How It Works
The disinfection/killing of the cell takes place when the positively charged copper ion form bonds with negatively charged areas on the cell walls of micro-organisms. These bonds create stresses that lead to distorted cell wall permeability, minimizing the normal intake of life-sustaining nutrients.
Once inside the cell of the micro-organism the copper reacts with sulphur containing amino-acids in the proteins used for photosynthesis(the process of converting light and nutrients into useable food and energy)As a result photosynthesis is blocked leading to cell lyses (disintegration) and death.If the cells manages to live for a short time ,the reproduction is hampered by the presence of copper ions and the spread of the micro- organism is stop.Most undesirable bacteria are killed at low copper ion concentrations whereas import beneficial bacteria,being more tolerant of copper ions, will survive.
Algae Identification and Information Guide For . . .
DESCRIPTION
These freshwater algae are characterized by long threads or filaments of narrow cells attached to one another, end to end, These filaments are sometimes branched, forming a tuft attached to stones (they have no structure comparable to a root), In early spring they grow on the pond bottom rising to the surface during hot, sunny weather to form a bubble-filled scum. Determination of various forms of filamentous algae should be verified by microscopic examination.
Common genera of filamentous algae include Cladophora and Spirogyra
DESCRIPTION
These microscopic organisms may be single or many-celled, and commonly form simple chains or clumps due to their gregarious nature. They appear green, blue-green or brown in color and float freely within the water column. The growth of certain forms of this type of algae may become so great that the water may take on a thick pea soup appearance. "Algae blooms" collect at the surface of the water during periods of calm and are concentrated in-shore by wind. As these "algae blooms" die off and decay, the resulting oxygen depletion of the water may cause summer kill of fish populations. Some species of planktonic algae release toxins as they decay, occasionally rendering the water poisonous to livestock and wildlife. Other species may impart tastes and odors into the water, making it undesirable for consumption. Types of planktonic algae which may form "algae blooms" in ponds and lakes include Aphanizomenon, Microcystis, and Anabaena.
DESCRIPTION
Macrophytic algae can grow sufficiently large enough that individual plants may be seen readily without the aid of a microscope. A macrophytic algae which is prevalent throughout Alberta is Chara. Members of the genus Chara are also known as stoneworts because of a crusty lime coating which is deposited on their 'stems' and 'leaves.' They are green or grey-green in color and often emit a musky, skunk-like odor. The stem-like axis of Char a bears whorls of branches and forked cylindrical 'leaves.' Reproduction may occur sexually by fruiting bodies found on the 'leaf' filaments, or vegetative by star-shaped aggregates of cells on the lower 'stem' nodes, and outgrowths from the 'stem' nodes. Chara will be found in hard water or alkaline lakes and in slow moving streams in which calcium is abundant. Thick mats of Chara may be encountered covering the bottom in shallow or very deep water. Chara provides a habitat for a wide variety of aquatic animals which act as food for fish.
DESCRIPTION
Flowers: in whorls of three flowers on a scape; unisexual; female flowers generally found lower on the scape; white in color
Leaves: aerial leaves sagittate; submerged leaves may be narrowly linear; petioles originate from the base of the plant; 20 - 40 cm in height
Stems: rhizomes
NOTES
Reproduction: seeds; tubers; runners; proliferation of the rhizome
Habitat: found throughout Alberta in marshes and shallow areas or shores of lakes
Ecology: tubers are often sought after by ducks
DESCRIPTION
Identification of Bulrush species requires detailed examination of flowers and fruits.
