COMPOSITIONS FOR CONTROLLING PHYTOPLANKTON POLLUTION

Abstract

A composition for mitigating, inhibiting, enhancing, and / or eliminating phytoplankton growth in a body of water, the composition comprising an active ingredient at a concentration of 80.0-99.5% (w / w) of the composition and a coating material at a concentration of 0.5-20% (5 w / w) of the composition; wherein the critical surface tension of the composition is between 0.00015-0.0006 newton / cm (15-60 dynes / cm) and wherein the relative density of the composition, before immersion in water, is greater than 1 g / cm3.

Description

COMPOSITIONS FOR CONTROLLING PHYTOPLANKTON POLLUTION FIELD OF DISCLOSURE The present invention describes compositions for the cost-effective mitigation of aquatic phytoplankton blooms. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Under favorable, though not fully defined, conditions, the growth rate of a dominant phytoplankton species increases, leading to a large increase in its biomass—a process often referred to as a “bloom.” The intensification of toxic phytoplankton blooms, which can cover large areas, is a growing concern for the public, water authorities, and environmental scientists worldwide. The formation of various toxins by these organisms poses a serious threat to water quality in lakes and reservoirs and their use for drinking water, recreation, and irrigation. Clearly, current approaches to limiting toxic blooms, such as watershed management (to reduce nutrient input), are costly and have not been successful. Approximately 300 species of phytoplankton, including cyanobacteria (often called blue-green algae) such as Microcystis and other microalgae, are known to form massive blooms, many of which produce a variety of toxic chemicals. Due to their massive consumption of oxygen through respiration, these blooms can cause oxygen depletion and mass die-offs of fish and other wildlife, as well as clogging of water pumps and filters. Annual global losses associated with these blooms are estimated to be in the billions of US dollars (US EPA, Compilation of Cost Data Associated with Nutrient Pollution Impacts and Control, 2015). Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic (gram-negative) bacteria. Many cyanobacteria species produce and then release toxins (also known as cyanotoxins) into water, either toward the end of a bloom or under physical pressure (e.g., during filtration or pumping) (Huisman, et al., Nature Rev Microbiol 16: 471–483, 2018). Studies have shown that cyanotoxins cause death and various illnesses in humans and animals that drink, swim in, or even consume food that has been exposed to infested water. Cyanotoxins are not susceptible to boiling and can only be treated to make water safe for consumption through heavy chlorination.The QMS recommends prohibiting consumption or recreation in water where the biomass of toxic cyanobacteria exceeds 10 pg / L of chlorophyll-a (QMS, Guidelines for Drinking-Water Quality, Annex to Volume 2, Health Criteria and Other Supporting Information, 1998) and can reach levels as high as 1100 pg / L of chlorophyll-a (Bertone et al. Environ Microbiol 9:1415-1422, 2018; Otten et al. Environmental Science and Technology 46:3480-3488, 2012; Huisman (ibid.)). Furthermore, cyanobacterial blooms excrete massive amounts of polysaccharides into the water, making it viscous. This phenomenon is sometimes also associated with "swimmer's itch," due to the itching that occurs upon contact with contaminated water. In addition, it creates operational problems for water service companies that regularly face clogged pipes, as well as for farmers who are prevented from using drip irrigation systems. Microalgae are a diverse group of photosynthetic eukaryotic microorganisms that includes several groups such as green algae, red algae, brown algae, diatoms, and dinoflagellates. They are responsible for clogging pipes in irrigation tanks or wastewater ponds. Some algal species (e.g., Prymnesium sp., Karenia sp., Alexandrium sp., and others) are also toxic and responsible for mass fish mortality in aquaculture and marine environments. Occasionally, illnesses and even deaths are reported among people and animals who have consumed toxic water or shellfish contaminated with algal toxins. Most phytoplankton blooms worldwide are treated with copper salts such as copper sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO4·5H2O, CAS No. 7758-99-8, “copper”), a relatively safe and effective algaecide that causes lysis of the algae. However, in water with a high organic load, mineral content, or pH levels above 7.0, its effectiveness is drastically reduced. Other less frequently used algaecides are based on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), either applied directly or released from various compounds such as percarbonates. Cyanobacteria are much more sensitive to H2O2 than most microalgae (Drabkova et al. Environ Sci Technol 41:309-314, 2007). Therefore, H2O2 treatments damage toxic cyanobacteria while affecting other algae much less. Because fish and some other organisms that live in the water are sensitive to H2O2, the U.S. EPA requires that an application be avoided across the entire lake over the course of a day to allow those organisms to flee to untreated areas. The mode of action of H2O2 involves the activation of oxidative stress. Therefore, it can trigger a cascade of autocatalytic cell death (Berman-Frank et al., Environ Microbiol 9:1415-1422, 2007; Spungin et al., Biogeosciences 15:3893-3908, 2018) among the cyanobacteria population. There is a significant, age-dependent difference in the ability of the cyanobacterium Microcystis sp. to degrade H2O2, as its decomposition by older cells is much faster than in younger cells (Daniel et al., Environmental Microbiology Reports 11: 621–629, 2019). Toxic strains are less able to degrade H2O2 than non-toxic strains (Schuurmans, Harmful Algae 78:47–55, 2018). The protocols currently used for treating Microcystis sp. blooms with H2O2 rely on a single H2O2 treatment at concentrations as high as 0.7–1 mM (Zhou, Chemosphere 211: 1098–1108, 2018; Matthijas et al., Water Research 46:1460–1472, 2012). All currently used algaecide applications suffer from three debilitating deficiencies: (i) dosage; (ii) timing of application; and (iii) cost of application. Current algal bloom treatment protocols using various granular algaecides are ineffective due to the immediate sinking of the particles into the sediment. Therefore, the phytoplankton's exposure time to the active ingredient (Al) is quite short. Consequently, very high concentrations are used, with serious environmental implications. Even when applying a solution of dissolved copper or hydrogen peroxide (in liquid form), specialized equipment mounted on ships is required. For example, Lake Delftse hout nQCRnn / Lznz / E / Yii (NL), with an area of ​​200,000 m² and a volume of 705,000 m³, was infested with Anabaena sp. and was treated with 5 ppm of 50% liquid H₂O₂, totaling 3,500 kilograms (3.5 tons), which took 5 hours to apply (Tsiarta et al., 2017). In another attempt to treat toxic Alexandrium blooms in Ouwerkerkse Kreek (NL), a body of water with a volume of 420,000 m³, the treatment lasted two days, during which 21 tons of 50% liquid H₂O₂ were applied. The total direct costs of this effort were €370,000 (Burson et al., Harmful Algae 31:125-135, 2014). In addition, special measures were taken to store the concentrated H2O2 (delivery on the day of the request by a certified transport company; storage in a restricted area with access only by permit).These types of applications are always carried out by professionals with experience in handling chemical products. The complexity and price associated with these treatments have reduced the candidates for treatment almost exclusively to water reservoirs of less than 100,000 m2 (Lurling et al., Aquat Ecol 1-21, 2015), and even then, they require a long waiting time for treatment, including the mobilization and demobilization of the equipment, compounds, and personnel. The timing of treatment is crucial for its success. Recently developed remote sensing technologies (Kudela et al., Remóte Sens Environ 167:196-205, 2015), along with in situ measurements, allow for the early detection of cyanobacterial populations, well before the development of massive blooms (Bertone (ibid.); Hmimina et al., Water Res 148: 504-514, 2019). The presence of phycobilins (with specific absorption spectra) and the absence of chlorophyll b in cyanobacteria make it possible to identify their presence (Bertone (ibid.); Hmimina (ibid.). Current treatments for toxic phytoplankton blooms lyse the cells, thereby releasing massive amounts of toxins into the water body. Since the intensification of aquatic phytoplankton blooms is a serious ecological problem worldwide, novel methodologies are needed to prevent bloom development rather than waiting for them to reach full scale. The preventative treatment proposed here significantly reduces the amount of accumulated toxins and the concentrations of active agent required, and thus the associated costs and environmental hazards. RELATED TECHNIQUE Several chemicals are used to mitigate, reduce, kill, or inhibit cyanobacteria blooms in bodies of water by inducing oxidative stress. This is achieved directly through the generation of singlet oxygen, or more commonly through the use of H₂O₂O with reagents that release H₂O₂, such as sodium percarbonate or salts of various metals like copper, which induce oxidative stress (Gu et al., 2019). The use of H₂O₂ to treat blooms is based on the fact that cyanobacteria are relatively sensitive to H₂O₂ compared to other phytoplankton species (Tichy and Vermaas, 1999; Matthijs et al., 2012; Weenink et al., 2015; Lin et al., 2018; Daniel et al., 2019). However, the minimum concentrations of H2O2 needed to kill cyanobacterial cells severely affect populations of various species of fish, zooplankton and phytoplankton (other than cyanobacteria).Furthermore, when H2O2 was applied to treat a cyanobacterial bloom in a natural body of water, the cyanobacterial population began to recover within 6–7 weeks (Matthijs et al., 2012). For this reason, in many parts of the world, it is not permitted to treat bodies of water with H2O2 or other active ingredients that induce oxidative stress in cyanobacteria. Several articles have shown that high concentrations of active agent result in the transient elimination of microalgae only. i. Matthijs and colleagues (2012) (Matthijs et al., 2012) examined the effect of H2O2 applications in Lake Koetshuis, Netherlands, and in Plexiglas enclosures filled with water from the lake. The lake was infested with the cyanobacterium Planktothrix agardhii, a known producer of the toxin microcystins, at concentrations as high as 2-8*105 cells / mL in the lake and 2*106 cells / mL in the Plexiglas containers. The latter were 110 cm in diameter and 150 cm high (but only 120 cm submerged in the water). Thus, the surface area of ​​the container was approximately 9500 cm2 and the water volume was 1140 L. The lowest concentration of H2O2 was sufficient to significantly reduce the P. agardhii population at 2.5 mg / L, equivalent to 2.85 g / m2. Even at this concentration of H2O2, the photosynthetic yield and cell counts of the zooplankton population were drastically reduced. i. The surface area of ​​Lake Koetshuis is approximately 0.12 km². Matthijs and colleagues (2012) (Matthijs et al., 2012) estimated the total volume of the lake to be about 240,000 m³. Regarding the H₂O₂ concentration, they used 240 kg of H₂O₂ for the entire lake, equivalent to 2 g / m². In lake experiments, the various phytoplankton groups (diatoms, green algae, cryptophytes, and cyanobacteria) were severely affected by the treatment, and the level of toxic cyanobacteria increased rapidly after only 6 to 7 weeks. iii. Based on their laboratory and field studies, Weenink and colleagues (Weenink et al., 2015) discussed “How much HP (H2O2) should be added for selective suppression of cyanobacteria and at what phytoplankton density?” They recommend using a minimum of 2.3 mg-L1 of H2O2 per treatment and that the higher the phytoplankton biomass, the more H2O2 should be applied. iv. In a mesocosm experiment, Lin and colleagues (Lin et al., 2018) examined the effect of a range of H2O2 concentrations (2–12 mg / L) on the Microcystis population, various phytoplankton groups, and bacterioplankton assemblages. 