Assessing Copper Adsorption, Internalization, and Desorption Following Algaecide Application to Control Lyngbya wollei from Lake Gaston, NC/VA, USA

Application of copper-based algaecide formulations is commonly conducted to control nuisance cyanobacterial blooms. Most field application scenarios have a rapid decline in external aqueous copper concentrations. Copper partitioned to algae can remain bound in external state, transition into the cell, or desorb back into solution. Understanding short-term fate of applied copper-based algaecides is critical in risk assessment for non-target species as well as achieving desired efficacy of target nuisance algae. This research assessed the ability of copper from different algaecide formulations to partition to Lyngbya wollei and the subsequent internalization and desorption of copper following cessation of the aqueous exposure. Following a 6-h exposure, there were no significant differences in total partitioned copper between copper sulfate and an ethanolamine chelated copper formulation (Captain® XTR). Four days after cessation of the aqueous copper exposure, all chelated copper and copper sulfate (except 2 mg Cu/L) exposures had significantly decreased adsorbed copper to L. wollei. However, chelated copper had significantly more internalized copper (P < 0.05) at the 0.5, 1, and 2 mg Cu/L treatments compared with the 6-h measurements and higher internalized copper than copper sulfate at the 2 and 4 mg Cu/L treatments. Average desorbed copper was lower in most chelated copper treatments compared with copper sulfate, although no statistically significant differences were measured between formulations. This information will allow water resource managers to select the most efficient algaecide formulation for desired algal control, with a better understanding of depuration potential, offsite movement, and risks to non-target organisms.