What chemical is commonly used to control algae in reservoirs?

Copper sulfate is commonly used to control algae in reservoirs because it has been proven effective against a variety of algal species. When applied to water bodies, copper sulfate disrupts the cellular processes of algae, inhibiting their growth and reproduction. This helps maintain water quality and prevents the formation of harmful algal blooms, which can negatively affect aquatic ecosystems and water supplies.

While chlorine is primarily used as a disinfectant to kill pathogens in water, it is not specifically aimed at controlling algae. Sodium bicarbonate serves as a buffering agent and can assist in pH management but does not target algae directly. Hydrochloric acid is used for pH adjustment and cleaning but does not serve to control algal populations. Thus, copper sulfate stands out as the appropriate choice for algae control in reservoirs.