Aquatic Herbicides – Aquarius-Systems

New Questions About ProcellaCOR and Eurasian Watermilfoil Management

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 18:12:24 +0000

Eurasian watermilfoil is one of the most widespread and challenging aquatic invasive plants found in lakes and waterways across North America. This submerged aquatic plant grows rapidly, forming dense underwater stands and thick surface canopies that can interfere with boating, fishing, swimming, and other recreational activities. In many water bodies, invasive milfoil can also outcompete native vegetation, reducing plant diversity and altering aquatic habitat.

Managing Eurasian watermilfoil often requires a long-term commitment and a combination of management techniques. Mechanical harvesting, hand removal, bottom barriers, biological controls, and aquatic herbicides are all commonly used to reduce infestations and improve waterway access. Each method offers advantages and limitations, and many lake managers rely on integrated management programs that combine multiple approaches to achieve their goals.

One herbicide that has gained significant attention in recent years is ProcellaCOR®, a selective aquatic herbicide designed to target invasive plants while minimizing impacts on many native species. Lake associations and resource managers across the country have used ProcellaCOR to combat persistent milfoil infestations, often reporting successful control of invasive growth and improved conditions for recreation and native plant recovery.

However, as with any management tool, questions remain about potential long-term effects and environmental persistence.

Findings from Lake George

Following a ProcellaCOR treatment in Lake George, New York, researchers conducted independent sampling of water, sediment, and aquatic plants to better understand how the herbicide behaved within the ecosystem after application.

According to the study, degradants associated with the herbicide were detected in the upper layer of sediment five months after treatment. Researchers also reported finding the herbicide’s active ingredient, florpyrauxifen benzyl, in deeper sediment layers more than a year after application.

These findings have generated discussion among lake residents, scientists, and resource managers regarding how herbicide compounds interact with lake sediments and whether long-term accumulation may occur under certain conditions.

Balancing Benefits and Concerns

For many lake communities, ProcellaCOR has become an important tool in the ongoing effort to control invasive milfoil. Dense infestations can significantly impact recreation, property values, water flow, and native aquatic plant communities. Effective control methods can provide substantial benefits when invasive species threaten the health and usability of a lake.

At the same time, some residents and environmental advocates have expressed concerns about possible unintended consequences of repeated herbicide use. Questions have been raised regarding sediment persistence, impacts on non-target organisms, and the long-term effects on lake ecology. While current research continues to evaluate these issues, many stakeholders are calling for additional monitoring and independent studies to better understand the full environmental picture.

The Importance of Integrated Aquatic Plant Management

The debate surrounding Eurasian watermilfoil management highlights the complexity of aquatic ecosystem stewardship. There is rarely a single solution that works for every lake or waterway. Factors such as infestation size, waterbody characteristics, management goals, budget, and environmental considerations all influence the selection of appropriate control methods.

Mechanical harvesting continues to play an important role in many aquatic plant management programs by physically removing plant biomass from the waterway without introducing chemicals into the ecosystem. Harvesting can improve navigation, reduce nuisance growth, and remove nutrients contained within the harvested vegetation. In many cases, harvesting is used alongside other management strategies as part of a comprehensive aquatic plant management plan.

As research continues and new information becomes available, lake managers, regulators, and stakeholders will need to evaluate all available tools carefully. Ongoing monitoring, transparent reporting, and science-based decision making remain essential for protecting both recreational access and long-term ecosystem health.

The conversation surrounding ProcellaCOR and Eurasian watermilfoil management is likely to continue as additional studies are completed. For lake associations and water resource managers, understanding both the benefits and potential tradeoffs of available management options remains a critical part of maintaining healthy and usable waterways.

Glyphosate Study Retraction Raises Questions About Herbicide Safety

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 19:17:36 +0000

A recent article in The New York Times detailed the retraction of a once-prominent study that supported the safety of glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup. The paper had been cited for years as evidence that the herbicide posed minimal risk. But after concerns were raised about conflicts of interest and the integrity of the research, the journal formally withdrew the study. For many, it was a reminder that even widely accepted conclusions can unravel when transparency comes into question.

