Changes in water chemistry during cyanobacterial bloom mitigation with sodium percarbonate

Abstract

This study assessed the efficacy of sodium percarbonate treatment in addressing cyanobacterial blooms and its impact on water chemistry dynamics in a fire water reservoir over a 50-day period. While the treatment had limited direct effects on water chemistry parameters, it effectively disrupted cyanobacterial biomass, leading to significant changes in nutrient concentrations, particularly inorganic nitrogen forms. Notably, alterations in conductivity and dominant anion concentrations were observed, indicating complex responses influenced by biological and chemical factors. Despite minimal effects on orthophosphate levels, sodium percarbonate emerges as a promising method for mitigating cyanobacterial blooms due to its ability to target cyanobacterial biomass while minimizing disruptions to overall water chemistry. Sodium percarbonate in the applied concentration had a significant effect only on conductivity and oxygen levels, the overall ecological impact was minimal. The treatment contributed to fluctuations in water chemistry, but environmental factors and biological processes largely influenced long-term trends.