Program aimed at cleaning Mantua Reservoir algae blooms shows promise

MANTUA, Utah — A pilot program to clean up algae blooms at Mantua Reservoir is showing promising results. The program was launched last summer in a partnership between Brigham City and BlueGreen Technologies. 

Blue-green algae blooms can create dangerous toxins. They can make people or animals sick, even causing death. In September of last year, the city called in BlueGreen Water Technologies to use their new technology to clean up the blooms at Mantua Reservoir.

“Our team of scientists treated the Mantua Reservoir using our floating algaecide, Lake Guard Oxy,” said Jan Spin from BlueGreen Water Technologies. 

“So, what we’re basically using is a hydrogen peroxide-based solution, which creates oxidative stress on the colony. What we’ll do is transmit a signal it’s often called ‘program cell death’ which causes the colony to collapse,” Spin explained.

Secondly, it is an environmentally friendly solution. It removes carbon dioxide, leaving only water and oxygen molecules behind. 

According to a press release, the company removed 12,913 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) from Mantua Reservoir as part of their Utah Waterbodies Restoration Programme. The release went on to say this feat was a global first. 

“Our team not only removed nearly 13,000 metric tons of CO2e, we restored the health of the aquatic ecosystem, which has suffered chronic outbreaks of toxic algae. This is an important milestone in our efforts toward delivering swift and significant climate action while protecting our freshwater resources,” stated Eyal Harel, CEO of BlueGreen in the release.  

Scientists want to see how long the treatment results last. It could keep the toxic algae blooms at bay for weeks, months, or even years.

Related: 

• More algae blooms in Utah might pop up because of the warm temperatures
• Dust from Great Salt Lake helps algal blooms thrive, study finds
• Water safety company launches toxic algae education campaign