ABSTRACT
Algae and other aquatic plants play a major role in the functioning of aquatic ecosystems. Algae are found everywhere: in the air, in the soil, on trees, in the fur of some animals, in the intestines of most animals, and in the water. Some of the organic matter excreted in soluble form or from decaying algal cells serves as nutrient material for the growth of heterotrophic bacteria. Algae need various elements as macro- or micronutrients to live, photosynthesize, and reproduce. Carbon can generally be obtained in adequate concentration for algal growth from the atmosphere. Nutrients are not the only factors affecting algal growth in water impoundments. In general, hard water lakes have a greater abundance of algae than soft water lakes. There are many methods of killing algae, but good management requires a tool that will affect the target organism and not affect the rest of the biota or ecosystem.
