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Watermeal

Taken with dissecting microscope
Taken with dissecting microscope
Watermeal
Watermeal
Taken with dissecting microscope
Taken with dissecting microscope
Taken with dissecting microscope
Taken with dissecting microscope
Watermeal
Watermeal
Watermeal
Watermeal
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Identification

  • Small oval or spherical-shaped floating plant
  • Typically measures between 1-2 mm
  • Feels grainy, like sand
  • Green in color

Why Do I Have It?

  • High inorganic nutrients
  • Low surface water movement, and low flow

Associated Lagoon (Pond) Conditions

Watermeal can form a thin green scum layer and can be confused with the algae or cyanobacteria that form a “green paint” scum. Scums of watermeal can cause high effluent TSS that, depending on the permit, have the potential to violate limits.

Treatment

Watermeal can be controlled by applications of Duckweed Complete followed about two weeks later by spraying PondZilla Pro to degrade the dead watermeal. However, chemical treatment is not always recommended as a small skimmer can block watermeal from exiting the lagoon. This floating plant is a symptom of high levels of sludge buildup and internal nutrient recycling. Sludge can be physically removed by dredging or a non-disruptive option: SludgeRx. This can aid in sludge reduction and prevent resuspension of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus.

Because wastewater issues and the cause behind floating plants can be complex, we recommend scheduling an E-consult Filament ID and Microanalysis. This not only confirms algae and floating plants, but looks at biological indicators, plant design, and incoming substrates to decode your unique process.

If you’re concerned about excessive growths in your lagoon or pond, we recommend taking a few photos and sending them to your rep or info@teamaquafix.com. Our lab will look over the photos and advise on further steps.

Under the Microscope and in Your Plant

Watermeal is a small (1-2 mm), oval or spherical-shaped floating plant that thrives in nutrient rich environments. This plant is often found embedded within duckweed colonies. Watermeal can form a thin green scum layer and can be confused with algae or cyanobacteria that form a “green paint” scum.

References
Watermeal. (2018). Texas A&M AgriLife extension. https://aquaplant.tamu.edu/plant-identification/alphabetical-
index/watermeal/

Waterworth, K. (2021). Controlling watermeal weeds: Tips for managing watermeal in ponds. Gardening know how.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/water-plants/watermeal/managing-watermeal-in-
ponds.htm