Use of barley straw to control nuisance freshwater algae

Abstract

This research investigated the effect of aerobically decomposing barley straw on the growth of seven problematic freshwater algae. Growth of Microcystis aeruginosa, Scenedesmus subspicatus, Anabaena flos‐aquae, Spirogyra sp., and Cladophora glomerata were inhibited by the barley straw extract. In contrast, barley straw liquor stimulated the growth of Hydrodictyon reticulatum and Oscillatoria tenius, although its effect on the latter was not significant when results were compared with controls. Field trials were conducted to assess the effect of barley straw on algal assemblage. Bioassays indicated an overall reduction of algal biomass in both treatments (400 and 800 kg/ha) compared with the controls as well as a shift in algal composition from cyanobacteria to diatoms. Results suggest that the use of barley straw is an effective method to control nuisance algae in freshwater systems.

Efficiency of Glutinous Rice Straw Extracts (RD-Six) and Water Hyacinth in Inhibiting Algal Growth and Reducing Nutrients from a Hyper-eutrophic Pond

“…The results of this study corresponded with Islami and Filizadeh (2011) who used rice straw to control algal species in water. Rice straw extract is effective in controlling algae, especially cyanobacterial phytoplankton (Microcystis aeruginosa, Scenedesmus subspicatus, and Anabaena flos-aquae), without inhibiting diatom species (Hydrodictyon reticulatum and Oscillatoria tenuis) (Islami and Filizadeh, 2011). Further research is still needed to understand mechanisms of glutinous rice straw extracts involved in cyanobacteria growth inhibition.…”

“…It is believed that phenolic compounds released from glutinous rice straw selectively influenced Cyanobacteria more than other phytoplankton groups (Ridge and Pillinger, 1996). The results of this study corresponded with Islami and Filizadeh (2011) who used rice straw to control algal species in water. Rice straw extract is effective in controlling algae, especially cyanobacterial phytoplankton (Microcystis aeruginosa, Scenedesmus subspicatus, and Anabaena flos-aquae), without inhibiting diatom species (Hydrodictyon reticulatum and Oscillatoria tenuis) (Islami and Filizadeh, 2011).…”

“…Most rice straw extracts are a group of phenolic compounds (coumaric, vanillic, ferulic, hydroxy benzoic, salicylic, syringic, and benzoic acids), which can inhibit phytoplankton growth and can cause abnormalities against photosynthesis processes of phytoplankton (Ferrier et al, 2005;Park et al, 2006). In particular, phenolic compounds selectively affect blue-green algae (e.g., Microcystis aeruginosa) (Hua et al, 2018) and phytoplankton communities then can shift from cyanobacteria to other groups such as diatoms (Islami and Filizadeh, 2011). Reduction of cyanobacteria, especially Microcystis, is beneficial since Microcystis produces microcystin that can cause toxicity to the liver and skin irritation in animals and humans.…”

“…It flourishes and is widespread in tropical countries and should be used for the benefit of society. The use of glutinous rice straw extract (Eladel et al, 2019;Kang et al, 2017;Iredale et al, 2012;Islami and Filizadeh, 2011) and water hyacinth should be an interesting option to control algal blooms. This combined technique is uncomplicated, has a low cost of operation and reduces the use of chemicals, and therefore is safe for humans, animals and the environment.…”

Eutrophication: Impacts of Excess Nutrient Inputs on Aquatic Ecosystem

“…When barley straw sits in water, decomposition by fungi cause a chemical reaction that inhibits the growth of algae [56]. Researchers have reported successful inhibition of nuisance cyanobacteria such as certain species of Microcystis and Anabaena, as well as green algae like Scenedesmus and Spirogyra [57]. Decomposition requires a high oxygen environment, so it is best to have the bags floating on the surface near shore.…”