Phosphorus is a natural mineral and an essential nutrient that aquatic and terrestrial plants need to grow. It is a core component of fertilizers and a natural part of aquatic ecosystems. So why all the bad press? Well, too much of anything is not good, and human activity is increasing phosphate levels at an alarming rate that nature cannot keep up with.
Excessive phosphate levels in ponds lead to toxic algae blooms, rampant weed growth, and poor water quality. Left unchecked, these major disruptions to aquatic ecosystems can cause massive fish deaths and environmental damage.
Phosphate Environmental Impact
Nutrient pollution has been documented in the Chesapeake Bay, the Mississippi River basin, the Puget Sound, and elsewhere around the nation. Excessive phosphates in lakes are causing harmful algal blooms o become frequent in the Great Lakes.
While these issues may sound large and far from home, high phosphate levels are also at work in smaller ponds and lakes. Depending on your pond’s location and neighboring nutrient sources, phosphates might threaten your pond or lake.
How Phosphates Enter an Aquatic Environment
Phosphates enter ponds from organic debris breaking down in the water, such as leaves, twigs, grass clippings, and fish waste. Storm runoff carries fertilizers and other contaminants from farms, lawns, and animal waste into ponds and lakes, contributing to extremely high phosphate levels.
How to Reduce Phosphates in Ponds
- Treat your pond with EcoBoost PRx all-natural phosphate binder.
- Provide a buffer zone (we recommend 25 feet) around your pond or lake where you do not apply lawn fertilizer.
- Cut, rake and remove any dead vegetation before it can decompose and add to the nutrient load.
- Add natural bacteria treatments such as MuckAway and PondClear to lower your nutrient levels and support a thriving, balanced ecosystem.
- Add aeration to increase water circulation and oxygen saturation.
EcoBoost PRx Controls Phosphates Naturally
EcoBoost PRx is a proprietary blend of naturally occurring phosphate binders designed to bind free reactive phosphorus (FRP) permanently. EcoBoost PRx binds phosphates quickly, safely, and effectively, making them unusable as a food source for weeds and algae. In addition, it clears up murky water and boosts the performance of beneficial bacteria.
EcoBoost PRx provides an all-natural pond phosphate remover with no heavy metals. Heavy metal treatments (like aluminum sulfate) negatively affect pH levels in aquatic environments.
Get Help Controlling Phosphates in Your Pond
If you are struggling with high phosphates in your pond that you cannot get under control, contact us for free, personalized advice at 866-766-3435 today.
Read more about phosphate and nutrient control in these related articles:
Phosphate Control Study With EcoBoost PRx
Effects of Lawn Fertilizer on Ponds
Benefits of Airmax EcoBoost PRx
Turbidity in a Pond Explained
PondClear vs MuckAway
Last Updated: May 20, 2024