150 L of water samples were taken from Dianchi Lake, China, and placed in plastic containers. The diameter of the containers was 56 cm (not mentioned in the article, but kindly provided by the author, Prof. Nanqin Gan). Thus, the surface area of ​​the container was 2,462 cm2, and the amount of H2O2 added was equivalent to 1.22–7.31 g / m2. Lin et al (2018) indicated that “Microcystis abundance decreased when HzOzen was applied at doses of 4 mg / L (2.44 g / m2) and higher. Microcystis cell density did not decrease when the applied H2O2 dose was 2 mg / L (ANOVA, P> 0.05). At 4 mg / L there was a large decrease in the population of several other bacteria and phytoplankton. All previous studies suffer from one or more of the following drawbacks: ineffective treatment (the cyanobacteria population is not eliminated), only a transient effect (the cyanobacteria population is quickly restored), or the dose is too high (above the maximum nQCRnn / Lznz / E / Yii limit allowed for drinking water and / or negatively affecting beneficial fauna in the ecosystem). Therefore, there remains a need for methods and compositions that allow for effective treatment of cyanobacteria, i.e., treatments that allow for a significant and lasting reduction in the efficiency of cyanobacteria, while at the same time being ecologically sustainable, i.e., having a minimal effect on other phytoplankton and bacteria and using low doses of active ingredient (“AI”). BRIEF DESCRIPTION The invention described herein enables the effective treatment of cyanobacteria, reducing their concentration over a prolonged period without negatively impacting other phytoplankton and bacterial populations that are important to the water body's ecosystem. This is achieved by using low doses of active ingredient (AI), thus posing minimal health risks when consumed. The effect is obtained, among other things, through the gradual and continuous / prolonged release of sublethal concentrations of the active ingredient, which programs the toxic cyanobacteria to cell death while having minimal effect on other beneficial algae species. The composition and method described in this document advantageously allow the application of only 0.33 kg of sodium percarbonate (or other IA) per 1,000 m2, which is equivalent to 0.11 gr / m2 (i.e., at least 11 times less than the minimum effective amounts used in the studies mentioned above). According to some aspects, this disclosure is directed at compositions to mitigate phytoplankton growth in bodies of water; the composition comprises: i. an active ingredient (also referred to herein as “JA”) at a concentration of 80.0 to 99.5% (w / w) ii. a coating material at a concentration of 0.5-20% (w / w) wherein the critical surface tension of said hydrophobic composition is between 0.000150.0006 newton / cm (15-60 dynes / cm) and wherein the relative density of the composition, before immersion in water, is greater than 1.0 g / cm3. According to some aspects, this disclosure is directed at compositions to mitigate phytoplankton growth in bodies of water; the composition essentially consists of: i. an active ingredient (also referred to herein as J / A”) at a concentration of 80.0 to 99.5% (w / w) i. a coating material at a concentration of 0.5-20% (w / w) wherein the critical surface tension of said composition is between 0.00015-0.0006 newton / cm (15-60 dynes / cm) and wherein the relative density of the composition, before immersion in water, is greater than 1.0 g / cm3. According to some modalities, the composition is formulated so that the effective specific gravity drops below 1 g / cm3 in 0.01-120 minutes after immersion in water, bringing the surface of the composition to the surface of the water (Figure 1). nQCRnn / Lznz / E / Yi The inventor of this application unexpectedly discovered that compositions comprising an AI properly encapsulated with a hydrophobic coating can, despite having a specific gravity greater than that of water (> 1.0 g / cm³), float or at least return to the surface within 0.01–120 min after immersion in water and remain floating even after mixing. This is exemplified in more detail in the Examples section. The inventor of this application unexpectedly discovered that when the specific gravity of a given hydrophobic coating material is less than 1.0 g / ml and that of the AI ​​used is greater than 1.0 g / ml, increasing the proportion of the coating material in the encapsulated composition slowed or even eliminated the flotation of the AI ​​material. As an example (see Figure 1), a composition of 95% (w / w) copper-based AI granules and 5% (w / w) coating material floated more slowly (had a longer return-to-the-surface time) than a composition made of 99% (w / w) the same AI and 1% (w / w) coating material (Figure 1). Furthermore, a 75% (w / w) copper-based AI with a 25% (w / w) coating material did not float and sank to the bottom of the water tank. This is illustrated in more detail in the Examples section. According to some formulations, the floating composition advantageously provides a very high percentage of active ingredient (AI) within the final product, requiring minimal input of product (i.e., algaecide) to achieve an optimal lethal concentration in the water. As a result, the composition described here reduces the AI ​​dosage required for treatment, overall operating costs, and treatment time, thus providing a superior, sustainable treatment course with a minimal environmental footprint. Furthermore, a surface tension range of 0.00015-0.0006 newton / cm (1560 dynes / cm) of the coating material was found to be critical for acquiring buoyancy, and the less coating (w / w) that was applied, the faster the return to the surface took place and the greater fraction of the IA was found on the surface (Figure 1). Advantageously, the acquired buoyancy was repeated when various IA compounds were encapsulated, such as, but not limited to, calcium hypochlorite, sodium percarbonate, copper sulfate pentahydrate, aluminum sulfate, and potassium permanganate. Furthermore, different coating materials provided similar beneficial and unexpected results as long as the critical surface tension of the coating material was within the range of 0.00015-0.0006 newton / cm (15-60 dynes / cm). Without wishing to be limited to any single theory, the buoyancy of a single non-wetting powder on the water's surface is defined by the interaction of different forces: buoyancy, curvature force, and gravity. In the case of spherical particles, it can be expressed as Mg / 2oLsin(Q)<1.0, where “M” is the mass of a particle, “g” is the acceleration due to gravity, “L” is the contact length, σ is the surface tension of water, Θ is the tangency angle of the floating body, and 1.0 is the relative density of water measured in g / cm³. Hydrophobicity can play an important role by altering water-particle interactions and, therefore, the angle of the floating body. When large hydrophobic particles of 5–1,500 pm are placed on the water's surface, they can aggregate (possibly due to strong hydrophobic attractions) and form a meniscus at the water's surface.When the tension of the nQCRnn / Lznz / E / Yii water breaks (depending on various parameters such as, but not exclusively, water purity, temperature, and others), the composition may sink to the bottom, but return to the surface later. Without wishing to limit ourselves to any theory, the surprising return to the surface of the composition that has a specific gravity greater than 1.0 g / ml, may be due to the hydrophobic characteristics of the composition. As an added advantage, the formulation described herein can be formulated to have buoyancy that allows the composition to remain submerged below the surface of the water system, but without sinking to the bottom (also referred to herein as partial buoyancy), for example, remaining at a depth of 0–1.5 m, preferably between 0.2 and 1.0 m below the surface of the water system when applied. This can be particularly advantageous for pre-bloom treatment, as the majority of the algal / cyanobacteria population is found below the surface compared to the floating mats that characterize algal blooms (Bertone (ibid.); Kudela (ibid.)). According to some formulations, semi-floating compositions can be designed for slow or prolonged release of the algaecide (AI). As demonstrated herein, it was advantageously found that prolonged exposure of phytoplankton to the algaecide causes cell death even when the highest concentration of the algaecide in the water body is below its known lethal concentrations. It was further found that the sublethal concentration of the AI ​​only killed cyanobacteria while having minimal impact on green algae and even allowing the green algae to recover and compete with the remaining toxic phytoplankton (see Figure 18 below). In some respects, this disclosure is also directed to methods for controlling phytoplankton growth in bodies of water by treating them preventively, that is, before the appearance of a dense population often called a “bloom” and / or before the formation of algal mats on the surface of a body of water. Advantageously, the treatment described here, carried out before the development of algal or cyanobacterial blooms, minimizes the amount of toxins released into the water body through cell lysis. For example, a Microcystis sp. population treatment as proposed here can release as little as 0.01 mg / L of microcystin-LR into the water body, which is 100 times lower than the WHO maximum allowable limit (https: / / www.who.int / water_sanitation_health / water-quality / guidelines / chemicals / microcystin / en / ). This contrasts sharply with conventional treatments applied once blooms are already established, where the microcystin-LR level can exceed 45 mg / L (Sakai, Scientific Wood Journal DOI: 10.1155 / 2013 / 838176, 2013). According to some modalities, the method may involve the sedimentation of granules within the photic zone of the water body (the layer of water in a water body that is exposed to at least 1% of the light intensity at the surface), which varies depending on the season, geology, geography, and phytoplankton population density. According to some modalities, the method comprises administering a semi-floating composition formulated to remain within 0.02–1.0 m of the water surface. This is particularly advantageous for pre-bloom treatments during which a large proportion of the algal / cyanobacteria population is typically found between 0.05 and 1.0 m below the surface (Bertone (ibid.); Kudela (ibid.)). According to some embodiments, a composition is provided to mitigate, inhibit and / or eliminate phytoplankton growth in a body of water, the composition comprising or essentially consisting of an active ingredient at concentrations of 80.0-99.5% (w / w) of the composition, and a coating material at a concentration of 0.5-20% (w / w) of the composition; wherein the critical surface tension of said composition is between 0.00015-0.0006 newton / cm (15-60 dynes / cm) and wherein the relative density of the composition, before immersion in water, is greater than 1.0 g / cm3 and wherein the relative density of the composition decreases below 1 g / cm3, 5-60 minutes after immersion in water. According to some embodiments, the composition comprises or essentially consists of an active ingredient at concentrations of 90.0-99.5% (w / w) of the composition and a coating material at a concentration of 0.5-10% (w / w) of the composition. In some formulations, the composition may include granules with a first concentration of coating material and granules with a second concentration of coating material. This can advantageously ensure a prolonged duration of active ingredient release, as the active ingredient is initially released from the granules with the lower concentration of coating material and subsequently from the granules with the higher concentration. As a non-limited example, the composition may include granules that have 1% w / w of coating material (and 99% w / w of active ingredient) and include granules that have 3% w / w of coating material (and 97% w / w of active ingredient), thereby extending the release of the active ingredient over time. According to some modalities, the composition may be devoid of an encapsulated floating agent. According to some embodiments, the coating material comprises a behenic acid; octadecanoic acid, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl ester; glyceryl distearate; hexadecanoic acid; octadecanoic acid; fatty acids; C8-18 and C18-unsaturated fatty acids; C16-18 and C18-unsaturated fatty acids; C8-18 and C18-unsaturated fatty acids, potassium salts; C8-18 and C18-unsaturated fatty acids, sodium salts; glycerides, C8-18 and C18-unsaturated mono- and di-glycerides, C4-18 mono- and di-fatty acids, coco, polymers with glycerol and italic anhydride, a wax, paraffin, rosin, silicone derivative or a derivative thereof or any combination thereof. According to some formulations, the composition may have a melting point of 5090°C. According to some formulations, the composition may have a solidification point below 20°C. In some formulations, the coating material has an acidity index of 3–8 mg of KOH per gram. This can advantageously provide optimal adhesion between the coating material and the core (active ingredient). According to some embodiments, the coating material comprises a wax, paraffin, a fatty acid or any combination thereof. In some formulations, the concentration of the active ingredient is approximately 80 to 99.5%. In some formulations, the concentration of the active ingredient is approximately 95 to 99.5%. According to some embodiments, the concentration of the coating material content is in the range of approximately 0.5–20%. According to some embodiments, the concentration of the coating material content is in the range of approximately 0.5–5%. According to some embodiments, the concentration of the coating material is less than 20% (w / w) of the composition. According to some embodiments, the concentration of the coating material is less than 15% (w / w) of the composition. According to some embodiments, the concentration of the coating material is less than 10% (w / w) of the composition. According to some embodiments, the concentration of the coating material is less than 5% (w / w) of the composition. According to some embodiments, the composition comprises granules with varying concentrations of coating material. For example, according to some embodiments, the composition comprises a first portion of granules containing 0.5–2% w / w of coating material mixed with a second portion of granules containing 3–10% coating material. According to some embodiments, the composition further comprises granules containing 6.5% to 20% w / w of coating material. The varying concentrations of coating material can advantageously allow for a prolonged release of the algaecide when immersed in a body of water, thereby resulting in prolonged exposure of the cyanobacteria to the algaecide (e.g., H₂O₂).While not linked to any specific theory, prolonged exposure causes the death, primarily programmed cell death, of cyanobacteria (rather than necrotic cell death), advantageously after a single treatment with the composition, even using small doses of algaecide. This differs from the commonly used necrotic cell death method, which requires a much higher concentration (at least 10 times) of the active ingredient. According to some formulations, when the encapsulated active ingredient (AI) used is H2O2, the applied concentration can range from 10.7 to 1012 ppm, depending on the phytoplankton population density and the depth of the water body. This concentration is understood to be significantly lower than that typically used in non-encapsulated formulations, i.e., 2.4 × 10⁻⁶ ppm (see, for example, Matthijs et al., 2012; Weenink et al., 2015; Lin et al., 2018). According to some modalities, the critical surface tension of the composition is in the range of 0.0002 to 0.00045 newton / cm (20 to 45 dynes / cm) or 0.0003 to 0.00045 newton / cm (30 to 45 dynes / cm). According to some embodiments, the active agent comprises an oxygen-releasing agent, a chlorine-releasing agent, a bromine-releasing agent, an iodine-releasing agent, a peroxide-based compound, a copper-releasing agent, a manganese-releasing agent, an aluminum-releasing agent, or any combination thereof. According to some modalities, the composition can be formulated so that the active ingredient is released into the water system at water temperatures below 45SC within 24 