Pithophora

Treatment

To treat Pithophora use a combination treatment of Pondzilla Pro and Argos. Argos is a chelated copper algaecide effective on a spectrum of algae types. Because Pithophora’s akinetes are resistant to chemical treatment, PondZilla Pro should be added to the tank mix to enhance uptake of the algaecide into the algal cells. To mechanically remove Pithophora, use a rake to remove the floating mat.

Because wastewater issues and the cause behind algae can be complex, we recommend our Filament ID and Microanalysis. This not only confirms algae and filament ID, but looks at biological indicators, plant design, and incoming substrates to decode your unique process.

Under the Microscope and in Your Plant

Pithophora (also called horsehair algae) is a large, green filamentous alga that contains oval-shaped akinetes, or resting structures. Pithophora forms a dense, free-floating mat that is composed of branched filaments. Gas bubbles stick to these mats which causes them to float. Heavy rain can cause the mats to sink due to the disruption of gas bubbles within the mat, but they will float back up soon after. The alga’s akinetes are resilient, protective reservoirs for storing nutrients, allowing Pithophora to withstand and regrow after adverse conditions (such as after algaecide treatment). Calcium deposits form a protective shell on the surface of Pithophora; another adaptation that makes it more resistant to chemical treatment.

That being said, Pithophora is very unlikely to appear in wastewater systems and washes out before it can form noticeable mats.