Published online by Cambridge University Press: 12 June 2017
A mixture of diquat [6,7-dihydrodipyrido(1,2-α: 2′,1′-c) pyrazinediium ion] and copper sulfate pentahydrate was applied to artificial chinook salmon (Onchorhynchus tshawytscha Wal.) spawning channels to reduce excessive growths of algae [Cladophora glomerata (L.) Kutz]. Juvenile salmon were not harmed by the applications. A concentration of 100 ppb w/w diquat plus 150 ppb copper-ion was maintained for 3 hr. The alga was controlled satisfactorily for distances up to 0.5 km per treatment. Each treatment consisted of one to three applications, each made on consecutive days. Water temperature was 11.2 C during three winter applications and 15.5 C during a spring application. Diquat was rapidly sorbed out of the treated water to 3.8 ppb at 1.6 km. Copper-ion residues dissipated to 60 ppb at 1.6 km.