Flowers: forming spikelets, arranged laterally or terminally on the stem; minute; in the axils of scales; flower clusters subtended by one or more bracts
Leaves: blades often lacking; when present, linear and sheathing the stem
Stems: often naked; triangular or circular in cross section, may reach 2.5 m in length in some species; extending from a rhizome
NOTES
Reproduction: seeds; runners; rhizomes
Habitat: shallow shoreline waters, wet
Meadows: distributed throughout Alberta
Ecology: bulrushes are used for food by muskrat, as nesting sites by birds and are important as soil binders
DESCRIPTION
Flowers: unisexual, male and female on separate plants, the female plant is seen more commonly; the female flower reaches the surface on a long slender stalk; the male flower is borne on a shorter stalk which separates from the plant allowing the flower to rise to the surface and meet the female
Leaves: dark green, translucent; small and narrow, 1 - 3 mm wide, 10 - 15 mm long; commonly arranged in whorls of three Stems: branching; ranging in length from 1-3mm
Roots: may arise from the stem nodes; the plant is usually rooted in the hydrosoil but may survive if floating
NOTES
Reproduction: primarily by winter buds, rarely by seeds
Habitat: may produce dense stands in shallow areas of lakes, sloughs and slow moving streams
Ecology: provides shelter for a wide variety of aquatic organisms; eaten by waterfowl and muskrat; an efficient oxygenator of water
DESCRIPTION
Flowers: forming a dense terminal spike; unisexual; male portion of the spike produced above the thick, cigar-shaped female portion
Leaves: linear; upright, sheathing the stem; up to 1 meter long and 20 mm wide
Stems: growing erect; up to 2.5 m high; cylindrical; extending from a rhizome
NOTES:
Reproduction: seeds; proliferation of the rhizome
Habitat: any wet place on marshy area; may grow on exposed soil if water table is sufficiently high (within 0.5 m of the soil surface); prevailent in Alberta
Ecology: provides excellent habitat for birds and small mammals; pheasants use cattails for cover; rhizomes are eaten by muskrat and beaver; aerial portions may be fed upon by terrestrial mammals.
DESCRIPTION
Flowers: yellow; irregular; extending above the water surface on long stalks
Leaves: having numerous bladders 3 - 5 mm long; finely cut into numerous threadlike divisions
Stems: having dense foliage, 5 - 7 mm thick
Roots: lacking
NOTES
Reproduction: seeds; winter buds formed at shoot apices
Habitat: lakes, sloughs and ditches throughout Alberta; floating near the surface in quiet water
Ecology: eaten by waterfowl; provides good cover for fish; the bladders of this plant open to trap small aquatic animals which are used for nutrition
DESCRIPTION
Flowers: minute; sessile in the leaf axils Leaves: in whorls of 5 - 12 leaves; whorls variably spaced on the stem, crowding towards the tip, giving a "coontail" appearance; each leaf forked into 2 or 4 toothed divisions; often stiff and coarse in texture because of lime deposits
Stems: branqhing; 30 cm - 1.5 m in length Roots: usually lacking
NOTES
Reproduction: rarely by seeds; winter buds forming on shoot apices
Habitat: embedded in the hydrosoil early in the season, later existing unattached
Ecology: eaten by muskrat and waterfowl; shelters young fish and supports aquatic insect life; moderately efficient as an aerator.
DESCRIPTION
Flowers: forming a terminal spike; emerging
Leaves: linear, 10 - 20 cm long; with prominent midvein; nonsheathing base; stipules well developed, fibrous, 1 - 3 cm long
Stems: flattened; several times as wide as thick; branching
NOTES
Reproduction: predominantly by tubers and winter buds; seeds
Habitat: common to lakes, sloughs and slow moving streams of Alberta
Ecology: tubers and seeds are important as duck food
DESCRIPTION
Flowers: small, green, numerous; on a thick, terminal, emergent spike
Leaves: numerous, broad, leathery floating leaves on petioles; occasionally
long, narrow, submerged leaves up to 46 cm in length
Stems: rarely branched; extending from a rhizome
NOTES
Reproduction: seeds; proliferation of the rhizome
Habitat: shallow or deep water of lakes, marshes
Ecology: seeds provide food for ducks; provide cover for fish food organisms
DESCRIPTION
Flowers: unisexual; forming dense spherical heads; male flowers produced uppermost on the stem
Leaves: long, slender and sessile; longitudinal and cross veins are present on the leaves and form a meshwork pattern
Stems: sturdy, 50 - 150 cm high; extending from a rhizome
NOTES
Reproduction: seeds; proliferation of the rhizome
Habitat: in shallow water and marshy areas throughout Alberta
Ecology: may be fed upon by waterfowl and muskrat
DESCRIPTION
Flowers: forming a 3 - 8 cm long spike Leaves: long (10 - 40 cm) and slender; coarse in texture; lower leaves have a broadened stipular sheath (2 - 5 cm long) which is much wider than the stem
Stems: branching; extending from a rhizome; relatively thick compared to the leaves
NOTES
Reproduction: seeds, proliferation of the rhizome
Habitat: lakes, larger sloughs and slow moving streams; common in Alberta
Ecology: may form dense stands under suitable conditions; can become problematical because of its large size.
