chemical cycle

The use of chemical additives has been very common in the lake management industry for many years. Chemical herbicides and algaecides are very effective at treating nuisance algae and aquatic plants, but they have no positive effect on water quality. By treating only the symptoms and not the cause of the problem, they provide no real solution.

When algae and aquatic plants are killed, they will quickly decompose and release nutrients back into the water column. The new abundance of fertilizer released into the water column will spur on the next crop of aquatic plants and algae that again will need to be treated. This is a process of regrowth and treatment known as the “Chemical Cycle”.

When chemicals are used for long periods of time, the frequency of treatments tends to increase and can even lead to chemically resistant algae and aquatic plants.

NOTE: Many chemical algaecides & herbicides have been restricted across the country. The following states have some restrictions:
Alaska – California – Connecticut -District of Columbia – Hawaii – Idaho – Iowa – Maine – Massachusetts
Montana – Nebraska – New Hampshire – New Jersey – New York – Rhode Island – Vermont – Washington

Many other states are looking at making similar restrictions.