hours after application. According to some modalities, the composition can be formulated as granules with a granule size in the range of 10-1,500 pm or in a range of 300-1,500 pm or in a range of 1-10 mm. According to some modalities, the composition is configured to remain submerged at a depth of approximately 0.02-1 m below the surface of the water system after it has been applied and / or after or during the return to the surface / refloating (see examples below). According to some modalities, a method is provided to prevent and / or inhibit the development of a toxic phytoplankton bloom in a body of water. The method comprises identifying areas within the body of water with a toxic phytoplankton biomass above 8,000 cells / ml or a chlorophyll-a concentration above 3 pg / L and applying a floating algaecide composition to the area of ​​the body of water, such that the concentration of the algaecide within the area is below the lowest lethal dose. According to some formulations, the application can effectively prevent algal or cyanobacterial blooms when applied before the bloom develops. According to other formulations, the method can essentially eliminate algal or cyanobacterial infections when applied after the appearance of algal or cyanobacterial scum. According to some methods, application is carried out when the chlorophyll concentration measured elsewhere in the water body is greater than 3 pg / L. According to some methods, application is carried out when the chlorophyll concentration measured elsewhere in the water body is greater than 3 pg / L and less than 10 pg / L. According to some modalities, the body of water comprises a reservoir, an ocean, a lake, a dam, a pond, an estuary, a gulf, a sea or a river. According to some methods, the process also involves applying a second dose of the floating algaecide composition to the area 0.5-10 hours after the first application. According to some models, the composition of the algaecide is configured to release the algaecide for at least 2 hours after application. According to some models, the composition is formulated to remain submerged at a depth of approximately 0.02-1 m below the surface of the water body. According to some modalities, the water body is one that has experienced previous toxic phytoplankton blooms. Therefore, an expert in the field will understand that, while the composition and application method are suitable for use in water bodies with a first event, it has been surprisingly found that even water bodies that suffer numerous toxic phytoplankton bloom events can be successfully treated using the method and / or composition described in this document. According to some modalities, the applied composition comprises 80.0-99.5% (w / w) of active ingredient and 0.5-20% (w / w) of coating material, as essentially described in this document. According to some embodiments, the applied composition comprises granules having different concentrations of coating material. For example, according to some embodiments, the composition comprises a first portion of granules comprising 0.5–2% w / w of coating material and a second portion of granules having 3–10% coating material. According to some embodiments, the composition further comprises granules having 10–20% w / w of coating material. This can advantageously allow for a prolonged release of the algaecide and thus prolonged exposure of the cyanobacteria to the low concentration of algaecide (e.g., H₂O₂). According to some models, the coating material has a melting point above 45°C, above 50°C, or above 55°C. Each possibility is an independent model. According to some models, the coating material has a solidification point below 20°C, below 30°C, or below 40°C. Each possibility is an independent model. According to some modalities, the critical surface tension of said composition is between 0.00015-0.0006 newton / cm (15-60 dynes / cm) and where the relative density of the composition, before being immersed in water, is greater than 1.0 g / cm3. According to some models, the granule size is within a range of 0.3 to 15 mm, 0.3 to 1 mm, or 1 to 10 mm. Each possibility is an independent model. According to some models, the composition / granules have a viscosity of 6-8 cP at 70sC. According to some modalities, a method is provided to treat, inhibit and / or eliminate the growth of phytoplankton in bodies of water; the method comprises: i. conduct an inspection of the presence and density of phytoplankton (e.g., according to the specific pigments of the phytoplankton), ii. define an infected area by coordinates, iii. apply a floating composition locally, upwind, while the wind is at the back, opposite the infected area, so that the wind pushes the floating particles of the algaecidal composition towards and / or with the infected area, thereby treating, inhibiting and / or eliminating the development of the phytoplankton bloom. Under some modalities, treatment can be preventive, allowing for treatment with a minimal dose of avian influenza (AI). As used herein, the terms “preventive treatment” and “prophylactic treatment” may be used interchangeably and may refer to treatment carried out in the early stages of phytoplankton contamination. According to some embodiments, the composition can be applied by emptying containers holding the composition into one or more "drop zones." According to some embodiments, the composition can be applied into the drop zones without requiring mixing, shaking, spraying, or otherwise spreading the composition onto the surface of the water system. According to some embodiments, the one or more drop zones may be located at the edge of the water body, thus advantageously eliminating the need for boats or other delivery equipment, as essentially shown in Figures 8A and 8B herein. According to some methods, the composition can be applied using a duster similar to those used for spreading saline pesticides or grains in agriculture. Dusting can be particularly useful when treating large water systems. The formulation can be applied from any type of boat without any volume limitations to strategic "drop-off" zones, from where the compound can travel with the currents and aggregate with the algae blooms. Large quantities of the compound can be manufactured and packaged in silos of varying sizes (e.g., tens of tons). Optionally, the entire silo can be shipped directly to the desired "dropping zone" for application. In some configurations, a spreader can be installed in such a silo to better control the quantity and rate of product used in each "dropping zone." According to some methods, preventive phytoplankton treatment may include the application of at least two different photosynthetic microorganism inhibitors, for example, in an alternating order between treatments. As a non-limiting example, two consecutive treatments with H₂O₂-based compositions could be followed by a third treatment with a copper-based composition. According to some modalities, a combination of two inhibitors of photosynthetic microorganisms can be applied in a single treatment, for example, copper-based compositions and H2O2 can be applied simultaneously. According to some modalities, the combined or alternating action of more than one photosynthetic microorganism inhibitor can (a) prevent the accumulation of resistant strains and (b) affect different types of phytoplankton with varying sensitivities and (c) reduce the total amount of photosynthetic microorganism inhibitor applied. Each possibility is a separate modality. According to some methods, the inspection can be remote, for example, by means of buoys, air or space. According to some modalities, preventive phytoplankton treatment (early season) allows the use of approximately 2, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, or 50 times less AI, or any value in between, per season compared to late bloom treatment (also referred to herein as “response treatment” or “late season treatment”). Each possibility is a separate modality. According to some methods, if 0.33 kg of the active ingredient, for example, sodium percarbonate, is applied per 1,000 m², this is equivalent to 0.325 g / m² (Molecular weight of sodium percarbonate 2Na₂CO₃*3H₂O₂ = 314 g, releasing 3 molecules of H₂O₂, i.e., 102 g of H₂O₂). Consequently, 1 kg of sodium percarbonate releases 325 g of H₂O₂. This corresponds to 0.11 g / m², which is 11 times less than the minimum amounts used in the various studies. According to some methods, preventive treatment with phytoplankton completely prevents the development of a large-scale bloom. According to some methods, preventive phytoplankton treatment results in at least a 40% or at least a 60% reduction in phytoplankton biomass after 24 hours. According to some methods, preventive phytoplankton treatment results in at least an 80% or at least a 90% reduction in phytoplankton biomass after 48 hours. According to some modalities, the treatment will change the ratio of cyanobacteria to non-toxic algae by 1.5 times, 4 times, 10 times, or more within 24 to 72 hours of the start of treatment (compared to the ratio before treatment). Each possibility is a separate modality. According to some modalities, the ratio can be determined by measuring photosynthetic pigments (which capture the light energy necessary for photosynthesis) as a proxy for specific phytoplankton species, such as chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b, chlorophyll-cl, chlorophyll-c2, fucoxanthin, peridinin, phycocyanin, and / or phycoerythrin. Additionally or alternatively, the ratio can be determined spectroscopically by measuring the fluorescence emitted by the photosynthetic pigments or using phytoplankton cell counts (microscopy, cell sorting) or thermal imaging. Each possibility is an independent modality.Without wishing to be bound to any particular theory, the treatment methodology and slow-release composition described herein alter the ecological balance of the water body so that the cyanobacteria are lysed, thus eliminating them. Following this, non-toxic algae (which are minimally affected by the sublethal dose of the IA) take advantage and proliferate in large quantities. This “self-healing” mechanism of the water body sustains the treatment and prolongs the results, as the non-toxic algae further compete with the cyanobacteria to keep their low levels in check. According to some methods, preventive phytoplankton treatment eliminates or at least significantly reduces the concentration of cyanobacteria or toxin-producing algae in the water system. According to some methods, preventive treatment of phytoplankton avoids the need to chlorinate the drinking water supplied. According to some methods, preventive phytoplankton treatment eliminates bad odor and taste from the water in the water system, which can be particularly advantageous for recreational and aquaculture purposes. In some applications, preventative phytoplankton treatment further reduces the population of small planktonic crustaceans (e.g., Daphnia sp. or Copepod sp., 0.2–5 mm in length) that feed on phytoplankton (e.g., by at least 10%, at least 50%, or at least 90% in 1, 7, and 30 days, respectively). These organisms, which feed on phytoplankton blooms, increase the incidence of pipe clogging. In some applications, the reduced crustacean population decreases the need to apply highly toxic pesticides (e.g., abamectin) that are typically used to inhibit, reduce, or eliminate planktonic crustacean growth. Advantageously, preventative phytoplankton treatment can thus reduce wear and tear on filters and pumps. According to some methods, preventive treatment with phytoplankton also reduces or prevents the appearance of Enterobacteriaceae species. Advantageously, due to the above benefits of preventive phytoplankton treatment, the present invention reduces overall seasonal operating costs by up to 90%, making the treatment of large bodies of water (> 10 km2) technically, environmentally, and financially viable. nQCRnn / Lznz / E / Yi According to some embodiments, the method also includes performing a follow-up inspection to determine whether further treatment is necessary. Each embodiment is a separate embodiment. Certain embodiments of this disclosure may include some, all, or none of the above advantages. One or more technical advantages may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the figures, descriptions, and claims included herein. Furthermore, although specific advantages have been listed above, various embodiments may include all, some, or none of the listed advantages. According to some modalities, a method is provided to prevent and / or eliminate the development of phytoplankton blooms in water bodies larger than 5,000 m2, the method comprises applying a floating algaecide composition to approximately 0.001-20% of the surface in a predefined location allowing the wind to passively disperse the composition. According to some modalities, the method also includes an initial inspection stage for the development of a phytoplankton bloom, where the inspection involves determining the biomass and / or concentration of phytoplankton. According to some modalities, applying the composition involves applying it preventively before the formation of a visible / detectable phytoplankton bloom and / or scum. As used in this document, the term “visible” may refer to a bloom / scum floating on the surface of the water body that is visible to the naked eye or a bloom detectable by laboratory analysis. According to some modalities, the method involves applying a floating composition in a predefined upwind “drop zone” of an infected area of ​​the water mass, so that the wind and current cause the composition to move towards and / or along with the phytoplankton bloom; thereby mitigating, inhibiting, preventing and / or eliminating the development of the phytoplankton bloom. According to some modalities, applying the composition includes applying the composition when the phytoplankton biomass in the “drop zone” is less than 10 mg / L of chlorophyll-a or approximately 20,000 cells / ml or less. According to some methods, the composition is applied so that the algaecide concentration in the water body is in the range of 10.7–1012 ppm, on average, depending on the depth, within 24 hours of application throughout essentially the entire volume of the water body (e.g., at least 85%, at least 90%, or at least 95% of the water body). According to some methods, the composition is applied so that the algaecide in the water body is below 