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PAK®27 – How It Works

PAK®27 works through an oxidation process, releasing hydrogen peroxide (sometimes referred to as hydrogen dioxide) into the water supply. It is a selective treatment for cyanobacteria–meaning that at the lower end of the dosage rate (below 17#/ac.ft.) PAK®27 does not impact beneficial forms of aquatic life, such as green algae, diatoms, and other desirable algal forms. PAK®27 is effective both as an algaecide (eliminating existing cyanobacteria infestations) and as an algaestat (i.e., retarding and preventing new growth). It works quickly, and neither it nor its byproducts (hydrogen peroxide and oxygen) linger in the ecosystem.

The best way to minimize cyanobacteria, their blooms, and therefore the toxins is to use an algaecide as an algaestat and “prune the bloom.” With early prevention, one can limit the toxins, the odors, off-flavors, and unacceptable surface appearance that result from cyanobacteria (blue-green algae).

How does using PAK®27 differ from using copper-based treatment methods?

Copper sulfate, the most common copper salt, was one of the early chemical approaches to treating cyanobacteria. However, there has been growing environmental concern with its use because copper sulfate can be harmful to plants and fish as well as being toxic to humans in sufficient quantities.

Compared with PAK®27, copper-based solutions are:

  • Very problematic and likely to result in fish kills when water alkalinity is less than 50 ppm.
  • Non-selective for cyanobacteria.
  • Toxic and persistent in the ecosystem.