA growth followed a seasonal pattern, peaking during warmer months. By 2022, cell counts had reduced to an average of ~3,227 cells/mL from December to April, breaking the seasonal cycle entirely. The improved diatom growth also increased dissolved oxygen levels, enhancing bacterial activity near the sludge surface and reducing biochemical oxygen demand (BOD).
The use of Diatomix proved to be a sustainable and effective solution for controlling BGA in the raw water storage dam. Unlike traditional chemical treatments, Diatomix addressed the root cause by fostering diatom growth and limiting nutrient availability for BGA. This innovative approach improved water quality and ecological balance, demonstrating its potential for widespread application in water management systems.
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