As algae blooms spread, more Minn. lakes get chemical treatment

It can look like pea soup in July, said Julie Olsen, who has lived on Bass Lake for 19 years. When her kids were younger, Olsen’s family would waterski, kayak and “look out over the water and enjoy all the nature.” But Bass Lake is threatened by an explosion of tiny floating plants called algae. These algae feast on phosphorus, a nutrient that bubbles up from the lakebed sediment and causes the algae to reproduce like crazy. Algae blooms can turn the whole lake green. They can also stink, scaring away would-be swimmers or anglers. And Bass Lake is not alone in its water woes. Harmful algae blooms are growing more common across the state, according to research from the University of Minnesota.
To combat the aquatic scourge, lake managers are increasingly turning to aluminum sulfate, or “alum” for short. The chemical blankets the sediment, keeping the lake’s phosphorus levels in check. And without phosphorus, the algae starve. That can turn the lake from grimy green to crystal clear.
That’s why lake scientist John Holz came to Bass Lake. After 16 years researching lake chemistry, Holz founded HAB Aquatic Solutions. The company has injected alum into more than 80 lakes since 2013, including 16 in Minnesota. Holz’s crew applies the chemical to Bass Lake from their high-tech tanker barge. “The barge is automated. It has a computer on board,” Holz said.

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LyondellBasell & MSI Technology, LLC Collaborate on Innovative Consumer Packaging

LyondellBasell | February 02, 2024

LyondellBasell and MSI Technology, LLC announced they have entered into an agreement for MSI Technology to serve the LyondellBasell Polybutene-1 (PB-1) resin line into consumer packaging applications for North America. MSI Technology is also the sales representative for the LyondellBasell Plexar product line. The expansion of the relationship is a strategic fit relative to the markets MSI Technology serves today. MSI Technology will use its technical sales approach combined with its current specialty product portfolio to enhance offerings to customers in consumer packaging. LyondellBasell PB-1 resins are commonly used in consumer packaging applications for easy-open packaging and film modification for seal initiation temperature providing Broad seal-peel temperature range Consistent and reproducible peel performance Adjustable peel force to end-use requirements Similar initiation and propagation peel force "Whitening" with "Smooth & Clean" peel surface Good seal integrity Easy processability Usable in blown film, cast film, extrusion coating and sheet extrusion "At LyondellBasell, we're passionate about creating solutions for everyday sustainable living," said Palmer Giddings, vice president Polymers at LyondellBasell. "Collaborating with MSI Technology on innovative packaging solutions is a major step forward in achieving that goal." "We are thrilled to expand our collaboration with LyondellBasell," said Brian McCaghy, president of MSI Technology. "The PB-1 resins align perfectly with our mission to provide specialty polymers and solutions to the packaging industry." The PB-1 resin line is part of MSI Technology's product offerings. The company also provides clients with access to dedicated sales and technical service specialists who provide guidance on technical resin selection to meet customer requirements. About LyondellBasell We are LyondellBasell – a leader in the global chemical industry creating solutions for everyday sustainable living. Through advanced technology and focused investments, we are enabling a circular and low carbon economy. Across all we do, we aim to unlock value for our customers, investors and society. As one of the world's largest producers of polymers and a leader in polyolefin technologies, we develop, manufacture and market high-quality and innovative products for applications ranging from sustainable transportation and food safety to clean water and quality healthcare. About MSI Technology, LLC MSI Technology specializes in the sales, marketing, and development of specialty polymers. Our product lines include: Plexar tie-layer adhesives (manufactured by LyondellBasell), SPS peelable sealants, and SpeciPurge purging compound. MSI Technology and its sister company, Soarus LLC, are located in Arlington Heights, IL. Soarus markets Soarnol™), ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), (manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Group) into North and Latin America. The two companies together provide sales and technical service for specialty polymers focused on the packaging market.

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