Port Mayaca Lock & Dam, Florida

Greenwater Services has been engaged in a three-year study with institutions like The Ohio State University and the University of Florida. This study aims to validate the effectiveness of NBOT in treating red-tide algae blooms and other water contaminants. Initial results have shown significant improvements in water quality and reduction of harmful algae and toxins.

1. Total treatment time was very short – only two (2) twelve hour treatment periods were possible with normal boat traffic in between treatments. This limited time had the potential to skew or negatively impact results. However, the observations actually paralleled textbook results. At the time “0”, 20 gallons of pre-treatment water were removed from the lock and assessed for algae and algaltoxins. The algae cell counts were so high they count not be counted. Algae cells were predominantly (>97%) microcystis. 1 liter of the 20 gallon sample was removed and extracted. In this extract, large amounts of microcystin LR toxins were observed. An estimated 400mg of toxins in the 20 gallon sample, which is an extremely high level of contamination.

2. At 12 hours, there was roughly a 90% reduction in algae cells, much more than anticipated. No algal cells were observed in the 24-hour and 36-hour samples. Despite the lock being opened for boat traffic, which allowed for “new” water and algae exchange, it appears as though the nano-bubbles from the initial treatment were still active. At 72 hours, the lock was virtually clear of observable algae. Our laboratory results show no traces of mcirocystin LR toxin in the 24-hour and36-hour samples. This result was anticipated as cyclic peptides (e.g.; microcystin LR toxin) have shown to be highly susceptible to treatment.

3. Further experiments were conducted on the 20 gallon sample to measure the effects on Nitrogen and Phosphorus levels. Both showed significant reductions which is critical since algae growth is dependent on a fairly fixed ratio or these nutrients. By significantly reducing Nitrogen and Phosphorus levels, future algae growth will be minimized.

4. On site measurements showed slight increases in Dissolved Oxygen (“DO”) levels in the 3-5ppm range as well as a significant decrease in turbidity, an indicator of water clarity. There was no reported fish death or any negative impact on wildlife. An increase in fish and wildlife activity was observed (i.e.; fish jumping, water fowl more prevalent), which is expected with increased DO levels.