The Ohio State University at Newark
IN-24: Innovation A

The campus pond, located in the central part of the campus and built in the 1980's, has switched to environmentally-friendly methods to manage algae and weed growth over the past three years. Previously, the pond was treated with only copper-sulfate herbicide. The pond is 2.94 acres and is 4 ft. deep. The water source is fed from wells that feed through the cooling systems to Hopewell and Founders Halls prior to being discharged into the pond. The water PH is 7. No chemicals are added to the pond therefore providing a fresh source of water to the pond wildlife. The water is checked monthly by a water analysis company. Quattro B Algae Controllers- Part of the pond management consists of using two Quattro-DB algae and biofilm control systems. These controllers work on sonic sound waves to rupture the cells of the algae and cause the algae to sink. These products are developed by Algae Control US LLC. The controllers create ultrasonic frequencies that cover two important bandwidth areas where algae can be controlled via critical structural resonance similar to the way crystal glass can be broken by the right sound pitch. Aerators- We have two aerators that provide oxygen for the fish and help deter the buildup of algae. Bacteria applications- We have incorporated bacterial applications to the pond to help degrade organic matter which builds up on the bottom of the pond. Each product of bacteria is specially formulated for advanced performance in colder water temperatures. This bacteria helps clarify the water with applications made on a monthly basis. The applications start in March and end in October. EPA registered products for pond weed and algae control- With the EPA halting the use of copper sulfate for algae control in ponds having outflows, we have had to resort to the use of chemical algaecides and a weed management program. Along with our sonic system and bacterial applications, in order to control algae and bottom weed growth we have started using the EPA-registered products called Clipper and Reward. Clipper helps kill any algae buildup and works on bottom plants along with Reward, which is also used for bottom plant control. These two products are used mainly as a spring startup up for any algae or bottom weed growth control. The Quattro sonic system will more effective and take over more of the algae management after the bottom weeds have been eliminated.