Glyphosate is one of the most heavily used herbicides in the world. Regulatory decisions surrounding its approval have relied on research evaluating toxicity, exposure limits, and environmental impact. When a study that helped shape public confidence is pulled back, it naturally raises broader questions. Science is meant to evolve. That’s not a flaw — it’s the process. But it does highlight the importance of independent review, long-term data, and open disclosure of funding and methodology.

The same framework applies to aquatic herbicides used in lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. These products are also deemed safe when applied according to label directions, based on studies measuring water concentration levels, species sensitivity, and breakdown rates. Yet water systems are complex. Variables such as temperature, oxygen levels, sediment composition, and nutrient loading all influence outcomes in real-world conditions. Ongoing evaluation matters.

For communities managing aquatic vegetation, the discussion often comes down to balancing effectiveness, cost, and environmental impact. Mechanical harvesting, for example, physically removes vegetation from the water body — along with the nutrients contained in that plant material. Left in place, excessive vegetation eventually dies and decomposes, releasing nutrients that can contribute to algae blooms and reduced oxygen levels. Different management tools bring different trade-offs.

What the glyphosate retraction ultimately reinforces is this: sound environmental decisions depend on sound science. That science must be transparent, repeatable, and open to scrutiny. Whether addressing agricultural weeds or aquatic vegetation, long-term ecosystem health depends on continually testing assumptions and being willing to re-examine conclusions when new information emerges.

Quagga Mussel Treatment in Idaho Raises Concerns Over Chemical Use

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 15:59:34 +0000

In 2023, invasive quagga mussels were discovered in the Snake River near Twin Falls, Idaho. To stop the spread, officials carried out a large-scale chemical treatment using copper-based products. Two years later, the results show just how much damage these treatments can cause—and how little success they’ve had in eliminating the mussels.

Chemical Treatments: Lethal to More Than Just Mussels

The copper treatment was designed to kill mussels, but it didn’t stop there. Entire populations of aquatic life were hit hard. Native mussels, snails, and insects dropped by as much as 90%. Fish populations took a devastating blow too—most of the local sturgeon were wiped out along with other species.

On top of that, more than 7,000 pounds of copper settled into the riverbed, creating long-term toxicity risks for sediment-dwelling organisms. Instead of targeting only the quagga mussels, the treatment spread lethal effects across nearly the entire food chain.

A Partial Success at a High Cost

Despite the widespread losses, the treatment did not eliminate the mussels. Quagga larvae were still detected in the Snake River a year later, forcing another round of chemical use. Officials report that the infested stretch of river has shrunk in size, but containment is far different from eradication.

For millions of dollars spent—and with ecosystems damaged in the process—the results fall short. Many now see the effort as a failure, because the mussels survived while native species did not.

The Bigger Problem With Aquatic Chemicals

Copper and other aquatic chemicals may be approved for use, but they are far from safe. In a river system, they do not stay neatly in place. They travel downstream, settle into sediments, and continue poisoning life long after the initial treatment ends.

The Idaho case highlights the risks of relying on chemicals as a “quick fix.” They may knock back invasive species temporarily, but they also create lasting harm for native species, water quality, and ecosystem balance.

A Call for Smarter Solutions

Idaho’s quagga mussel response is a cautionary tale. We cannot treat complex waterways like controlled test sites. Before future treatments, agencies must consider alternatives that remove or manage invasive species without poisoning everything else along the way. Smarter strategies—such as mechanical removal, improved monitoring, or long-term prevention—are needed to protect both water quality and aquatic life.

Read More https://www.idahostatesman.com/outdoors/article311507151.html

Decomposing Weeds After Spraying Kills Fish in Lake

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 16:34:36 +0000

Residents around Indian Lake in Worcester, Massachusetts, are raising concerns after a spike in fish deaths following the recent application of aquatic herbicides. These chemicals, intended to control the spread of invasive weeds, work by killing the plants outright. But once the plants die, they begin to decompose in the water—a process that consumes dissolved oxygen. As oxygen levels drop, fish and other aquatic life can no longer survive, resulting in visible fish kills along the shoreline.

