The aluminum sulphate is commonly called alum which has an excellent role in lake water management. Considering the benefit of alum, it helps control phosphates in pond by using the method of precipitation. It forms a heavy particulate than water which is called a floc which further helps to control the phosphate content in pond or lake water. Following this, the floc creates a barrier that gives back the phosphorus release from the water.

Policy issues relating for use of alum

• The policy helps check whether it is suitable for aquatic life or humans

• It helps maintain the correct balance of alum as it will be suitable to handle eutrophication versus the approach of the method to eliminate the causes

Is it safe to use alum?

The alum or aluminum sulphate used in lake water and when added to water, it forms aluminum ions which gets hydrated. In the method of hydrolysis, the hydrogen ions liberate and it lowers pH of the water. This converts to solid precipitate which forms to a flocculent material. The aluminum hydroxide blanket thus formed absorbs phosphates and therefore, it helps separate the sediment from the water column. Therefore, this method would help maintain and control phosphates in pond.

People are not in the habit of drinking untreated water from lake. Even if they do so, the EPA standards in drinking water that makes it correct to drink. The lake and reservoir water needs correct treatment so that it becomes suitable for health concerns to drink.

How much aluminum is appropriate?

The main concern is how much aluminum is appropriate and depending on this, it helps to control the phosphorus input in the water bodies. In case of its excess presence, it helps neutralize it and maintain its correct balance in lake water. To manage the excess of in lake water should be a suitable approach that helps get rid of the problem soon.

Therefore, alum is effective and safe to control phosphates in pond and other water bodies. Depending on the approach you follow, you can mitigate its presence and get suitable results.