Episode: #8 21/10/2006
Presenter: Kim Syrus

The water feature in Prospect Reserve Estate has added movement and interest to the park for the past 25 years. While the design is great, there have been issues with algae covering both the fountain and the ponds, so Kim takes a look at a brand new product that is going to tackle the algal problem in a totally natural way.

Algae is a collection of microscopic plants containing chlorophyll that live in water. They can ruin the look and feel of any water feature and cause serious damage to aquatic flora and fauna. High levels of phosphorus feed the algae and really encourage it to grow.

While chemically treating water with algaecides helps reduce algal growth, it can also affect aquatic life. This is why Phoslock, a brand new natural product developed by the CSIRO, is about to change the way these ponds and other waterways are to be treated

Phoslock is a modified clay that targets, and removes phosphorus from the water, without the use any of harmful chemicals.

Phoslock is non hazardous, safe to handle and easy to apply. It is even approved for use in drinking water. Presently being exported to nearly 20 countries, it is sure to be welcomed by Environmental Protection Agencies worldwide.

For a small pond, add Phoslock to water and stir. Once thoroughly mixed, transfer into a watering can with a rose attached, and spread evenly across the ponds entire surface. As the slurry washes in, it attracts and removes phosphorus. Then, as it settles, it forms a capping on the bottom sediment preventing any further release of phosphorus into the water.

For larger water bodies such as a farm dams, lakes or reservoirs, apply using a broad spray that covers a wider area. A fire fighting pump is ideal for getting the mixture evenly spread over the entire water surface.

After treating the water, Kim leaves the ponds to gradually settle and will go back in a week?s time to see what happens.

WEEK 2

In only a week the algae in the ponds has totally disappeared. Phoslock has effectively removed the algal problem without any harsh chemicals and importantly no harm to the fish, frogs, yabbies and, the kids that use the area. It is fantastic, the park?s water feature is back to its brilliant best.

Phosphorus is important for algae to feed on, so, by targeting this, Phoslock effectively stops algae from growing. What a fantastic Australian environmental and export success story.

Phoslock
http://www.phoslock.com.au/

CSIRO
http://www.csiro.au/

PHOSLOCK IS AVAILABLE FROM:
Butler?s Pumps and Irrigation
204 Sturt Street
Adelaide SA 5000
Phone: (08) 8231 4428
Email: admin@butlersirrigation.com.au
www.butlersirrigation.com.au