Responses of Problematic Algae to Copper-based Algaecide

Stephen F Austin State University, Baker Pattillo Student Center, Student Center Theatre and Twilight Ballroom

Eutrophication is the process by which a body of water acquires a high concentration of nutrients, especially phosphates and nitrates. These typically promote excessive growth of algae. As the algae die and decompose, high levels of organic matter and the decomposing organisms deplete the water of available oxygen, causing the death of other organisms, such as fish. Eutrophication is a natural, slow-aging process for a water body, but human activity greatly speeds up the process (USGS.gov). Golf Courses are often fertilized numerous times a year and can be major problem in fertilizer runoff in ponds surrounding the course. In east Texas where rainfall is more abundant then other parts of the state, golf courses are often more affected by algae in their ponds. Our objective is to clear present algae and prevent future algae blooms caused by fertilizer runoff in the ponds at Woodland Hills Golf Club.