Algae are ubiquitous in aquatic environments and eutrophication can cause algal bloom that could degrade water quality and threaten the aquatic ecosystem. Algae management is essential for the health of lakes, rivers, and bays, and crucial in maintaining the water quality of reservoirs. Algae can alter the taste and odor of water and in many instances algae can bioaccumulate pollutants and toxins posing a significant risk to health and the environment. This work investigates the sustained and controlled dosing of select disinfectants and inhibitors in controlling algae population. A silica hydrogel with mesoporous network was used to dose the disinfectants and inhibitors at a constant rate in freshwater to inhibit the growth Chorella by up to 99.9%. Preliminary trial demonstrates a kilogram of hydrogen containing less than 10% active ingredients successfully decrease the algae population by more than 60% in a 500 m<sup>3</sup> water reservoir. A large scale trial aimed at achieving 70% reduction over 30 days deployment is underway.

Preparation, characterization, and performance of algal-control hydrogel

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