How can algae growth in surface water bodies be effectively controlled?

Controlling algae growth in surface water bodies is essential for maintaining water quality and a balanced ecosystem. Using chemical algaecides combined with efforts to reduce nutrient runoff is an effective strategy because excessive nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, are the primary contributors to algae blooms. These nutrients often come from agricultural runoff, wastewater discharge, and other sources. Algaecides can directly target and inhibit algal growth, though their use requires careful management to avoid disrupting the aquatic ecosystem.

Simultaneously, addressing nutrient runoff helps to prevent the conditions that allow algae to thrive. This can involve implementing best management practices in agriculture, restoring riparian buffers, and using constructed wetlands to filter runoff before it enters surface water bodies. By combining these approaches, it is possible to reduce both the immediate problem of algae blooms and the factors that lead to their recurrence, leading to healthier water systems overall.