Abstract
Large-scale Lyngbya wollei (Cyanobacteria, Oscillatoriales) infestations are increasing throughout the USA and globally and causing significant obstruction of water resource uses. Decision makers and stakeholders encountering this nuisance organism often seek management options. Many approaches to L. wollei management may be ineffective or not applicable to specific field sites. Chemical control with United States Environmental Protection Agency registered algaecides has shown to be effective, although the specific formulation, concentration, and application frequency can all govern efficacy. This study summarizes results from a long-term and adaptive management program on extensive L. wollei infestations in three central Alabama, USA reservoirs (Lay Lake, Jordan Lake and Lake Mitchell) managed by Alabama Power Company. Multiple treatment strategies including numerous algaecides, combinations and addition of surfactants were used in attempts to control the nuisance cyanobacterium and preserve multiple beneficial functions of the resource. Ultimately, operational shift toward one technology, a double-chelated copper algaecide with surfactants and emulsifiers (Captain® XTR) resulted in more efficient and economical control. There were significant (P < 0.05) decreases in historic L. wollei acres requiring treatment through time on each reservoir. Throughout this study period, a 51.4, 88.1 and 94.7% percent decrease in total nuisance acres treated was realized on Lay Lake, Jordan Lake and Lake Mitchell, respectively. The large-scale and long-term dataset presented herein, covering multiple candidate treatment programs, provides valuable information to guide management decisions on other water resources impacted by L. wollei infestations.
Highlights
Lyngbya wollei Farlow ex Gomont (Speziale and Dyck 1992 [syn Microseira wollei]) is a filamentous cyanobacterium that can achieve substantial biomass in freshwater resources and is proliferating in many areas throughout the USA (Bridgeman and Penamon 2010; Hudon et al 2014)
Multi-use reservoirs, disruption of critical water uses often requires implementation of management, management initiatives must be in line with water use objectives
Three man-made reservoirs impounded along the Coosa River in central Alabama, USA, that received historic algaecide treatments for widespread L. wollei infestations were selected for this study (Fig. 1)
Summary
Lyngbya wollei Farlow ex Gomont (Speziale and Dyck 1992 [syn Microseira wollei]) is a filamentous cyanobacterium that can achieve substantial biomass in freshwater resources and is proliferating in many areas throughout the USA (Bridgeman and Penamon 2010; Hudon et al 2014). Multi-use reservoirs, disruption of critical water uses often requires implementation of management, management initiatives must be in line with water use objectives. Multiple approaches (e.g., mechanical, biological, chemical, cultural) to L. wollei management are often considered. With dynamic nature (e.g., depth, location, access, terrain) of many of the typical infested sites, mechanical control is unlikely an effective option and requires dedicated personnel and maintenance (Calomeni et al 2015). Biological control measures have not been shown to be a viable option for large-scale management of this species. Despite some anecdotal reports of elevated grass carp densities consuming L. wollei, it has been shown in numerous studies not to be preferred food source (Dyck 1994; Kasinak et al 2015), and that carp can alter ecosystem
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