This chain reaction—herbicide application, plant decay, and oxygen depletion—has become a growing concern for communities trying to balance weed control with aquatic health. Indian Lake residents voiced frustration over poor communication from city officials, especially after seeing and smelling the aftermath of the July 2025 treatment. This incident underscores the environmental risks of chemical plant control and the importance of considering non-chemical alternatives like mechanical weed harvesting.

Read More https://www.telegram.com/story/news/2025/07/22/dead-fish-herbicides-communication-discussed-at-indian-lake-meeting/85306476007/?gnt-cfr=1&gca-cat=p&gca-uir=true&gca-epti=z118908p000650c000650d00—-v118908d–79–b–79–&gca-ft=234&gca-ds=sophi

When Waterway Management Turns Harmful

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 18:12:20 +0000

In June 2024, a chemical herbicide application in Florida’s Elkcam Waterway resulted in a catastrophic fish kill. Within 24 hours, residents reported fish gasping at the surface, and by the end of the week, thousands of dead fish had washed up along the banks.

This devastating incident underscores the dangers of using chemicals to manage aquatic vegetation. While herbicides can offer a quick solution, the long-term damage can be severe—destroying ecosystems, harming wildlife, and raising health concerns for nearby communities.

The fish lost in Port St. Lucie were part of a balanced aquatic system that also supported birds, turtles, and other species. The sudden collapse of this environment sparked outrage and concern among residents who now question the safety and sustainability of chemical treatments.

Fortunately, there is a better way. Mechanical harvesting offers an eco-friendly, chemical-free method of aquatic weed control. It physically removes vegetation from the water without introducing toxins or disrupting the ecosystem. This method not only preserves water quality but also protects the fish, plants, and wildlife that depend on healthy aquatic habitats.

Whether managing a private lake, public waterway, or residential canal, mechanical harvesting is a responsible, sustainable solution. It’s an effective alternative for those who care about long-term water health and want to avoid the risks of herbicide use.

Hydrilla Eradication Efforts Raise PFAS Concerns in New York Lakes

Wed, 28 May 2025 14:18:19 +0000

Hydrilla, a non-native aquatic plant, has been labeled one of the world’s most invasive species. While it can dominate shallow, warm waters in places like Florida, its threat in deep, cold lakes such as those in New York is far less clear. Nevertheless, aggressive chemical eradication campaigns have been launched across the state, including in Cayuga Lake and the New Croton Reservoir—key drinking water sources for millions. These treatments have relied heavily on herbicides like fluridone, often applied in massive quantities over several years.

Fluridone is a PFAS chemical—a class of compounds known for their persistence in the environment and growing links to serious health issues. Despite being banned from use in food packaging and other consumer products in New York, it’s being deliberately applied to drinking water sources at concentrations vastly exceeding current PFAS safety thresholds. Native aquatic plant populations have sharply declined, and no monitoring has been conducted on the impacts to fish, birds, or invertebrates. With millions of New Yorkers at potential risk, experts are calling for more transparency, scientific scrutiny, and a halt to unnecessary herbicide use in critical water supplies.

The Hidden Dangers of Aquatic Herbicides

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 15:50:31 +0000

At first glance, using herbicides to control aquatic weeds might seem like an efficient solution. But emerging science shows that these chemicals often come with serious unintended consequences for the environment.

A recent report from Beyond Pesticides reveals that a new class of herbicides containing florpyrauxifen-benzyl (FPX) —designed to mimic natural hormones—may be threatening non-target aquatic species. These chemicals don’t just attack invasive plants; they can interfere with the biology of fish, amphibians, and beneficial plant life, potentially disrupting entire aquatic ecosystems.

This is especially concerning in lakes and waterways where biodiversity and water quality are already under pressure. Once these chemicals enter the water, they’re hard to remove and can persist in sediment long after application.

