The Science Behind It
Algae and aquatic plants host distinct microbial communities on their surface called the microbiota. This diverse community of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, archaea, and viruses) can be both mutualistic and pathogenic. The microbiota plays a key role in protecting algae and aquatic plants from environmental impacts, pathogens, and chemical attacks. It also is important in fixating nutrients for growth. The community can adapt or shift according to the conditions to promote the health and survival of its host.
Improving performance of algaecide / herbicides
The effectiveness of a chemical treatment can be limited by the ability the microbiota to protect its host. Shifting metabolic activities or reactions and producing thick biofilms are examples of how the microbiota defends algae and aquatic plants from copper, diquat, endothall, and other chemistries.
When blended in with algaecides and herbicides, AquaSticker temporarily disrupts the protective microbiota by fostering competitive microbial growth on algae and aquatic plants. Upsetting the natural balance of this community temporarily enhances chemical uptake by the host. AquaSticker also improves contact time with targeted algae and aquatic plants by slowing dissipation in the water column and increasing adhesion.
Improving performance of probiotics
AquaSticker’s unique traits and essential components allow it to combine well and improve the performance of our probiotics and biocatalysts (Water Column Clarifier and PondZilla Pro). When blended together, AquaSticker and Water Column Clarifier will improve formation of microfloc which clarifies the water. When mixed with PondZilla Pro, AquaSticker improves the biological reaction at the surface of the algae or plant.
An Example of Lyngbya‘s Protective Microbiota
This graph represents the microbiota surrounding a sample of Lyngbya tested in the lab.
