Table 19
Summary of Algicides and Herbicides
Characteristic
Description
Target
Excessive algal and/or macrophyte biomass.
Toxic to plants.
Mode of action
Effectiveness
Highly effective against susceptible species.
Algicides are effective for days.
Longevity
Some herbicides provide at least seasonal control.
Decay of plants may produce a temporary dissolved
Negative features
oxygen depletion, and release of nutrients may
stimulate an algal bloom.
Some chemicals are toxic to fish and fish food
organisms.
Long-term effects on ecosystems remain unclear.
0 to 0
Costs range from
(5 to 0 acre
Their use may be the only feasible option; however, use
Applicability to
reservoirs
in potable waters is restricted, except for copper,
or restricted to use at some specified distance from
potable water intakes. For some herbicides,
a waiting period is designated following treatment.
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