Organic Biocides

Several research groups have explored the possibility of controlling cyanobacterial blooms using natural biocidal compounds or synthetic analogs. These compounds are not one group, or a derivate of a similar group or classification of molecules. Instead, they represent natural or synthetically modified extracts from various sources. By definition, a biocide is any compound (preservative, insecticide, disinfectant, pesticide, herbicide, fungicide, etc.) that is used for controlling a microorganism that is harmful to human or animal health (USEPA 2019). These organic biocides can range in algal and cyanobacterial targets, and there is an extensive literature of possible ecological end points. In some cases, it is not known how these compounds function; only observations of the effects (for example, algistatic or algaecidal and cyanostatic or cyanocidal) these biocides may have on target organisms are available. In some cases, compounds registered as biocides with USEPA for the control of cyanobacteria are used for limited instances, such as industrial cooling waters and biofouling, and not for surface recreational water bodies.

In general, organic biocides can be broken down into two categories: (1) those that are extracted from plants and (2) those that are natural derivatives of specific metabolites of other microorganisms or plants (NEIWPCC 2015). One potential example of a commonly used, known natural biocides are barley and rice straw extracts, which is expanded upon further in its own strategy.

Various natural compounds have been considered for their potential activity against cyanobacterial blooms and cyanotoxins, including:

• Barley straw and its extracts L-Lysine
• tellimagrandin II
• tryptamine
• nonanoic acid
• β-ionone
• geranyl acetone

While the above is not an exhaustive list of all natural biocidal compounds, several compounds have been examined (NEIWPCC 2015), generally in small-scale studies. Broader ecological impacts may not be known or fully understood. Exhaustive reviews of natural compounds, such as those conducted by Shao et al. (2013), note that many of these compounds may only be weakly cyanocidal or only exhibit inhibitory effects at very high concentrations. Additional concerns are that some organic biocide compounds can themselves be sources of nitrogen or phosphorus, important for additional algal or cyanobacterial growth. Use of some of these compounds, such as L-lysine, may enhance eutrophication by introducing exogenous sources of nitrogen.

COST ANALYSIS

Relative cost per growing season: Organic biocides

ITEM	RELATIVE COST PER GROWING SEASON
Material	$–$$$
Personal Protective Equipment	$–$$
Equipment	$–$$
Labor	$
O&M Costs	$
OVERALL	$$

Estimating cost is difficult for this technique due to the numerous variables. The cost and difficulty in generating the compound is a limiting factor, as is “growing” the source material. Some material, such as L-lysine, can be extracted in abundance at low cost. Others, as described in the literature, require several purification steps to isolate the targeted compound. In general, the simpler the extraction method, the lower the cost.

Some specialized equipment, such as sprayers or on-site grinders, may need to be purchased if the extract must be fresh.

Some organic biocides already have USEPA registration. Additional products are registered as organic biocides, but only for application in specific environments. Some products, though naturally derived, have not been evaluated for short- or long-term toxicity in humans or other aquatic organisms and may pose a hazard. A “natural” or “organic” product is not necessarily safe and could have greater impacts on the ecosystem than the HCB it is purported to treat.

REFERENCES

Kaya, K., Y. D. Liu, Y. W. Shen, B. D. Xiao, and T. Sano. 2005. “Selective control of toxic Microcystis water blooms using lysine and malonic acid: an enclosure experiment.”  Environ Toxicol 20 (2):170-8. doi: 10.1002/tox.20092.

NEIWPCC. 2015. “Harmful Algal Bloom Control Method Synopses.” New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission. https://www.neiwpcc.org/neiwpcc_docs/NEIWPCC_HABControlMethodsSynopses_June2015.pdf.

Shao, J., R. Li, J. E. Lepo, and J. D. Gu. 2013. “Potential for control of harmful cyanobacterial blooms using biologically derived substances: problems and prospects.”  J Environ Manage 125:149-55. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2013.04.001.

USEPA. 2019. “I-BEAM Glossary of Terms.” U. S. Environmental Protection Agency. https://ofmpub.epa.gov/sor_internet/registry/termreg/searchandretrieve/glossariesandkeywordlists/search.do?details=&vocabName=I-BEAM%20Glossary%20of%20Terms.