Dictyosphaerium

Treatment

The thick gelatinous layer surrounding the colonies of this alga may inhibit the effectiveness of chemical algaecides such as copper sulfate. AquaSticker can be used as an adjuvant with Argos to disrupt communication of the microbiota within this layer to enhance treatment efficacy. To address the alga’s root cause, sludge can be physically removed by dredging or a non-disruptive option: Sludge Rx. This can aid in sludge reduction and prevent resuspension of nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus.

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

Dictyosphaerium is a colony-forming green planktonic alga that may appear in wastewater lagoons with high levels of organic sludge. In lagoons with thick organic sludge buildup, it may cause a very persistent bloom that requires treatment. The colonies of Dictyosphaerium have four (or more) spherical cells connected by thin strands of the mother cell wall. The planktonic colonies of Dictyosphaerium are enclosed in a gelatinous envelope of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and can cause high effluent TSS and BOD levels. Read more about the effect of EPS in wastewater.