10–9 ppm, on average, over the total volume of the water body within 72 hours, within 48 hours, or within 24 hours. According to some methods, the preventative treatment described herein can be carried out before an algal or cyanobacterial bloom and thus ensures that the amount of toxins measured in the water system is less than 0.1 mg / L (10% of the maximum level permitted by the QMS). According to some embodiments, applying the composition comprises applying the composition to approximately 0.001–25% of the surface area of ​​the water body. According to some embodiments, applying the composition comprises applying the composition to approximately 0.001–15% of the surface area of ​​the water body. According to some embodiments, applying the composition comprises applying the composition to approximately 0.001–10% of the surface area of ​​the water body. According to some definitions, the body of water is a reservoir, ocean, lake, dam, pond, estuary, gulf, sea, or river. According to some definitions, the body of water has a size of at least 10,000 m². According to some definitions, the water system has a size of at least 1 km², or 10 km², or 100 km². According to some models, the composition is formulated to remain submerged within the photic zone of the water body. In some models, the photic zone is approximately 0.1 to 1 m below the water body surface, approximately 0.02 to 1.5 m below the water body surface, approximately 0.1 to 2 m below the water body surface, or approximately 0.1–5 m below the water body surface. The term “photic zone,” as used in this document, refers to the layer of water in a body of water that is exposed to sunlight. Depending on the model, the depth of a photic zone can be as low as 1 meter, as low as 10 meters, or as low as 100 meters. The depth of the photic zone depends on the density of the phytoplankton population. For example, it can range from 0.1 meters during a massive algal bloom to 100 meters when the phytoplankton population is less than 10,000 cells / ml. The depth of a photic zone in a body of water can vary even further depending on the time of day, the season, and the geology or geography of the water body. Depending on the formulation, the composition is designed to release the algaecide for at least 0.5 hours, at least 1 hour, at least 2 hours, or at least 6 hours after application. Each option is a separate formulation. According to some methods, the composition is applied before an algal or cyanobacteria bloom, so that the amount of toxins measured in the body of water, even in the vicinity of the area being applied, within 72 hours, within 48 hours or within 24 hours of application is less than 1 pg / L. According to some models, the composition is formulated to remain submerged at a depth of approximately 0.02-2 m below the surface of the water body. According to some embodiments, the composition comprises 80–99.5% w / w algaecide and 0.5–20% w / w coating material. In some embodiments, the release rate of the active ingredient (AI) from the floating algaecide composition can be adjusted by altering the relative proportions of the AI ​​and the coating material. The lower the fraction of coating material, the faster the release of the AI. In some formulations, the duration of phytoplankton treatment with the AI ​​is determined by the release rate of the AI ​​from the floating algaecide composition. The slower the release, the longer the phytoplankton is exposed to the AI. According to some models, the longer the exposure of the phytoplankton to the active ingredient (AI), the greater the fraction of phytoplankton cell death. It is understood that the number of subsequent treatments, as well as the frequency of treatments (the time between subsequent treatments), can be determined according to the nQCRnn / Lznz / E / Yi release rate of IA. According to some methods, the composition is applied so that the average concentration of the algaecide in the water system drops to 10.9-10.15ppm in 24 hours, essentially over the entire volume of the water mass (e.g., at least 85%, at least 90%, or at least 95%). According to some embodiments, applying the composition comprises applying the composition to approximately 0.001–25% of the surface area of ​​the water body. According to some embodiments, applying the composition comprises applying the composition to approximately 0.001–15% of the surface area of ​​the water body. According to some embodiments, applying the composition comprises applying the composition to approximately 0.001–10% of the surface area of ​​the water body. According to some modalities, the slow release of the active material within the photic zone exposes toxic cyanobacteria to the AI ​​for a sufficient time to trigger massive cell death. Another advantage of the coated composition is that it is much less corrosive to the aircraft that deliver, distribute, or spread it over the treated water mass. Certain embodiments of this disclosure may include some, all, or none of the above advantages. One or more technical advantages may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the figures, descriptions, and claims included herein. Furthermore, although specific advantages have been listed above, various embodiments may include all, some, or none of the listed advantages. In addition to the exemplary aspects and modalities described above, other aspects and modalities will become evident with reference to the figures and through the study of the following detailed descriptions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES The invention will now be described in relation to certain examples and embodiments with reference to the following illustrative figures so that it may be more fully understood. Figures 1A-1C show time-series photographs of 10 mL vials containing 5 g of granular copper sulfate coated with 0, 0.5, 1, 2.5, or 5% (w / w) coating material. The bare copper salt (“0% coating”) sank immediately after dispersion. In contrast, the coated copper composition sank to the bottom and returned to the surface shortly thereafter. (1A) Photograph of the water surface 2 hours after dispersion of copper-based AI compositions containing (from left corner) 0%, 0.5%, 1%, 2.5%, and 5% (w / w) coating material; (1B) A time-series image of the vials from 5 min to 24 h, as labeled; (1C) exemplification of (1B) of the remains of the granules at the bottom of the vials after 5 min, 30 min, 2 hours and 5 hours. Figure 2 schematically illustrates an experimental setup for testing the buoyancy of the compositions described herein, which includes (1) a balance; (2) a measuring pod with an opening; (3) a hook underneath for measuring weight; (4) a beaker filled with water simulating an aquatic system; (5) a weighing dish. nQCRnn / Lznz / E / Yi Figures 3A-3H show representative time-series photographs of coated NADCC (97% (w / w) IA and 3% (w / w) coating) floating or during flotation. Note the arrows illustrating specific samples. Figure 4 shows representative photographs of glasses filled with water and the composition detailed in Table 1 with an increased coating percentage (50%, 15%, and 2.5% (w / w) from left to right). The photographs were taken 30 minutes after 25 grams of each composition were placed in the water. Figures 5A-5B show representative photographs of sodium percarbonate placed in 15 ml vials containing 5 grams of uncoated AI (left) and 5 grams of coated AI (right), at time 0 (Figure 5A). After vigorous mixing (Figure 5B), the entire coated formulation sank and immediately began to return to the surface. Figure 6 shows two 10-liter cylinders filled with water and supplemented with sediment after one hour of treatment with the same dose of copper sulfate pentahydrate. The left cylinder was treated with copper sulfate pentahydrate granules (mimicking the standard treatment), which immediately sank into the sediment. The right cylinder was treated with a copper-based floating formulation coated with a 2.5% buoyancy agent, which floated in the water and released its contents into the water column (from top to bottom). Figure 7 shows a comparison graph between three approaches carried out over one year, in ponds of 50 hectares: (1) no treatment: the solid black line indicates a natural development of cyanobacterial bloom infestation; (2) Delayed response treatment according to: the solid gray line indicates sharp drops in bloom levels after each treatment with 50 kg / ha totaling 1750 kilograms (1.75 tons) over one year; (3) preventative treatment: black dotted line and arrows indicating eight sequential treatments of 5 kg / ha totaling 200 kg - a -90% reduction in the total dose. Figures 8A and 8B show photographs of a section of the shoreline where two people deposited the 500 kg product in a very short time. The compound was deposited in large piles of 5–10 kg each in the water (Figure 8A). Very soon, within 10–30 minutes, the granules began to rise back to the surface (i.e., designated by the arrows) and drifted with the wind into the seaweed scum (Figure 8B). The total time for the piles to disperse was 24–36 hours. Figure 9 shows the algaecide concentrations in various areas of an irrigation pond after local application, compared to the target area. The top figure, “Day 1,” details measurements taken 0–3 hours after treatment. The bottom figure, “Day 2,” details measurements taken 24 hours after treatment. Note the dramatic change in chlorophyll-a concentrations within 24 hours and the minimal AI concentrations in the water within the first 24 hours of treatment. Figures 10A and 10B show photographs of a 75,000 m2 irrigation pond in the Negev that was infested with Microcystis sp. and was treated with 150 kg of copper-based floating formulation (10A) before and (10B) after treatment. nQCRnn / Lznz / E / Yi Figure 11 shows NOAA satellite images showing high levels of cyanobacteria present in Chippewa Lake, Ohio, shortly before treatment (yellow and red pixels on August 3, top panel), which were completely eliminated immediately after treatment (August 11 onward, black pixels, bottom panels). Gray pixels represent clouds. Figures 12A and 12B show qualitative microscopic images of: 12A) Pretreatment: most of the phytoplankton captured by the microscope consisted of cyanobacteria species, primarily Planktothrix sp. and Anabaena sp. 12B) Three days after treatment, no toxin-producing cyanobacteria were captured. The phytoplankton captured by microscopic images consisted mainly of beneficial green algae, primarily Diatom sp. and Chlamydomonas-like species. A few Spirulina sp., a non-toxic cyanobacterium, were also captured. Figure 13 shows relative measurements of dissolved oxygen (DO); the ratio of total eukaryotic algal biomass to cyanobacteria biomass; the “Resistance Index” (Algae vs. Cyanobacteria); the clogging potential meter; and pH. Measurements were taken daily at 8:00 a.m. for nine consecutive days from different points in the lake. DO, Algae vs. Cyanobacteria, and clogging potential meter measurements were normalized to day 0. Figure 14 is a photograph of Chippewa Lake, Ohio, showing protein foaming throughout the lake, day 3 post-treatment. Figure 15 shows the microcystin levels measured in Chippewa Lake since Medina Park County began weekly cyanotoxin measurements in 2016. The lake freezes between December and March. The red dotted arrow indicates the start of treatment with the composition described here. Figure 16 describes the result of a seasonal treatment with the compositions revealed here in the Kibbutz Nitzanim irrigation reservoir, indicating the dramatic impact of the treatment on algae levels, its prolonged effect, as well as its ability to influence the variety of species in favor of non-toxic ones (1kg / ha. - 11b / acre). Figure 17 shows the amount of copper used as an algaecide in the Kibbutz Nitzanim irrigation reservoir during the years 2014-2018. Figure 18 shows visible changes in the water quality of a pond near Lake Taihu, China, treated with sodium percarbonate (Lake Guard™ Oxy). The top panel shows the pond before treatment. The bottom panel shows the pond 12 weeks after treatment. Figures 19A and 19B show changes in chlorophyll (19A); and phycocyanin (19B) after treatment. Figures 20a and 20B show changes in pH (20A) and dissolved oxygen (20B) after treatment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The following description outlines various aspects of disclosure. For explanatory purposes, specific configurations and details are provided to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the different aspects of disclosure. However, it will also be evident to someone skilled in the field that disclosure can be implemented without the specific details presented here. Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified to avoid complicating disclosure. Definitions The term “phytoplankton,” as used herein, refers to microorganisms that perform photosynthesis in aquatic environments. The two main groups of phytoplankton are: (1) Cyanobacteria (also called “Blue-green algae”) and (2) Microalgae (i.e., photosynthetic eukaryotic microorganisms). Non-limiting examples of cyanobacteria species include: Microcystis sp., Nodularia sp., Cylindrospermopsis sp., Lyngbya sp., Planktothrix sp., Oscillatoria sp., Schizothrix sp., Anabaena sp., Pseudanabaena sp., Aphanizomenon sp., Umezakia sp., Nostoc sp., Spirulina sp. Their known cyanotoxins include: microcystins, nodularins, anatoxin, cylindrospermopsins, lyngbyatoxin, saxitoxin, and lipopolysaccharides. Non-limiting examples of algae include: Karenia sp., Gymnodinium sp., Dinoflagellates, and Prymnesium sp. (also known as golden algae). Their list of toxins includes paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), neurotoxic shellfish poisoning (NSP), aplisiatoxins, BMAA, brevetoxin, and ptychodiscus. As used in this document, the term “nontoxic algae” refers to algae that do not produce toxins of a type or in a concentration that is dangerous to the aquatic ecosystem. According to some modalities, nontoxic algae do not produce paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), neurotoxic shellfish poisoning (NSP), aplisiatoxins, BMAA, brevetoxin, or pticodisc. As used in this document, the term “nontoxic cyanobacteria” refers to cyanobacteria that do not produce toxins of a type or at a concentration dangerous to the aquatic ecosystem. According to some modalities, nontoxic cyanobacteria do not produce microcystins, nodularins, anatoxin, cylindrospermopsins, lingbiatoxin, saxitoxin, or lipopolysaccharides. As used in this document, the term “phytoplankton blooms” refers to an explosion in the population of phytoplankton in bodies of water. The phenomenon is identified when large quantities of photosynthetic, free-floating microorganisms float in the photic zone (where light intensity is greater than 1% of that of surface water) or at the water's surface. It refers to the phenomenon in which cyanobacteria or microalgae species multiply their biomass logarithmically over a period of one day, one week, two weeks, one month, or one season. The term “algicides” as used in this document refers to compounds capable of exterminating, lysing, killing, inhibiting growth, inhibiting proliferation, inhibiting photosynthesis, or reducing / preventing / inhibiting / treating phytoplankton infestation. Non-limiting examples of suitable algaecides include oxidizers (e.g., hypochlorite, chemicals that produce H₂O₂ or H₂O₂ such as sodium percarbonate), phosphate chelating agents (e.g., alum salts, bentonite clay), copper-based compounds, potassium permanganate, and combinations thereof. In some formulations, the algaecide may include a combination of algaecides, such as, but not limited to, H₂O₂-based and copper-based algaecides, a combination that may have a synergistic effect, thereby allowing for a reduction in the overall use of chemicals.As used herein, the term “lowest lethal dose” refers to the smallest amount of drug that can cause the death of phytoplankton when exposed to the algaecide for less than 24 h. Not limited by any theory, and in addition to the effect of abiotic parameters, the sensitivity of cyanobacteria to H2O2 depends on the specific conditions of each water body, such as the composition of the phytoplankton and its capacity to decompose H2O2 (Weenink et al., 2015, Combatting cyanobacteria with hydrogen peroxide: a laboratory study on the consequences for phytoplankton community and diversity. Front Microbio! 6: doi: 10.3389 / fmicb.2015.00714). Therefore, in preparation for treatment, the threshold concentration above which the active ingredient (e.g., H2O2) kills the phytoplankton / cyanobacteria when applied as a single dose is determined. According to some methods, the lethal dose can be determined as follows: 1. Collect cells, for example, using a phytoplankton net. 2. Collect the cells (e.g., by rinsing the net with a small volume of distilled water, such as 100 ml (the exact volume depends on the cell density)). 3. Extract a sample into vials (e.g., 1 ml) and centrifuge the vials. 4. Apply a range of H2O2 concentrations using a stock solution (e.g. 0, 0.5, 1.2, 4 and 10 mg / L). 5. Create a vortex and wait 30-60 min. 6. Rotate the vials and measure the absorbance at wavelengths of 620, 680, and 730 nm. This allows you to assess the amount of pigment released by dying cells. The term “body of water”, as used in this document, refers to any type of reservoir, aquaculture, basin, salt or fresh water, ocean, gulf, sea, standing water, or river. The term “water system”, as used in this document, may refer to including any body of water, whether natural or artificial. As used herein, the terms “active ingredient (AI),” “core material,” “raw material,” and “technical compound” refer to any reactive compound designed to induce reactivity against microorganisms in the water system. Non-limiting examples of AIs include detergents, antibiotics, anti-photosynthetics, and algaecides. In some formulations, an AI may be any phytoplankton- or zooplankton-inhibiting agent. In some modalities, the term “mitigation” as used in this document refers to reducing phytoplankton biomass by 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, 50% or more within 30 min, 90 min, 6 hours, 1 day, 2 days, or 1 week, from the application of the treatment. Each possibility is a separate modality. As used in this document, the terms “necrosis” and “necrotic cell death” can be used interchangeably and refer to a form of cell injury that results in premature cell death due, for example, to a high level of poison or toxins that alters cellular function / structure. As used herein, the term “programmed cell death (PCD)” refers to cell death induced by an internal or external signal or signals mediated by a genetically controlled intracellular program. In some modalities, the term “season” as used in this document refers to the period of time between the onset of logarithmic phytoplankton growth (defined by cell density levels increasing more than twofold in a given period: one day, one week, two weeks, or one month; or when cell density exceeds 8 pg chlorophyll-a / L or 8,000 phytoplankton cells / ml); and the end of logarithmic growth (when cell density levels barely change or even naturally fall below 10 pg chlorophyll-a / L or 20,000 phytoplankton cells / ml). It should be noted that, in some cases, in some locations, based on the above criteria, a “season” may not be an annually recurring phenomenon, but rather one that occurs year-round. The term “periodic treatment” as used in this document refers to treatment every 24 hours, every two days, once a week, every two to four weeks, once a month, once a year, or twice a year. Each of these options is a separate modality. Under some modalities, periodic treatment may be seasonal. The term “infected area” as used in this document refers to an area contaminated with phytoplankton biomass at a cell density approximately or greater than chlorophyll-a concentrations of 10 pg / L or above 20,000 phytoplankton cells / ml. The area can be defined using probes or standard laboratory extraction methods to detect photosynthetic pigments (which capture the light energy required for photosynthesis) as a proxy for specific phytoplankton species, such as chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b, chlorophyll-cl, chlorophyll-c2, fucoxanthin, peridinin, phycocyanin, and phycoerythrin. Detection can also be performed spectroscopically, by measuring the fluorescence emitted by the photosynthetic pigments, or by using phytoplankton cell counting (microscopy, cell sorting) or thermal imaging.Identifying and mapping the infected area can be done using drones or satellite imagery. Alternatively, a probe attached to a boat can be used to effectively monitor the water's surface. The term “critical surface tension” as used in this document refers to the surface tension of solid bodies, powders, etc. It can be measured as the surface tension of liquids (or liquid mixtures) that leads to the complete dispersion of the liquid over the solid surface. The critical value of the surface tension is measured in newtons / cm or dynes / cm. It can be defined by a matrix of mixed liquids to change the resistance to the surface tension of water, as also exemplified by (Ghahremani et al., Der Chemica Sinica 2: 212-221, 2011). Different materials have different surface tension values, for example, paraffins -0.00023-0.00024 newton / cm (-23-24 dynes / cm), Teflon -0.00019-0.00021 newton / cm (-19-21 dynes / cm), polyvinyl chloride -0.00045 newton / cm (-45 dynes / cm), etc. As used in this document, the terms “floating composition” and “floating composition” may be used interchangeably and refer to compositions formulated to float on the surface and / or to remain submerged in the water column without sinking to the bottom of the water system. According to some embodiments, the floating / floating composition may be dispersed essentially equally throughout the water column. According to some embodiments, the floating composition may be formulated to reach a certain depth (above the ground) in the water column (e.g., 0.01–5 cm below the surface, or 10–200 cm below the surface, or 20–100 cm below the surface). As used in this document, the term “acid number” refers to the mass of KOH in mg required to neutralize 1 g of a fatty acid, such as one gram of the coating material. As used in this document, the term “consisting essentially of” with respect to the compositions described herein refers to compositions that include less than 2% w / w, less than 1% w / w, less than 0.5% w / w, less than 0.1% w / w, less than 0.05% w / w, or less than 0.01% w / w of ingredients other than those described. Each possibility is a separate modality. The terminology used in this document is intended to describe particular modalities only and is not intended to be exhaustive. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” “one,” “the,” and “a” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It is further understood that the terms “comprises” or “comprising,” when used in this description, specify the presence of stated features, steps, or operations, but do not exclude or preclude the presence or addition of one or more additional features, steps, operations, or groups thereof. For some modalities, the term “comprising” may be replaced by the term “essentially consisting of” or “consisting of.” The terms “around” and “approximately” refer to a reasonable variation of a stated quantity that retains the ability to achieve one or more functional effects substantially to the same extent as the stated quantity. The term may also refer hereto to a value of plus or minus 10% of the stated value; or plus or minus 5%, or plus or minus 1%, or plus or minus 0.5%, or plus or minus 0.1%, or any percentage in between. Compositions According to some aspects, this disclosure is directed to compositions for mitigating, treating, inhibiting, enhancing and / or eliminating phytoplankton growth in bodies of water; the composition comprises: i. an active ingredient at a concentration of 80.0-99.5% (w / w). I. a coating material at a concentration of 0.5 to 5% (w / w). where the critical surface tension of the composition is between 0.00015-0.0006 newton / cm (15-60 dynes / cm) and where the relative density of the composition, before being immersed in water, is greater than 1.0 g / cm3. According to some models, the composition is formulated so that the relative density decreases below 1.0 g / cm³ after 1-60 minutes, 0.25-60 minutes, 5-60 minutes, or 10-60 minutes after immersion in water. Each possibility is an independent model. nQCRnn / Lznz / E / Yii According to some formulations, the composition consists of the active ingredient and the coating material; that is, it essentially includes only the listed ingredients (active ingredient and coating) and less than 40%, less than 20%, less than 10%, less than 5%, 1%, or 0.1% of other ingredients (impurities or inert materials). Each possibility is a separate formulation. In some embodiments, the critical surface tension of the composition is between 20 and 45 dynes / cm, or more specifically 28 to 32 dynes / cm. Each option represents an independent embodiment of the invention. According to some embodiments, the critical surface tension of the composition is approximately 0.00030 newton / cm (30 dynes / cm). According to some embodiments, the critical surface tension of the composition is approximately 0.00035 newton / cm (35 dynes / cm). In some embodiments, the concentration of the active ingredient is 75-99.5%, more specifically 80-99%, or more specifically 95-99%, each option representing an independent embodiment of the invention. In some embodiments, the active ingredient is a photosynthetic microorganism inhibitor. In other embodiments, any active ingredient that is desired to be formulated in a floating composition can be formulated according to the present invention. According to some modalities, the active ingredient may include any active ingredient, including any type of water disinfectant, capable of treating, inhibiting and / or eliminating, mitigating the growth of aquatic pests such as phytoplankton blooms. Non-limiting examples of suitable active ingredients include oxygen-releasing agents, chlorine-releasing agents, bromine-releasing agents, iodine-releasing agents, peroxide-based compounds, copper-releasing agents, manganese-releasing agents, aluminum-releasing agents, photosynthesis inhibitors, and any combination thereof. Specifically, the active agent may be or include sodium percarbonate, copper sulfate pentahydrate, calcium hypochlorite, sodium dichloroisocyanurate, alum salts, titanium dioxide, phthalimidoperoxyhexanoic acid, quaternary ammonium compounds, sodium hypochlorite, chlorine, bronopol, glutaral, alkyl*dimethylbenzylammonium chloride* (50% c14, 40% c12, 10% c16), alkyl*dimethylbenzylammonium chloride* (60% c14, 30% c16, 5% c18, 5% c12), 1-(alkyl*amino)-3-aminopropane monoacetate* (47% c12, 18% c14, 10% c18, 9% c10, 8% c16, 8% c8), trichloro-s-triazinetrione, sodium dichloro-s-triazinetrione, sodium dichloroisocyanurate dehydrate, sodium bromide, poly(oxyethylene(dimethyliminio)ethylene(dimethyliminio)ethylene dichloride), 2-(thiocyanomethylthio)benzothiazole, isopropanol, sodium chlorate, sodium n-bromosulfamate, mixture with sodium n-chlorosulfamate, 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin, dodecylguanidine hydrochloride,tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium sulfate (THPS), 1-bromo-3-chloro-5,5-dimethylhydantoin, sodium chlorite, potassium permanganate, ammonium bromide, copper triethanolamine complex, chlorine dioxide, 2,2-dibromo-3-nitrilopropionamide, 5-chloro-2-methyl-3(2H)-isothiazolone, sodium dichloroisocyanurate dehydrate, silver, sodium zirconium hydrogen silver phosphate (Ag0.18Na0.57H0.25Zr2(PO4)3), amino acids (such as, among others: arginine, glutamine, L-lysine, methionine), copper ethanolamine complex, 80% methyldodecylbenzyltrimethylammonium chloride and 20% methyldodecylxylylene bis(trimethylammonium chloride), lanthanum, aluminum sulfate, acid 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 1,1-ethylene-2,2'-bipyridyldiyl dibromide (diquat dibromide), 1 -methyl-3-phenyl5-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl] pyridin-4-one (fluridone), N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine(glyphosate), Acid 5-(methoxymethyl)-2-(4nQCRnn / Lznz / E / Yii methyl-5-oxo-4-propan-2-yl-1 H-imidazol-2-íl)pyridine-3-carboxylic acid (Imazamox),(RS)-2-(4-Methyl-5-oxo-4-propan-2-11-1H-imidazol-2-11)pyridine-3-carboxylic acid (Imazapyr), [(3,5,6-Trichloro-2-pyridine)oxy]acetic acid (Triclopyr), endothal (3,6-endoxohexahydrophthalic acid as a potassium salt or amine salt) or any combination thereof. Each possibility is an independent modality. In some embodiments, the concentration of the coating material may be in the range of approximately 0.5-20% (w / w) of the composition, 0.5-15% (w / w) of