Biocidal products against algae (algicides) are i.a. used in swimming pools, swimming ponds, garden ponds, aquariums (product type 2) or in cooling water systems (product type 11). For biocidal product authorisation efficacy data must be submitted to weigh up benefits and risks of the product. Authorisation of a biocidal product will only be granted if the product is shown to be sufficiently effective.

Suitable efficacy data is thus to be provided to clearly demonstrate that the product fulfills its label claims. The product claims are the precondition and base for efficacy testing. So far, there are no binding standards for the efficacy testing of algicides. 

We offer laboratory studies to test whether your product meets its label claims under specified conditions of use. Tests are carried out in accordance with standard protocols (OECD, EN, ISO, ASTM) and are adapted to the relevant label claims to ensure they comply with the actual use case. We perform the efficacy tests with various species such as suspended green algae (e.g. Raphidocelis subcapitata, Desmodesmus subspicatus), filamentous green algae (e.g. Spirogyra sp.) or cyanobacteria (e.g. Synechococcus leopoliensis, Anabaena flos-aquae). To evaluate the efficacy the reduction of biomass caused by different active substance concentrations are determined. Biomass is monitored by measuring chlorophyll fluorescence at various time points over a certain period of time (hours to weeks). The tests always include a negative control without active substance to compare the reduction of biomass in the batches with active substance with the increase of biomass in the control. The tests can be modified according to criteria defined (concentration range, algae species, algae start density, temperature, application method, time of exposure, etc.)