Good Phytoplankton: How Hydralife Solutions Helps Water Managers Naturally Compete Against Toxic Algae

At Hydralife Solutions one of our missions is to deter toxic algae blooms through the use of good phytoplankton that is beneficial to a lake’s ecosystem.  We do this by producing phytoplankton that have high absorption rates of the limiting element to algae growth, phosphorus.  Phosphorus is the key compound in both the development of toxic algae and good phytoplankton although it is consumed with a smaller ratio than nitrogen sources.  Since toxic algae is technically a cyanobacteria, it functions much like an algae, in that it performs photosynthesis to convert sunlight into organic matter but it is a prokaryote, which means it lacks a nucleus, whereas phytoplankton is eukaryotic, meaning they have nucleus containing DNA among other organelles.  Cyanobacteria also has a key advantage to nitrogen-fixation known as heterocysts where cyanobacteria can convert atmospheric nitrogen gas into fuel for themselves.  However, most lakes Hydralife reviews always contain a nitrogen source in either the form of ammonia, nitrite or nitrate so our phytoplankton are able to consume this nutrient which inhibits other unwanted algae as well.   

The game changer is Hydralife Solutions has carefully selected and continues to expand our portfolio with phytoplankton that have a high absorption rate of phosphate and even better, they can store excess phosphate in what is called luxury uptake, allowing the phytoplankton to remove phosphorus beyond its immediate growth requirements.  This phosphorus removal capability is particularly valuable because now you have a good phytoplankton consuming the excess phosphorus that is a primary driver of toxic algae blooms in freshwater bodies.  By effectively sequestering phosphorus, we are decreasing the opportunities for toxic algae blooms and other nuisance algae growth while providing phytoplankton that are beneficial to the aquatic food chain.  Hydralife Solutions simply provides a quality source to obtain these good microalgae in concentrated bulk so that water managers can utilize this technique.   

Hydralife Solutions provides concentrated blends of good live phytoplankton so you do not have to use algaecides or expensive phosphate binders to hope you prevent a toxic algae bloom.  Instead, our phytoplankton consumes nitrogen and phosphate therefore competing with cyanobacteria for nutrients through the entire growing season.  The difference is our phytoplankton promotes lake health.  Microscopic zooplankton and copepods feed on this phytoplankton and in turn are fed upon by fish fry and all types of other organisms which promote a healthy food chain and healthy, thriving body of water.