the composition, 0.5-25% (w / w) of the composition, 1-20% (w / w) of the composition, 0.5-5% (w / w) of the composition, or any other suitable range within the range of 0.1-40% (w / w) of the composition. Each option represents an independent embodiment of the invention. According to some modalities, the coating material can have a partition coefficient (log P) greater than 1, greater than 1.5 or greater than 2. Each possibility is an independent modality. According to some models, the concentration of the coating material is less than 30% (w / w), less than 20%, less than 10% (w / w) of the composition, less than 5% (w / w) of the composition, less than 2% (w / w) of the composition, or less than 1% (w / w) of the composition. Each possibility is an independent model. According to some embodiments, the coating material may include one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of cellulose derivatives, crushed plant biomass, saturated hydrocarbons, resinous materials, foam, natural or synthetic latex, waxes, paraffin, rosin, hydrophobic materials, superhydrophobic materials, fatty acids and their derivatives, and silicone derivatives, or any other suitable compound or combination of compounds having the desired critical surface tension described herein. Each possibility is a separate embodiment. In some embodiments, the coating material may be or include a fatty acid. In some embodiments, the fatty acid may be a naturally occurring fatty acid. In some embodiments, the fatty acid may be an unbranched chain. In some embodiments, the fatty acid may have an even number of carbon atoms, from 4 to 28. In some embodiments, the fatty acid may be a long-chain fatty acid (LCFA) with aliphatic tails of 13 to 21 carbons. In some embodiments, the fatty acid may be saturated. In some embodiments, the fatty acid may be unsaturated. In some embodiments, the fatty acid may be a triglyceride. In some embodiments, the coating material may be or include a wax. As used herein, the term wax refers to organic compounds that are lipophilic, malleable solids at room temperature, typically having a melting point between 55 and 90°C. In some embodiments, the wax may be natural or synthetic. In some embodiments, the wax may be an animal wax, such as beeswax, or a vegetable wax, such as carnauba wax. In some embodiments, the coating material may be or include paraffin. Non-limiting examples of suitable coating materials include: decanoic acid, sodium salt; octadecanoic acid, ammonium salt; glycerides, animal, reaction products with sucrose; glycerides, palm oil, reaction products with sucrose; glycerides, tallow, reaction products with sucrose; glycerides, vegetable oil, reaction products with sucrose; fatty acids, cola oil, maleated, compounds, with triethanolamine; dodecanoic acid, potassium salt; xanthylium, 3-[(2,6-dimethylphenyl)amino]-6-[(2,6-dimethylsulfophenyl)amino]-9-(2-sulfophenyl)-, internal salt, sodium salt (1:1); siloxanes and silicones, 3-[(2-aminoethyl)amino]propyl Me, di-Me, methoxy-terminated; Di-2-ethylhexyl azelate; Tetraethoxysilane polymer with hexamethyldisiloxane; Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), alpha-phenyl-omega-hydroxy, styrene; 2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethyl ester of octadecanoic acid; Isoamyl butyrate; Benzensulfonic acid, coctadecyl-, sodium salt;C18 unsaturated fatty acids, hydrogenated dimers, polymers with ethylenediamine, 2-aminopropylmetholone ether of polypropylene glycol, and polypropylene glycol diamine. The minimum number average molecular weight is 51300; Sulfuric acid, monooctyl ester; Siloxanes and silicones, 3-aminopropyl Me, Me stearyl; Octadecanoic acid ester with 1,2,3-propanetriol; 2,3-Dihydroxypropyl ester of 9-octadecenoic (Z)-,2,3-dihydroxypropyl acid; Octadecanoic acid, 2-hydroxyethyl ester; Isopropyl stearate; Behenic acid; Sterilized alcohol; Hexanedioic acid, polymer with N-(2-aminoethyl)-1,3-propanediamine, aziridine, (chloromethyl)oxirane, 1,2-ethanediamine, N,N-1,2-ethanediylbis(1,3-propanediamine), formic acid and alpha-hydro-omegahydroxypoly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl); Siloxanes and silicones, 3-hydroxypropyl methionine, ethers with polyethylene glycol mono-methionine; Stearyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride; Octadecanoic acid, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl ester; Octadecanoic acid, butyl ester;Butyl stearate; Fatty acids, canola oil; Octanoic acid; Castor oil, hydrogenated, polymer with adipic acid, ethylenediamine and 12-hydroxyoctadecanoic acid; Phenyl didecyl phosphite; Hexanedioic acid, polymer with 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, hydrazine, 3-hydro; 9-Octadecanoic acid, monoester with oxybis(propanediol); Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), α-undecyl-2-hydroxy, branched and linear; Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), α-(4-nonylphenyl)-2-hydroxy branched; Siloxanes and silicones, di-Me, 3-hydroxypropyl Me, 3-hydroxypropyl group terminated, ethoxylated propoxylated; Octadecanoic acid, 2-2, bis(hydroxymethyl)-I, 3-propanediyl ester; 9-Octadecenoic acid, 12-hydroxy-, (9Z, 12R)-, monoester with 1,2,3-propanetriol; Glyceryl distearate; Fatty acids, coco, reaction products with 2-((2-aminoethyl)amino)ethanol, bis(2-carboxyethyl) deri; Sorbitan monolaurate; Sorbitan monostearate; Decanoic acid, calcium salt;Fatty acids, resin oil, polymers with bisphenol A, epichlorohydrin, ethylene manuf. -di-product; Glyceryl tris(12-hydroxystearate); Siloxanes and silicones, di-Me, Bu- group and 3-((2-methyl-1-oxo-2-propenyl)oxy)propyl group-te; C18 unsaturated fatty acids, trimers, compounds with oleylamine; Sodium Lauryl Sulfate; Lauryl sulfate; Siloxanes and silicones, di-Me, polymers with hydrolysis products of silica-1,1-trimethyl-N-(trimethylsilyl)silanamine and trimethylsilyl ester of silicic acid; Octadecanoic acid, calcium salt; C18 unsaturated fatty acids, trimers, reaction products with triethylenetetramine; Siloxanes and silicones, 3-aminopropyl Me, di-Me, [[(3-aminopropyl)ethoxymethylsilyl]oxy] terminated, 4-hydroxybenzoates; Siloxanes and silicones, hydroxy Me, Me octyl, Me (gamma-omega-perfluoroalkyl C8-14)-oxy, ether; Trisiloxane, 1,1,1,3,5,5,5-heptamethyl-3-octyl-; Cetyl stearyl octanoate; 9-Hexadecenoic acid;Phenyl tris(trimethylsiloxy)silane; Octadecanoic acid, 2-ethylhexyl ester; Fatty acids, glue oil, esters with polyethylene glycol mono(hydrogen maleate), compounds with diethylenetriamine amides and fatty acids from glue oil; Siloxanes and silicones, di-Me, hydroxyMe, ethers with polypropylene glycol mono-But ether; Dodecanoic acid, zinc salt; Polypropylene glycol stearyl ether; Silane, (3-chloropropyl) trimethoxy-; 9-Octadecenoic (9Z)-, diester with 1,2,3-propanetriol; Lauryl methacrylate polymer; Butyl acrylate-hydroxyethyl acrylate-methyl methacrylate copolymer; Butyl acrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, methyl methacrylate and styrene copolymer nQCRnn / Lznz / E / Yi; Butyl methacrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate and styrene copolymer; Hexadecanoic acid, diester with 1,2,3-propanetriol; Hexadecanoic acid, monoester with 1,2,3-propanetriol; Sorbitan tristearate; Dodecylphenol;Dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid, diisopropylamine salt; Dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid, triethylamine salt; Silane, triethoxyoctyl-; 2-Ethylhexyl 12-hydroxystearate; Hexadecanoic acid, 2-ethylhexyl ester; 2-Ethylhexyl monohydrogen phosphate; Magnesium dodecyl sulfate; Octadecanoic acid, tridecyl ester; Octadecanoic acid, monoester with 1,2,3-propanetriol; Dodecanoic acid, octadecyl ester; Silane, trimethoxy(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)-; C8-12 triglycerides; Trisiloxane, 1,3,3,5-tetramethyl-1,1,5,5-tetraphenyl-; Sodium dodecylnaphthalenesulfonate; Tetradecanoic acid, magnesium salt; Heptadecanoic acid; Octadecanoic acid, magnesium salt; Octadecanoic acid, zinc salt; Hexadecanoic acid; Octadecanoic acid; Octadecanoic acid, 12-hydroxy, homopolymer, octadecanoate; Fatty acids, coconut; Fatty acids, vegetable oil; Glycerides, sesqui tallow, hydrogenated; Fatty acids, cola oil; Fatty acids, tallow; Fatty acids, tallow, hydrogenated;Ethoxylated soybean fatty acids; Ethoxylated coconut fatty acids; Siloxanes and silicones, di-Me, Me Ph; Siloxanes and silicones, di-Me, hydroxy-terminated, ethoxylated; Siloxanes and silicones, Me 3,3,3-trifluoropropyl; Poly(methylhydrosiloxane); Polydimethylsiloxane, methyl-blocked at the ends; Chlorinated wax; Petroleum wax; Paraffins (petroleum), C5-20 normal; Fatty acids, glue oil, polymers with glycerol, pentaerythritol, italic anhydride, and rosin; Mixed mono- and di-glycerides; Fatty acids; Fatty acids, C8-18 and C18 unsaturated; Fatty acids, C6-18 and C18 unsaturated; Fatty acids, C8-18 and C18 unsaturated, potassium salts; Fatty acids, C8-18 and C18 unsaturated, sodium salts; Glycerides, C8-18 and C8-unsaturated mono- and di-; Glycerides, C4-18 mono- and di-; Fatty acids, coco-containing polymers with glycerol and italic anhydride; Silanes and siloxanes, 3-cyanopropyl methionine, di-methionine, 3-hydroxypropyl methionine, ethers with polyethylene-polypropylene glycol mono-methionine ether;Siloxanes and silicones, di-Me, 3-hydroxypropyl Me, ethers with polyethylene polypropylene glycol mono-Meether; Silicone-glycol copolymer; Siloxanes and silicones, di-Me, 3-hydroxypropyl Me, ethers with polyethylene polypropylene glycol; Dimethylsiloxane polymer with silica; Siloxanes and silicones, di-Me, Me vinyl; Siloxanes and silicones, di-Me, hydroxy-terminated ethers with polypropylene glycol mono-Butyl; Siloxanes and silicones, ethoxy Me; Glycerides, mono- and di-hydrogenated, ethoxylated palm oil; Glycerides, C16-22; Siloxanes and silicones, di-Me, Me hydrogen, reaction products with polyethylene glycol monoacetate; Siloxanes and silicones, di-Me, Me hydrogen, reaction products with polyethylene polypropylene glycol monoacetate allyl ether; Siloxanes and Silicones, di-Me, di-Ph, Me Ph, polymers with Me Ph silsesquioxanes; Siloxanes and Silicones, di-Me, Me Ph, polymers with Me Ph silsesquioxanes; Siloxanes and Silicones, di-Ph, Me Ph, polymers with Me Ph silsesquioxanes;Fatty acids, coconut, diesters with polyethylene glycol; Glycerides, C14-18 mono- and di-ethoxylated; Fatty acids, cola oil, esters with ethylene glycol; Coconut glycerides, mono- and di-ethoxylated; Soybean glycerides, mono-; Fatty acids, corn oil; Fatty acids, cottonseed oil; Fatty acids, soybean; Fatty acids, cola oil, polymers with ethylene glycol, glycerol, isophthalic acid, pentaerythritol, and propylene glycol; Fatty acids, tallow, hydrogenated, dimers, diketene derivatives; Fatty acids, tallow, hydrogenated, ethoxylated, propoxylated; Fatty acids, linseed oil; Glycerides, C14-18 and C14- unsaturated, mono- and di-; Siloxanes and silicones, octyl methoxylate; Silane, dichlorodimethyl-, reaction products with silica; Fatty acids, glue oil, diesters with polypropylene glycol; Fatty acids, glue oil, sesquiesters with sorbitol, ethoxylated; Siloxanes and silicones, di-Me, 3-hydroxypropyl Me, ethoxylated;Siloxanes and silicones, di-Me, 3-hydroxypropyl Me, ethoxylated propoxylated; Siloxanes and silicones, di-Me, [(methylsilylidine) tris (oxy) tris-, hydroxy-terminated ethers with polyethylene glycol monobutyl ether; Hydrogenated coconut fatty acids; Siloxanes and silicones, di-Me, 3-hydroxypropyl Me, ethers with polyethylene glycol mono-Met; Fatty acids, glue oil, esters with ethoxylated sorbitol; Fatty acids, glue oil, polymers with glycerol, isophthalic acid and rosin; Siloxanes and silicones, di-Me, Me hydrogen, reaction products with polypropylene glycol monoallyl ether; Glycerides, C14-22 monoacetates; Glycerides, C14-22 monoacetates; Siloxanes and silicones, di-Me, 3-hydroxypropyl Me, Me 2-(7oxabicyclo[4.1.0]hept-3-yl)ethyl, ethers with polyethylene-polypropylene glycol mono-Meether; Glycerides, mixed decanoyl and octanoyl; Siloxanes and silicones, polyoxyalkylene-; Polyglyceryl oleate; Polyglyceryl stearate;or any combination thereof. Each possibility is an independent modality. According to some embodiments, the coating material may be or include behenic acid; Octadecanoic acid, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl ester; Glyceryl distearate; Hexadecanoic acid; Octadecanoic acid; Fatty acids; Fatty acids, C8-18 and C18-unsaturated; Fatty acids, C16-18 and C18-unsaturated; Fatty acids, C8-18 and C18-unsaturated, potassium salts; Fatty acids, C8-18 and C18-unsaturated, sodium salts; Glycerides, C8-18 and C18-mono- and di-unsaturated; Glycerides, C4-18 mono- and di-fatty acids, coco, polymers with glycerol and italic anhydride; According to some modalities, the coating material may include any compound that has one or more of the following attributes: (a) composed of inert compounds by the inert ingredients approved for use in pesticide products listed by the U.S. EPA (Https: / / www.epa.