By Winston Muleba JR
How do you feel when you see a white or any colored painted structure looking greenish? Maybe let me ask this, 'in your life time, did you at one point almost or completely fell when you stepped on the concrete floor engulfed with green algae?'
As it were, algae is not only unsightly and damaging to the concrete it colonizes, it also poses a significant safety hazard due to its slippery texture.
Many scholars describe algae as amorphous and usually deep green, but the
telltale sign is that it looks
slimy when wet and it’s
slippery to the touch.
Because algae doesn’t grow
like a weed, it doesn’t develop
stems or roots. But, it’s still
tough to remove manually.
Algae attaches itself by a type
of bioadhesive, and it proves
to be very sticky.
In nature, algae has to cling strongly to
hard surfaces as it lives in places where water is constantly moving.
Studies show that green algae thrives in moist, cool areas such as shaded walkways and home foundations. Therefore, concrete and other porous building materials are prone to algal growth because they hold moisture, providing an ideal environment for them to grow.
Studies show that green algae thrives in moist, cool areas such as shaded walkways and home foundations. Therefore, concrete and other porous building materials are prone to algal growth because they hold moisture, providing an ideal environment for them to grow.
The truth is to remove algae from concrete requires a significant time investment because it is tenacious and may return during moist, rainy weather.
However, it is possible to eliminate the unwanted growth using a combination of manual removal and non-toxic chemical solutions.
However, it is possible to eliminate the unwanted growth using a combination of manual removal and non-toxic chemical solutions.
The two methods you could use to get rid of green algae include but not limited to:-
* Removal by force:
1. You could use a pressure washer that directs a powerful stream of water that easily loosen the adhesive from the concrete and cover a large area very quickly. Normally pressure washers could be purchased, borrowed, or rented for residential use.
* Chemical removal:
1. Oxidizing bleach is considered a safer alternative to non-oxidizing bleach because in place of chlorine, the active ingredients in oxidizing bleach commonly
are hydrogen oxide, sodium percarbonate, or sodium perborate. When bleach
comes into contact with the algae, it immediately starts to kill the cells. You will need a large scrubbing brush to
remove the plant matter, but it should come off after some vigorous cleaning.
If you have a large area of concrete wall to clean, it’s
significantly easier to do with
a pressure washer, but even
so there will be much debris
to clean up after. If possible,
ask a friend to help, or find a
professional who knows what
to do every step of the way.
But in as much as you would want to get rid of green algae, if you use to chemical method to remove them, be mindful that the method used could also pose a negative impact. Note that bleaching could ruin your clothes and other fabrics, irritate your skin,
eyes and airway, and kill your lawn. Pressure washing is a
hassle that could leave behind a muddy mess, and can cause
any loose pieces of concrete to break off.
However, to prevent algae on concrete and cementitious masonry surfaces, a complete system approach that includes proper design of water control channels; good workmanship and materials; cleaning, and maintenance is required. When all aspects are considered and properly performed, concrete surfaces will remain clean and free of unsightly and unhealthy growth for many years.
What method have you been using to get rid of algae in your yard or on any of your structures? Share so that ohers could learn one or two things from your experience
______
About the Author:
Winston Muleba Junior is a Researcher, Citizen Journalist, Aquaculturist, Writer and Disaster Management Practitioner who uses media and ICT to promote environmental conservation; science, technology and innovation. He gravitates towards environment: water, aquaculture, land, climate change and agriculture as he is skilled at juxtaposing the latest research and expert opinion with the everyday lives and struggles of people on the ground.
Email: mwenyamuleba@gmail.com
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