Principle Sources of Phosphates
New cost-effective method for removing dissolved phosphates to control unwanted algal growth in large marine mammal exhibits.
Problem
Traditional algal control approaches (ozonation, chlorination, diver pool-scrubbings, and pool draining) present constant maintenance challenges in seawater marine mammal display pools. These current treatments for minimizing algal growth depend on
the use of high total chlorine concentrations, which promote high oxidant (ORE) levels. This excessive use of chlorine and oxidant has a negative impact on animal health, pool paint, and life support infrastructure. Over time, the resultant nutrient
loading in the water column encourages increased algal growth. This cyclical process not only increases nutrient loads within the water column but also creates a eutrophic environment. The natural supply of nutrients carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus to the pool display is a prerequisite for algal growth. Of the three nutrients, most
marine mammal pool systems contain excessive concentrations of dissolved phosphates. This condition is referred to as eutrophication, a process that occurs when production and consumption of organic matter in a pool system no longer cancel each other
out.
Nutrient Limitation of Algal Growth
Controlling algae is a matter of limiting nutrients. Dissolved phosphates in marine aquariums is of tremendous importance because it is a limiting nutrient for algal growth. In natural seawater, the amount of dissolved phosphate present is typically
quite low (usually less than 0.1 ppm). In many marine mammal pool systems however, the phosphate concentration can be significantly higher (up to several ppm).
Phosphate Removal
La35 is a solution of fine, non-toxic, mineral particles, which is poured or injected into the pool skimmer(s). The active ingredient, lanthanum chloride, works by absorbing phosphate ions from saltwater while releasing chloride
ions. In effect, it is an organic ion exchanger, which is highly selective towards phosphate ions. The resultant lanthanum phosphate remains in the filter media as extremely fine particles, which are easily back washed.
Learn about the advantages of La35 |
La35 - Alternative Treatment To Control Algae Growth and Reduce Operational Expenses in Marine Aquarium Water Systems 