(a) does not react chemically with the AI; (b) low cost; (c) biodegradable; (d) allows the AI ​​to interact with the water system and release its contents over time at water temperatures below 45°C; (f) the coating percentage (w / w) of the total composition must be less than 20%, preferably less than 10% or, more preferably, less than 5%; (g) no byproduct of the coating or the combination of the coating with the AI ​​causes a hazard to the environment; (h) sustained shelf life (humidity, high temperature during shipping), preferably more than 1 year (depending on the AI); (i) coating melting temperature between 50 and 90°C; the coating is solid above 20°C. Each possibility is an independent modality. According to some formulations, the granule size is such that an optimal balance is achieved between buoyancy (the smaller the granule, the less it weighs, and the more likely it is to remain on the water's surface) and solubility (the smaller the granule, the greater its surface area, and therefore, the faster it dissolves). Therefore, the granule size must be optimized to ensure rapid return to the surface while, on the one hand, allowing the release of the active ingredient (AI) and, on the other hand, preventing it from diffusing at the water's surface during the initial stages of the return-to-surface phase. According to some modalities, the composition has a granule form such as, but not limited to, percarbonate granules. Depending on the specific application, the granule size ranges from 50-150 µm, 150-1500 µm, 200-1000 µm, 0.3-15 mm, or 1-10 mm. Generally, larger granules require less coating. Each option is a separate application. nQCRnn / Lznz / E / Yii According to some formulations, the granule size of the AI ​​can be adjusted so that the composition remains at a depth of 0.02–2 m, 0.1–1.5 m, 0.2–1 m, 0.2–0.5 m, or any other suitable range within the 0.01–2 m range below the water system surface. Each possibility is an independent formulation, resulting in a partially floating or semi-floating composition. According to some formulations, at least 99%, 95%, 90%, 85%, 80%, 75%, 70%, 65%, 60%, 55%, or 50% of the applied composition can remain semi-floating for at least 20 minutes, at least 30 minutes, at least 1 hour, or at least 2 hours after application and / or after returning to the surface. Each possibility is an independent formulation.Advantageously, due to the semi-buoyancy of the composition, it is particularly suitable for the preventive treatment of the early stages of algae infestation during which pelagic algae are typically found below the surface of the water system, i.e., before the formation of algae mats on the surface of the water body. Methods of applying the composition. According to some models, a method is provided to treat, inhibit and / or eliminate phytoplankton growth in bodies of water; the method comprises: i. conduct an inspection to detect the presence of phytoplankton (e.g., according to specific phytoplankton pigments), i. define an infected area by coordinates, i. apply a floating composition locally, upwind, opposite the infected area, so that the wind pushes the floating algaecide particles towards the bloom; thereby treating, inhibiting, enhancing and / or eliminating the growth of the phytoplankton. According to some modalities, treatment can be prophylactic, thus allowing treatment with minimal doses of the active ingredient. As used herein, the term “prophylactic treatment” may refer to treatment carried out in the early stages of phytoplankton blooms. According to some modalities, the early stages of phytoplankton blooms may refer to a phytoplankton concentration of at least 10 pg, 5 pg, or 1 pg. Each possibility is a separate modality. According to some modalities, the early stages of phytoplankton blooms may refer to a phytoplankton concentration of 20,000 phytoplankton cells / ml or less, 8,000 phytoplankton cells / ml or less, or 5,000 phytoplankton cells / ml or less. Each possibility is a separate modality. According to some embodiments, the floating composition may be the floating composition described herein comprising an active ingredient (e.g., a photosynthetic microorganism inhibitor) at a concentration of 80.0–99.5% w / w and a coating material at a concentration of 0.5–20% w / w; wherein the critical surface tension of the composition is between 0.000150.0006 newton / cm (15–60 dynes / cm) and wherein the relative density of the composition, before immersion in water, is greater than 1 g / cm³. However, other floating compositions may also be used, such as, but not limited to, compositions comprising at least one buoyant agent and at least one active ingredient, and are therefore within the scope of this description. nQCRnn / Lznz / E / Yi According to some methods, applying the floating composition involves applying the composition in such a way that the concentration of the active ingredient is less than 999 109-1015ppm in the aquatic system. According to some methods, applying the floating composition involves applying the composition to 0.001-10% of the surface of a windless aquatic system facing the infected area. According to some methods, prophylactic phytoplankton treatment may include the application of at least two inhibitors of photosynthetic microorganisms, e.g., in an alternating order between treatments. As a non-limiting example, two subsequent treatments with H₂O₂-based compositions may be followed by a third treatment with a copper-based composition. According to some modalities, a combination of two inhibitors of photosynthetic microorganisms can be applied in a single treatment, for example, copper-based compositions and H2O2 can be applied simultaneously. According to some modalities, the combined or alternating action of more than one photosynthetic microorganism inhibitor can (a) prevent the accumulation of resistant strains and (b) affect different types of phytoplankton with varying susceptibilities and (c) reduce the total amount of photosynthetic microorganism inhibitor applied. Each possibility is a separate modality. According to some models, the floating composition moves along with the flower in the aquatic system. According to some embodiments, the method comprises periodically treating the aquatic system with the floating composition at a concentration of less than 999 x 10⁹-10¹⁵. According to some embodiments, the method comprises periodically treating the aquatic system with the floating composition at a concentration lower than the lowest lethal dose of the algaecide. According to some modalities, prophylactic phytoplankton treatment (early season) allows the use of approximately 2, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, or 50 times less active ingredient, or any value in between, per season compared to the late bloom treatment (also referred to herein as the “response treatment” or “end-of-season treatment”). Each possibility is a separate modality. According to some methods, prophylactic treatment with phytoplankton completely prevents large-scale blooms. According to some methods, prophylactic phytoplankton treatment results in at least a 40% or 50% reduction in phytoplankton biomass after 24 hours. According to some methods, prophylactic phytoplankton treatment results in at least an 80% or 90% reduction in phytoplankton biomass after 48 hours. According to some modalities, the treatment will change the ratio of cyanobacteria to non-toxic algae by a factor of 2, 4, or more than 10 within 24 to 72 hours of the start of treatment (compared to the ratio before treatment). Each possibility is a separate modality. According to some modalities, the ratio can be determined by measuring photosynthetic pigments (which capture the light energy necessary for photosynthesis) as a proxy for specific phytoplankton species, such as chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b, chlorophyll-c, chlorophyll-c2, fucoxanthin, peridinin, phycocyanin, and / or phycoerythrin. Additionally or alternatively, the ratio can be determined spectroscopically by measuring the fluorescence emitted by the photosynthetic pigments or by using phytoplankton cell counts (microscopy, cell sorting) or thermal imaging. Each possibility is an independent modality.Without wishing to be bound to any particular theory, the treatment methodology and slow-release composition described herein alter the ecological balance in the water body so that cyanobacteria are lysed for otherwise exterminating purposes, followed by non-toxic algae (which are minimally affected by the sublethal dose of the AI) taking advantage and proliferating in large quantities. This “self-healing” mechanism of the water body sustains the treatment and prolongs the results as the increasing fraction of non-toxic algae further competes with the cyanobacteria to keep their low numbers in check. According to some modalities, the method also includes applying an additional dose of the same or a different active ingredient if the phytoplankton biomass is greater than 10 mg / l. According to some methods, prophylactic treatment with phytoplankton eliminates or at least significantly reduces the concentration of toxins in the water system. According to some methods, prophylactic treatment with phytoplankton eliminates or at least significantly reduces the need to chlorinate the water. According to some methods, prophylactic treatment with phytoplankton eliminates or at least significantly reduces bad odor and taste in the water system, which can be particularly advantageous for recreational and aquaculture purposes. Advantageously, since the algaecide is optimally distributed both vertically and spatially, it reduces the overall exposure of living organisms in the water to the active compound and leaves them ample areas upwind or in deeper waters to escape. In some applications, prophylactic phytoplankton treatment further reduces the population of small planktonic crustaceans (e.g., Daphnia sp. or Copepod sp., 0.2–5 mm in length) that feed on phytoplankton (e.g., by at least 10%, at least 50%, or at least 90% in 1, 7, and 30 days, respectively). These organisms are a correlated byproduct of phytoplankton blooms, which increase the incidence of pipe clogging. In some applications, the reduced crustacean population, in turn, reduces the need for, or at least the required concentration of, highly toxic pesticides (e.g., abamectin) typically used to inhibit, reduce, or eliminate planktonic crustacean growth. Advantageously, prophylactic phytoplankton treatment can thus reduce wear and tear on filters and pumps. According to some methods, prophylactic treatment with phytoplankton further reduces or prevents the occurrence of Enterobacteriaceae species. Advantageously, due to the above advantages of prophylactic phytoplankton treatment, the present invention reduces overall seasonal operating costs by up to 90%, making the treatment of large bodies of water (>10 km2) technically, environmentally, and financially viable. nQCRnn / Lznz / E / Yi In some applications, the compound can be applied using a duster similar to those used for spreading saline pesticides or grains in agriculture. Dusting can be particularly useful when treating large water systems. The formulation can be applied from any type of vessel without volume limitations at strategic "drop" points, allowing the compound to travel with the currents and accumulate along the algae blooms. Large quantities of the compound can also be manufactured and packaged in silos of varying sizes (tens of tons). Alternatively, a full silo can be shipped directly to the desired "drop zone" for deployment. A spreader can be installed on such a silo to better control the quantity and rate of product used in each "drop zone." According to some modalities, the method includes follow-up evaluations of the previously treated area within a certain timeframe, such as within 24 hours, within 2 days, or within a week, to monitor treatment results and determine if, when, and where a supplemental dose is required. Each option is a separate modality. Depending on the modality, the method also includes follow-up inspections every 24 hours, every two days, every week, every two to four weeks, once a month, once a year, or twice a year to determine if further treatment is necessary. Each option is a separate modality. Depending on the method, the coating process may have one or more of the following attributes: • Simple and affordable, preferably requiring no more than two steps. • Safe to manufacture. Methods for preparing the composition. According to some embodiments, a method is provided for preparing / manufacturing a floating composition comprising percarbonate granules. The method comprises heating the IA granules to 45-60°C during continuous stirring under a nitrogen environment in a sealed mixer; heating the hydrophobic coating containing fatty acid methyl esters (CAS No. 6776238-3) or higher fatty acid methyl esters (CAS No. 67254-79-9) to 60-90°C, encapsulating the IA granules by the hydrophobic coating during continuous stirring. According to some variations, the method also involves cooling the composition below 40sC to obtain sodium percarbonate granules with a solid coating. The following examples are presented to more fully illustrate some embodiments of the invention. However, they should in no way be interpreted as limiting the broad scope of the invention. A person skilled in the art can easily devise many variations and modifications of the principles described herein without departing from the scope of the invention. EXAMPLES Example 1 - Determining the optimum coating To determine the optimum percentage of coating required to provide (1) the nQCRnn / Lznz / E / Yi return to the surface of the composition and (2) the slow release of the compound, the following protocol was established. A given amount (by weight) of IA was mixed with the coating material (see Table 1). Although it might be expected that a greater coating would result in better buoyancy, in practice the opposite occurred. Within certain parameters, the less coating material applied, the better the buoyancy achieved. At the same time, less coating resulted in a higher release rate of IA from the composition. nQCRnn / Lznz / E / Yi Table 1 - Compositions of copper and a mixture of fatty acids with increasing percentage of coating (granule size distribution ranged from 0.3-1.67 mm). CuStVSHíO, by weight) Mixture of fatty acids (% in sediment) Notes 99.5 0.5 FIG 1 FIG. 1C 99.0 10.0 97.5 2.5 95.0 5.0 90.0 10.0 85.0 15.0 80.0 20.0 75.0 25.0 Suspension. Large agglomerates prevent crystallization. No copper release or return to the surface - even after 3 days under ambient conditions (see FIG. 2). 