Green Algae

Green algae (Various genera) are free-floating in the water column and make the water appear bright green. Occasionally, green algae will clump together to make visible particles in the water column. Green algae blooms can become dense and lead to fish kills in ponds, and are commonly found in ponds that are fertile and productive.

Management Options

Mechanical Options

There are no practical mechanical options for controlling green algae due to their small size and unicellular nature.

Biological Options

Biological options are not available due to a lack of species that consume them.

Chemical Options

The active ingredients that have been successful in treating green algae include copper-based compounds (E), sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate (G), alkylamine salts of endothall (G), and flumioxazin (G). E = excellent; G = good.

Information on Chemical Treatment of Aquatic Vegetation

Return to the Planktonic Algae page