DESCRIPTION
Flowers: rarely present; unisexual; male flower of single stamen, female flower of single pistil; borne on the side or upper surface of the thallus
Plant Body: no true leaves or stems present, plant body is in the form ot a flat thallus; 2 - 5 mm in length
Roots: single rootlet borne on the underside of the thallus
NOTES
Reproduction: rarely by seeds; predominantly by budding; overwinter as bulblets formed by the thalli which sink to the bottom in fall and surface in spring
Habitat: floating on the surface of shallow ponds, marshes and pools; common throughout Alberta
Ecology: eaten by waterfowl; provides shade and cover for fish and aquatic invertebrates; in overabundance may alter existing habitat by shading out other forms of vegetation
DESCRIPTION
Flowers: green; sessile; borne in the leaf axils on emergent portion of the plant
Leaves: sessile; 1 - 3 cm long; linear and pointed, in whorls of 6 to 12 leaves; submerged leaves flaccid, emerged leaves firm
Stems: unbranched; extending from a creeping rhizome; emerging above the surface
NOTES
Reproduction: seeds, proliferation of the rhizome
Habitat: largely submergent in sheltered waters throughout Alberta; may also be found growing in muddy, exposed soils
Ecology: seeds and leaves eaten by waterfowl; underwater foliage is inhabited by aquatic invertebrates.
DESCRIPTION
Flowers: small; in clusters, at end of short spikes, attached in whorls to a long stalk from the base of the plant; flowers whitish or brownish
Leaves: long, grass-like; arising from the base of plant; in younger plants, leaves narrow and floating; in mature plants, leaves broader, with widened tips, floating or erect
Stems: bulb-like, with fibrous roots
NOTES
Reproduction: by seed or vegetatively from the perennial stem
Habitat: shallow water of ponds, sloughs, lakes, streams, ditches and canals; grows entirely submerged or emerged; common in southern Alberta
Ecology: seed used by waterfowl; prominent plant in irrigation canals.
DESCRIPTION
Flowers: in whorls which are variably spaced on a terminal emergent spike; floral bracts rarely as long as the fruits
Leaves: feather-like; whorled, usually four to a whorl; 1 - 3 cm long; pinnate, 12 - 20 leaflets per leaf.
Stems: branching; purplish or reddish in color, commonly about 1 m long
Roots: spirally twisted.
NOTES
Reproduction: seeds, plant fragments; winter buds
Habitat: sloughs, lakes, and streams throughout Alberta; at a variety of depths
Ecology: important as food for muskrat and moose as well as waterfowl; harbors fish food organisms.
DESCRIPTION
Flowers: forming a large, feathery pannicle; tawny or purple in color
Leaves: large and flat; 1 - 3 cm wide, with overlapping sheaths; tip of leaf boat-shaped
Stems: extending from thick rhizomes; 1.5 - 3 m in height
NOTES
Reproduction: seeds; proliferation of the rhizome
Habitat: quiet waters of lakes and sloughs; marshy areas and ditches
Ecology: important in providing cover for birds and small mammals; rhizomes fed upon by muskrat; helps in preventing erosion by holding the soil
DESCRIPTION
Flowers: produced in thick spikes which may emerge
Leaves: all submerged, 3 - 12 cm long, lessening in length towards tip of
stem; oval to linear; clasping stem at points of attachment; sessile;
margins wavy
Stems: branched; extending from unspotted rhizomes
NOTES
Reproduction: seeds; proliferation of the rhizome
Habitat: very common in Alberta; inhabiting lakes, ponds and slow moving
streams
Ecology: provides good habitat for aquatic organisms; all or part of the
plant is eaten by ducks, shorebirds, muskrat, beaver and moose
DESCRIPTION
Flowers: produced terminally on the stem; may appear to be lateral due to a long, cylindrical floral bract extending continuous with the stem
Leaves: may be cylindrical or flattened in cross section, or may be reduced to bladeless sheaths
Stems: in clumps or arising from a creeping rhizome; circular in cross section; 20 cm - 80 cm in height
NOTES
Reproduction: seeds; rhizomes
Habitat: shallow water along shorelines or in wet meadows
Ecology: thickened plant bases are eaten by muskrat; seeds are eaten by upland birds
DESCRIPTION
Flowers: forming a long slender terminal spike; distance between flower whorls varies; floating at or near the surface
Leaves: submerged, narrowly linear; triangular in cross section; 3 - 10 cm long
Stems: slender, with many branches; extending from a slender rhizome
NOTES
Reproduction: predominantly by tubers; seeds
Habitat: may inhabit a wide range of aquatic environments from shallow, swift water to fairly deep, still water; common throughout Alberta
Ecology: may grow in overabundance, producing large quantities of organic matter in the aquatic ecosystem; important as an oxygenator; eaten by birds and aquatic orientated mammals; tubers may be heavily fed upon by ducks.