Read the Full Article

Glyphosate Risks in Water Hyacinth Control Highlight Concerns

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 20:37:41 +0000

Water hyacinth, one of the most invasive aquatic plants, poses serious threats to waterbodies across India, including Pashan Lake in Pune and Powai Lake in Mumbai. As municipal authorities struggle to manage these infestations, the use of herbicides such as glyphosate is being considered as a cheaper and quicker solution. However, applying glyphosate to control water hyacinth can have long-term harmful effects on aquatic ecosystems. Glyphosate breaks down into aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), which remains toxic and continues to affect aquatic life. It reduces oxygen levels by promoting the decay of dead plant matter, leading to the death of fish and other aquatic species. Additionally, glyphosate can disrupt the food chain by harming beneficial algae and microorganisms that support aquatic biodiversity.

The risks of using glyphosate go beyond immediate environmental concerns. Studies suggest that its residues in waterbodies can accumulate over time, affecting not just fish but also amphibians and other organisms. In sensitive habitats, such as those with crocodiles or endemic species, these chemicals may alter reproductive cycles and hinder growth, leading to population declines. Furthermore, introducing glyphosate without addressing pollution sources, such as sewage inflow, only provides a temporary fix. Experts emphasize the need for thorough environmental assessments and long-term monitoring before opting for chemical interventions. Sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives, such as biological control using weevils or mechanical removal, offer safer solutions to protect India’s vulnerable aquatic ecosystems.

OBWB Opposes Herbicide Use in Okanagan Waters

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 16:55:04 +0000

The Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) is raising concerns over the use of two newly registered aquatic chemicals in British Columbia—ProcellaCOR FX, an herbicide for invasive weed control, and a potash-based water treatment chemical. The OBWB strongly opposes the application of these or any other chemicals in Okanagan waters, citing risks to drinking water safety. The Okanagan Nation Alliance’s natural resources committee has verbally supported this stance.

The OBWB stresses that without regulatory protections, the threat of herbicide use remains a persistent risk to local lakes and waterways. Seeking a coordinated approach, the board is looking for partners to advocate for stricter regulations and alternative water management solutions. While ProcellaCOR FX is designed to target invasive aquatic weeds, and potash is used in water treatment, the OBWB remains firm in its position against chemical use in Okanagan lakes to safeguard environmental and public health.

Residents Question Safety of Aquatic Herbicide Use

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 18:26:47 +0000

A state investigation into herbicide use at New Orleans’ City Park concluded with inconclusive findings, leaving many resident concerns unaddressed. The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) criticized the contractor responsible for spraying for failing to provide complete records of chemical quantities and treated areas. The department stated this would lead to enforcement actions but did not specify what those actions would entail. Herbicides have long been used in the park to control invasive species like green salvinia and water hyacinth, but the practice has raised questions about potential risks to native wildlife, pets, and public health.

A complaint filed in August questioned the safety of herbicide use in a park frequented by children, pets, and fishermen. It also called for better public safety measures, such as warning signage about potential dangers. The investigation found no evidence linking herbicide use to reports of turtle deaths in the park and determined that incomplete data provided by the contractor was within acceptable limits. The agency declined to recommend signage, citing the lack of legal requirements.

Residents have expressed concerns about whether the chemicals pose risks to the environment and park visitors. Some alleged improper application practices, including excessive spraying and insufficient protective gear. However, the contractor maintains that herbicides are essential for managing invasive weeds and emphasized compliance with state licensing requirements.

LDAF investigators noted missing records on several spraying dates this summer, making it difficult to assess whether applications fully complied with pesticide regulations. While the investigation highlighted deficiencies in record-keeping, it did not address broader concerns about health and environmental safety.

City Park Conservancy defends its use of herbicides, stating that all chemicals are approved by federal regulators and are vital for controlling invasive plants that overwhelm lagoons during the growing season. This year, treatments were applied throughout the park except for the sculpture garden area. Despite these assurances, concerns from park visitors remain, with many questioning the safety and transparency of herbicide use in an urban environment. The investigation’s findings leave key questions unanswered, fueling ongoing frustration among residents.