Targeted Control of Oscillatoria Blooms Using Xtreme™ RT


oscillatoria-case-study-e1755170773808

Background

Oscillatoria is a genus of filamentous cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) notorious for forming dense mats on water surfaces and releasing harmful compounds such as microcystins and geosmin. These blooms degrade water quality, cause unpleasant odors, harm aquatic ecosystems, and pose health risks to humans and animals. Traditional control methods often rely on copper-based algaecides or other harsh chemicals, which can persist in the environment and harm non-target organisms.

Heartland Energy Group developed Xtreme™ RT as a safe, natural, and biodegradable treatment alternative, specifically engineered to kill harmful cyanobacteria and red tide organisms without adding further ecological stress.

Product Safety Profile

  • GRAS Status: All ingredients are Generally Recognized As Safe by the US FDA (Sections 201(s) and 409 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act).
  • EPA Exemption: Minimal Risk Pesticide, FIFRA Section 25(b) – exempt from federal registration.
  • Biodegradable & Non-Toxic: Leaves no harmful residues; tested with major research institutions like Mote Marine Labs to ensure aquatic ecosystem compatibility.

Mechanism of Action for Oscillatoria Control

Laboratory and field testing have shown that Xtreme™ RT:

  1. Rapidly penetrates cyanobacterial mats – breaking down the protective mucilage layer of Oscillatoria (blue-green algae). 
  2. Disrupts cellular integrity – leading to loss of buoyancy, pigment degradation, and collapse of filaments.
  3. Neutralizes toxins – chemically deactivates cyanotoxins and odor-causing metabolites (e.g., geosmin) within hours.
  4. Promotes natural recovery – allows beneficial algae and plankton to repopulate without creating a “secondary bloom” from nutrient release.

Application Strategy

For Oscillatoria and other blue-green algae:

  • Initial Application: 15–20 ppm (15–20 mg/L) surface spray, ensuring coverage over visible mats.
  • Secondary Control: 10–15 ppm follow-up if bloom density remains after initial treatment.
  • Deployment Methods: Pump-up/backpack sprayers, ATV-mounted sprayers, boat-mounted units, or aerial drones for large areas.
  • Environmental Considerations: Apply during calm wind conditions; repeat based on mat thickness.

Field Case Example: Freshwater Pond in HAB-prone Region

Location: Western Kansas
Problem: Dense Oscillatoria mats covering ~60% of a 2-acre pond, strong odor complaints from residents, and potential livestock health risks.

Treatment Approach:

  • Day 1: The pond was treated using ATV-mounted sprayers to apply Xtreme™ RT along the shoreline and across accessible areas of the pond’s surface. The sprayers provided even coverage, ensuring the treatment penetrated the dense cyanobacterial mats.
  • The pond owner, initially skeptical due to previous failed attempts with other products, agreed to the application after learning about Xtreme™ RT’s safety and success record.
  • Day 2–3: Filaments visibly collapsed, with mats dispersing across the treated areas.
  • Day 4: Odor was completely gone, dissolved oxygen levels remained stable, and fish activity was normal.
  • Week 2: No regrowth detected; water clarity and quality improved significantly.

Post-Treatment Plans

Following the success of the initial treatment, the pond owner has decided to expand Xtreme RT to use two much larger ponds on the property. These will be treated via boat-based application using water column technology to ensure the product reaches algae throughout the upper water layers, not just the surface. This approach is expected to provide more comprehensive control and longer-lasting results.

Results & Advantages

  • Kill Time: Visible degradation within 24 hours; complete collapse typically in <4 days.
  • Toxin Elimination: Neutralized odors and reduced toxin levels without releasing harmful secondary compounds.
  • Ecological Safety: No fish kills or negative impacts on aquatic plants documented.
  • Ease of Use: Versatile application methods suitable for ponds, lakes, marinas, and canals.

Conclusion

Xtreme™ RT offers a proven, safe, and effective solution for the control of Oscillatoria and other harmful cyanobacteria. Its rapid kill rate, toxin-neutralizing capability, and eco-friendly formulation make it ideal for both emergency mitigation and long-term prevention of blue-green algae outbreaks in sensitive water bodies.

The ATV-based shoreline application in this case not only restored water quality quickly but also converted a skeptical landowner into a committed advocate—one now preparing to scale up treatment to larger water bodies with advanced boat-mounted water column deployment.

View Xtreme™ RT

The images below showcase the before-and-after results of Xtreme™ RT for the control of Oscillatoria.

Previous Article Red Tide Case Study

Partner with us

Align With Heartland Energy Group

Reach out today to discover how our sophisticated solutions can enhance your operations across the oil and gas, water treatment, mining, agriculture, disinfectant, and industrial sectors. Together, we can achieve operational excellence and deliver enduring, impactful results.

Contact Us

an aerial view of a sewage treatment plant