Cyanobacterial blooms are one of the common consequences of the increasing eutrophication of waterbodies. Chemical algaecides (Copper and iron) are often applied to kill bloom-forming cyanobacteria and improve water quality. However, this method may cause secondary pollution of water environment.

Dr. Wei Xing conducted the effects of chemical algaecides on physiology and ecology of aquatic plants. Excess addition of chemical algaecides for bloom-forming cyanobacteria killing aggravated the growth of aquatic plants. Its high concentration inhibited the synthesis of chlorophyll and protein in Spirodela polyrrhiza and Elodea nuttallii, caused significant decrease in chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm) and protein, and increased antioxidative enzymes activities. Therefore, chemical algaecides could cause obvious morphological and physiological changes of aquatic plants. Dose and side effects must be considered seriously in practical application of chemical reagents. These results have already been published in Plant Physiology and Biochemistry and Environmental Toxicology.