Phosphorus Reduction Recomendations - CSRL
Excess phosphorus is one of the primary drivers of nuisance algae blooms, murky water, and declining ecological health in lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams. Even small amounts of phosphorus can fuel large amounts of algal growth, degrading water clarity, reducing recreational value, and stressing fish and other aquatic life.
Modern phosphorus-reducing technologies give lake and pond managers powerful tools to bind and remove phosphorus directly from the water column. Two leading options are PhosClear, a buffered aluminum sulfate formulation for phosphorus removal and water clarification, and EutroSORB WC, a next-generation aqueous phosphorus-binding media designed for rapid and permanent inactivation of phosphorus in the water column.
PhosClear® Phosphate Remover
Product overview
PhosClear is a specially blended and buffered aluminum sulfate (alum) formulation designed specifically for pond and lake water treatment. It is used to remove phosphorus and clarify turbid water in lakes, ponds, and reservoirs by binding phosphate and agglomerating suspended particles.
When applied, aluminum ions in PhosClear bond with phosphate molecules in the water, forming insoluble aluminum phosphate that settles to the bottom. This process removes phosphorus from the water column and makes it unavailable as a nutrient for algae, while also helping to clear suspended dirt and organic particles.
Application characteristics
PhosClear is typically applied by broadcasting granules evenly across the water surface or by pre‑dissolving and spraying as a slurry. A common application rate is about 80 lb per acre‑foot of water (approximately 25 ppm) for full phosphate removal, though site‑specific dosing should always be based on water chemistry and management goals.
The product is buffered to help prevent pH drops during treatment, and is intended for use where pH is between 5.5 and 8.0, alkalinity between 50 and 200 ppm, and salinity below 3 ppt.
Key benefits of PhosClear
- Phosphate removal: Effectively reduces phosphorus levels in lakes and ponds, directly limiting algae growth.
- Water clarification: Agglomerates suspended particles, helping turn murky water clear and improving visibility.
- Algae control support: By removing phosphorus, PhosClear reduces the nutrient supply that fuels nuisance algae blooms.
- Buffered formulation: Built‑in buffering agents help protect against sudden pH drops during treatment.
- Versatile use: Suitable for lakes, ponds, and reservoirs experiencing elevated phosphorus and turbidity.
EutroSORB® WC Water Column Phosphorus Inactivator
Product overview
EutroSORB WC is a next‑generation, proprietary aqueous blend of phosphate‑binding minerals designed for rapid and permanent inactivation of phosphorus in the water column. It targets excess phosphorus in lakes, ponds, reservoirs, rivers, streams, canals, and similar surface waters.
Unlike traditional clay‑based technologies that often require slurry mixing, EutroSORB WC is a ready‑to‑use liquid that can be applied via surface spray, subsurface injection, or poured into areas with good mixing. It is formulated to reduce phosphorus concentrations without altering water chemistry and has an excellent safety profile for fish, invertebrates, and personnel.
Application characteristics
EutroSORB WC is applied directly to the water surface or injected below the surface, with the goal of distributing it uniformly over the treatment area for optimal phosphorus inactivation. Because it is an aqueous solution, it does not require pre‑slurrying, simplifying field operations and reducing handling time.
The product is specifically designed to bind free reactive phosphorus (FRP) in the water column, locking it into stable mineral forms and thereby protecting and restoring water quality in nutrient‑impacted systems.
Key benefits of EutroSORB WC
- Rapid phosphorus inactivation: Quickly binds and permanently inactivates phosphorus in the water column.
- Ready‑to‑use liquid: No slurry mixing required, simplifying application compared to many clay‑based products.
- Flexible application methods: Can be surface‑sprayed, injected subsurface, or poured into mixing zones.
- Minimal impact on water chemistry: Designed not to alter water quality parameters, with an excellent safety profile.
- Broad use in surface waters: Suitable for lakes, ponds, reservoirs, rivers, streams, canals, and ditches.
Integrating Phosphorus Reduction into Lake and Pond Management
PhosClear and EutroSORB WC both address the same core problem—excess phosphorus—but they do so with different chemistries and formulations. PhosClear’s buffered alum granules are especially useful where managers want strong water clarification along with phosphorus removal, while EutroSORB WC’s ready‑to‑use aqueous formulation offers rapid, permanent phosphorus inactivation with minimal impact on water chemistry.
In a comprehensive management plan, phosphorus‑reducing products are often combined with watershed controls (such as erosion reduction and nutrient best‑management practices), aeration, and biological tools to create long‑term, sustainable improvements in water quality. By directly targeting phosphorus in the water column, these technologies help protect clean streams, rivers, and lakes from the cycle of recurring algae blooms and declining clarity.
