Bettersafe, the provider of Hydrogel, has been assisting Dr. Nimal Chandrasena (Principal Ecologist, Ecowise Environmental; www.ecowise.com.au) in research, aiming to develop more effective treatment regimes for Alligator Weed management in waterways. Our current partners in this research are Fairfield City Council and Liverpool City Council.

This R&D programme has been expanded to cover research in the management of a variety of submerged, aquatic invaders. The research is being conducted in a glasshouse facility at the University of Western Sydney, Richmond.

These species often form dense stands in water bodies out-competing native vegetation. Dense aquatic weed infestations cause problems for recreational water users and can impede water flow, blocking pipes and channels.

Usually, eradicating these species from infested sites is difficult, because even the smallest viable vegetative fragment can re-establish a population. Left uncontained, aquatic weeds are likely to fully colonize all available habitats, within a short period.

For more information on our R&D, please contact us or contact Dr. Chandrasena directly (nchandrasena@ecowise.com.au; Mobile: 0408 279 604)