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Title: Aquatic plant control research

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/582518· OSTI ID:582518
;  [1];  [2]
  1. Idaho National Engineering Lab., Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
  2. Pacific Gas & Electric Company, San Francisco, CA (United States). Hydro Generation Engineering

The Northwest region of the United States contains extensive canal systems that transport water for hydropower generation. Nuisance plants, including algae, that grow in these systems reduce their hydraulic capacity through water displacement and increased surface friction. Most control methods are applied in an ad hoc fashion. The goal of this work is to develop cost-effective, environmentally sound, long-term management strategies to prevent and control nuisance algal growth. This paper reports on a multi-year study, performed in collaboration with the Pacific Gas & Electric Company, to investigate algal growth in their canal systems, and to evaluate various control methodologies. Three types of controls, including mechanical, biological and chemical treatment, were selected for testing and evaluation. As part of this study, water quality data were collected and algal communities were sampled from numerous stations throughout the distribution system at regular intervals. This study resulted in a more comprehensive understanding of conditions leading to the development of nuisance algal growth, a better informed selection of treatment plans, and improved evaluation of the effectiveness for the control strategies selected for testing.

Research Organization:
Idaho National Lab. (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC07-94ID13223
OSTI ID:
582518
Report Number(s):
INEL/EXT-97-00362; ON: DE98050287; CRN: C/INEL--96-CR-01; TRN: 98:001546
Resource Relation:
Other Information: PBD: May 1997
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English