DESCRIPTION
Flowers: forming an emergent spike
Leaves: linear, 1 - 8 cm long, .3 - 1.5 mm wide; with three viens, midvein prominent
Stems: threadlike; branched
NOTES
Reproduction: seeds; winter buds
Habitat: grawing in clumps; usually in deeper water (depths of 2 - 3 meters); common in Alberta
Ecology: provides a good source of food for waterfowl; cover for fish
DESCRIPTION
Flowers: rarely present; unisexual; male flower of single stamen; female flower of single pistil
Plant Body: a flat thallus; individual thalli often joined together forming T -shaped cross arrangements; thalli 6 - 10 mm long
Roots: single rootlet borne on the underside of the thallus
NOTES
Reproduction: primarily by budding; seeds are rare; overwinter as bulblets formed by thalli which sink to the bottom in fall
Habitat: floating at or just below the water surface; common throughout Alberta in shallow ponds, marshes and pools
Ecology: eaten by waterfowl; provides cover for fish and aquatic invertebrates, often found in association with Lesser duckweed
DESCRIPTION
Flowers: pink to red in color; emergent; in form of a raceme 1 - 3 cm long
Leaves: floating; oblong; up to 10 cm long; petiolate
Stems: a rhizome trailing in the water or lying on the bottom
Roots: arise from the stem nodes
NOTES
Reproduction: seeds; proliferation of the rhizome
Habitat: lakes, sloughs and marshy areas; may be seen as an erect terrestrial plant which differs in having a larger raceme, hairy stem and hairy lanceolate leaves
Ecology: used as a food source by waterfowl, shorebirds and muskrat
DESCRIPTION
Flowers: small, greenish; at end of a thick, emergent spike
Leaves: all submerged; large (10-13 cm long, 1-3 cm wide); becoming smaller and crowded at end of stem; apex boatshaped; bases clasp half way around stems; persistent, long whitish stipules extend along stem from leaf base
Stems: long, branching and usually zig-zag near top; growing to surface, often forming thick surface mats; rhizomes with rusty spots
NOTES
Reproduction: from rhizomes or by seed Habitat: moderately deep water of lakes; rarely inhabiting shallow or moving water
Ecology: provides cover and foraging areas for fish; used as food by waterfowl
DESCRIPTION
Flowers: produced on or above the water surface; white in color; petals 5 - 9 mm long
Leaves: sessile; finely cut into many threadlike divisions; fairly stiff, retaining shape when taken from the water
Stems: branched
NOTES
Reproduction: seeds
Habitat: commonly found in sloughs, lakes and streams in Alberta; does not readily tolerate poor water quality
Ecology: may grow in over abundance, forming thick mats on the water surface
DESCRIPTION
Flowers: yellow; emerging; on long stalks; tulip-like; 4 - 7 cm wide
Leaves: broadly oval; 10 - 30 cm long; bi-iobed; long petioles (up to 4 m); floating; young submersed leaves often red tinged
Stems: thick rhizomes
NOTES
Reproduction: seeds; tubers; proliferation of the rhizome
Habitat: in sheltered waters of ponds, lakes and slow moving streams throughout Alberta
Ecology: leaves eaten by deer, moose and insects; rhizome is a chief source of food for muskrat; seeds eaten by birds; floating leaves provide shade and protective cover for fish and aquatic invertebrates
