Harmful algal blooms (HABs) pose a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems, fisheries, and public health due to the excessive growth of toxin-producing algae driven by nutrient pollution. This project presents a novel, eco-friendly solution utilizing a consortium of algicidal bacteria, encapsulated in biodegradable polymeric beads, designed for targeted and sustained control of harmful algal blooms.

Key Features:

1. Microbial Consortium: Carefully selected, fast-growing, non-toxic algicidal bacteria (and optionally fungi) that degrade algal cell walls and outcompete algae for nutrients.
2. Smart Encapsulation: Use of pH- and nutrient-responsive hydrogel beads that enable controlled release of microbes during peak algal bloom conditions (e.g., elevated nitrogen/phosphorus or specific pH ranges).
3. Biodegradable Carriers: The encapsulating matrix is environmentally safe, minimizing long-term ecological impact.
4. Pre-Log Phase Immobilization: Microbes are encapsulated during the early growth phase to maximize viability and effectiveness upon release.

Applications:

1. Restoration of lakes, ponds, and reservoirs affected by eutrophication
2. Sustainable water quality management in agricultural and aquaculture regions
3. Replacement for chemical algicides in eco-sensitive zones

Impact:

This low-cost, portable, and scalable biocontrol strategy offers a sustainable alternative to conventional chemical treatments, aligning with global efforts toward greener technologies in environmental biotechnology and water management.