70.0 30.0 60.0 40.0 50.0 50.0 Surprisingly, as can be seen in Table 1 above, when the coating fraction of 25% or more was applied to the active ingredient, the final (dry) product lost buoyancy. When submerged underwater, it could not resurface. When placed on the water's surface, it sank to the bottom. Furthermore, the large amount of coating inhibited interaction with the surrounding water, thus preventing the solubilization and release of the active ingredient. Conversely, when the coating proportion used was lower (0.5–20% depending on the material), the composition was able to return to the surface even though its specific gravity exceeded 1.0 g / ml. Furthermore, the floating agglomerate was able to release its AI content into the surrounding water. Further information is provided in the following examples. The phenomenon of return to the surface can be seen in FIG. 1A-FIG. 1C, which show representative time-series photographs demonstrating the buoyancy of granular copper coated with 0, 0.5, 1, 2.5 or 5% (w / w) of coating material. As expected, the uncoated active ingredient (0.0% (w / w)) immediately sank to the bottom and dissolved rapidly in the water, due to its hygroscopic nature. The initial application of formulations with 0.5%–5.0% (w / w) resulted in the granules sinking mainly to the bottom (Figure 1A). However, as can be seen in Figures 1B and 1C, within 30 minutes, all the granules, which had initially sunk, returned to the surface and remained advantageously buoyant. Example 2: Preparation of a floating formulation of sodium dichloroisocyanurate with a high concentration of photosynthetic microorganism inhibitor To test the buoyancy of the compositions described herein, an experimental setup, illustrated schematically in FIG. 2, was used. In this setup, a laboratory balance (1) (0-2000 ± 0.1 g) was used to measure the weight of a composition placed on a weighing pan (5) submerged in a water-filled beaker (4). If the composition is non-buoyant (IA without the coating material), an increase in weight is expected (“negative control”). Conversely, if the composition is buoyant, the weight is expected to remain essentially unchanged. The first composition tested was sodium dichloroisocyanurate (NADCC) 97% (w / w) encapsulated with wax (3%, w / w). The composition was prepared by melting 3 g of wax in a 500 ml beaker. Once completely dissolved, the NADCC was placed in the beaker and vigorously mixed for 20 minutes in standard laboratory chemical fume until the composition cooled to room temperature (22°C). The surface tension of the composition was measured to be 0.00030 newton / cm (30 dynes / cm). As expected, when 9.5 grams of unencapsulated NADCC were placed on the weighing pan, a weight increase of -5.3 g was observed. However, when 9.6 grams of the coated sample were weighed, the initial weight increase was only 1.5 to 5% of the original weight, evidently due to the semi-buoyancy of the formulation on the weighing pan. The critical surface tension of the composition was measured and defined as 0.00030 newton / cm (30 dynes / cm). Figures 3A–3H represent a time-series photograph of coated NADCC (97% w / w, IA and 3% w / w, coating material) from the experiment. Upon application of the composition to the water surface, it initially floated (Figure 3A). However, shortly after application, agglomerates began to form, and a meniscus was observed at the water surface (Figure 3B, outlined in the image with black lines). When the water tension was broken by vigorously mixing the water, the composition sank to the bottom within 30 seconds (Figure 3C–Figure 3H, follow the arrows). Unexpectedly, within 30 minutes, the NADCC agglomerates returned to the surface. By the end of the test (within 60 minutes, not shown in Figure 3), all the aggregates had returned to the surface. The rate of chlorine release from the IA: When 1.0 gram of encapsulated product (97.5% IA and 2.5% coating material) was placed in a beaker containing 1.0 liter of distilled water under ambient conditions (22°C) and vigorously mixed, it took almost 24 hours to release all the chlorine into the medium, as measured with a YSI 9300 photometer. In contrast, when the same test was performed with water containing high organic content, in the form of 10⁷ Planktothrix sp. cells per liter, all the IA content was released in 2 hours. These data indicated that the release rate of IA from the encapsulated composition is strongly affected by the organic mass content in the water column, in addition to physical parameters such as the physical movement of the water. Example 3: Industrial preparation of a floating copper sulfate formulation with high concentrations of photosynthetic microorganism inhibitor A final weight of 97.5 kg of granular copper sulfate pentahydrate, with a granule distribution of 0.5–5.0 mm, was preheated to 50°C in a ribbon mixer designed for powder blending. 2.5 kg of a pre-melted mixture of higher fatty acid methyl esters (CAS No. 67254-79-9), heated to 70°C, was then added to the combined mixture. The mixture was then blended for 20 min, and the contents were subsequently cooled to 22°C (room temperature). For quality analysis, three 100-gram samples were taken from different locations within the batch. The buoyancy of the samples was measured using the experimental setup described in Figure 2. Advantageously, the samples of the coated composition described above resulted in a weight increase of only 31% ± 4%. In comparison, unencapsulated copper showed a weight increase of 50% ± 3%. The critical surface tension of the composition was measured and defined as 0.00035 newton / cm (35 dinas / cm). Figure 4 shows representative photographs of water-filled beakers and the compositions (as detailed in Table 1) with decreasing coating percentages (50%, 15%, and 2.5% w / w, from left to right). The compositions containing 15% and 2.5% (w / w) coating returned to the surface within 30 min, while the compositions with 50% (w / w) coating remained on the surface in crystallized agglomerates that never returned. Furthermore, unlike the compositions with 2.5% and 15% coating, which released their IA content in less than 24 hours (the exact time required was strongly affected by the organic matter content, as also shown above), the composition with 50% coating failed to release its IA content for more than 3 days. This contrasted with the increasing amounts of IA released from the 15% and 2.5% coated compositions.5%, as was evident from the increasingly bluish color of the water column. The water containing 50% of the coating composition remained colorless for at least three days after application. Example 4: Industrial preparation of a floating sodium percarbonate formulation with high concentrations of photosynthetic microorganism inhibitor This example details the coating of 98% (w / w) sodium percarbonate (SPC) with 2% (w / w) higher fatty acid methyl esters (CAS No. 67254-79-9). Since SPC is an oxygenated compound that tends to explode, careful precautions were taken. For this purpose, a sealed, explosion-proof agitator mixer coated with a Teflon layer and equipped with a vacuum pump for drying was used. The working temperature was maintained at all times below nQCRnn / Lznz / E / Yi 22°C. To melt the coating under ambient conditions, organic solvents (e.g., ethanol, methanol, isopropanol) were used in a 1:1 ratio with the coating. A mixture of 1.0 kg of coating and 1.0 kg of methanol was blended for 1 hour with 49 kg of sodium percarbonate. The vacuum pump was then turned on, and all volatile residues were extracted from the chamber while the mixture was still being stirred in the mixer. After two hours, when the compound was completely dry, it was opened and packaged in 10 kg plastic boxes. The surface tension of the composition was measured to be 0.00035 newton / cm (35 dynes / cm). Figures 5A-5B show 15 ml vials, each containing 5 grams of uncoated AI (left) or 5 grams of a coated AI sample (right), at time 0 (Figure 5A) and after vigorous mixing (Figure 5B). The uncoated AI sank immediately. In contrast, the coated formulation formed a meniscus at the water's surface, partially sank, but returned to the surface shortly thereafter. The smaller the coated granules, the faster they rose to the surface. Example 5 - Sedimentation Analysis Two 10-liter cylinders were filled with water and supplemented with sediment. One cylinder was treated with copper sulfate pentahydrate granules (mimicking the standard treatment), while the other was treated with a copper-based floating composition. As shown in Figure 6 (left image), the copper sulfate pentahydrate granules immediately sank into the sediment. In contrast, when the copper-based floating composition was added (Figure 6, right image), the composition remained suspended and released its contents into the water column (from top to bottom). Example 6: Large granules return to the surface faster Two different formulations of granular CuSO4-5H2O from IQV (hitosÁg vagro.com / erv') were purchased. Two granule sizes were tested: a) 1.0-10.0 mm and b) 0.280-2.0 mm. The granules were coated with a 5% w / w, 10% w / w, or 20% w / w coating composed of 67.5% fatty acids and 32.5% fatty acid methyl esters, as essentially described in Example 3. 150 grams of each composition were tested on the shore of a 150,000 m² freshwater pond in northern Israel on July 4, 2019. The six formulations were placed similarly on a concrete floor approximately 30 cm below the pond surface. The six samples were spread over 2 minutes. The maximum repaving time for the compositions was determined visually and recorded using digital photography. The results are summarized in Table 2. nQCRnn / Lznz / E / Yii nQCRnn / Lznz / E / Yi Table 2 - Time of return to the surface of the compositions. Granule size 0.280-2.0 mm 1.0-10.0 mm % coating (ρφ) of the final product 5% 10% 20% 5% 10% 20% Time to return to surface 1 min 5 min 30 min 5 min 7 min 30 min Maximum time to return to surface for the entire pile 40 min 60 min Within 36 hrs 30 min 45 mm Within 12 hrs As observed in Example 1, granules with a lower weight percentage of coating returned to the surface more quickly than those with thicker coatings. Furthermore, larger granules (1 to 10 mm in size) unexpectedly returned to the surface at a significantly higher rate than smaller granules (0.280 to 2.0 mm in size). Example 7 - Comparison of methods for algae treatment methods in water tanks A trial was conducted to test the preventative approach described herein for managing phytoplankton populations in three wastewater ponds, each approximately 50 ha in area and 15 m deep (280,000 m³), ​​in Israel (see Figure 7). The ponds were naturally inhabited by a mixed phytoplankton population, dominated primarily by Microcystis sp. during the bloom season. The ponds were tested regularly for one year in the morning using 3–6 biological samples, and the data were averaged for each sampling day. The samples were analyzed using a YSI Exo-3 probe capable of simultaneously measuring water temperature, pH, specific conductivity, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll (generally, or chlorophyll-b specifically), and phycocyanin (PC) concentrations. One pond was set aside as a control and left untreated year-round. Two other ponds were treated when cyanobacteria cell density was visible to the naked eye, generally at 40–80 mg / L chlorophyll-a. Treatment was then applied at a rate of 5 g / m² (250 kg / pond or a theoretical concentration of 0.89 ppm). The third pond was treated when phytoplankton biomass increased fivefold from its winter baseline. The dosage regime was calculated at 0.5 g / m² (25 kg / pond or a calculated concentration of 0.089 ppm). All treatments were carried out with a floating copper sulfate pentahydrate composition (95% w / w active ingredient, 5% w / w coating). Results: In the natural, undisturbed pond, a cyanobacterial bloom developed throughout the year (FIG. 7, black curve): while the algal cell count was low during the winter, the phytoplankton cell density increased steadily towards spring as temperatures rose. Later, as the weather warmed and the days lengthened, the population doubled every few hours during the summer, resulting in a significant increase in algal cell numbers. This phase ceased towards autumn and plateaued mainly when resources became scarcer and conditions less favorable. During the winter, the undisturbed algal cells remained dormant, only to reappear when conditions improved, and repopulation was observed starting from a higher base. When the pond was treated based solely on a visual inspection indicating the development of cyanobacterial scum (Figure 7, gray curve) in early May, the treatment required a high dose of algaecide to be effective. A total of 1.75 tonnes were applied, 875% more than required using the preventative approach described herein (Figure 7, dotted black line), where only 200 kg were used. Furthermore, using the preventative approach described herein, the total copper concentration measured at depths of 2 and 5 meters, 2 and 24 hours post-treatment, was found to be below the detection level (<0.00 mg / L). Furthermore, it was found that the non-preventive treatment resulted in a large number of crustaceans (such as Daphnia sp.) requiring 159 liters of aggressive pesticide control, whereas only 90 liters of anticrustacean compound were required using the preventive approach described here. Therefore, safety and cost-effectiveness are confirmed from an operational standpoint (since anticrustacean compounds are toxic and, in some cases, even carcinogenic to humans and wildlife). Example 8 - Evaluation of the effectiveness of the anti-cyanobacterial treatment method in a large body of water. A pilot test was conducted in a reservoir of approximately 1,000,000 m² (1.5 x 10⁷ m³, southern Israel). The reservoir was infested with an early to moderate toxic cyanobacteria bloom (Anabaena sp. mixed with Aphanizomenon sp.). Based on water parameters (and considering the infestation level, geological characteristics, local flora, and reservoir history), a total application rate of 0.5 g / m² of a floating copper-based formulation was determined. Within 24 hours of this decision, 500 kg of the formulation (95% w / w active ingredient, 5% w / w coating) in 25 kg bags were transferred directly to the water's edge. Two untrained individuals then carried and emptied the bags, one by one, into the water (Figs. 8A and 8B). The total application time was less than 15 minutes. In some cases, the compound was deposited in the water in large piles (as can be seen in Figure 8A). Once in the water, the hydrophobic particles immediately began to float and were carried by the southeast wind toward the cyanobacteria aggregates (Figure 8B). The entire compound, including that in the piles, resurfaced within 24 hours (since some piles were larger than others). This was done to provide a constant release of the active compound nQCRnn / Lznz / E / Yi onto the water surface and (i) to reduce the cyanobacteria population within 24 hours; and (ii) to achieve a very low residual algicide concentration (≤0.001 ppb) in the water within 24 hours of application. In fact, while the total copper ion concentration applied was 0.033 ppm, in practice, chemical analysis of water samples taken from 50 cm and 800 cm deep from the center of the pond, 24 hours after applying the composition to the surface, could not detect copper ions.While not linked to any theory, the disappearance of copper ions was probably due to their interaction with the abundant organic and non-organic material in the water, converting the free ions into inert material (see https: / / www.who.int / water_sanitation_health / dwq / chemicals / copper.pdf). Example 9: Evaluation of the low concentrations and minimum coverage of the anti-algae treatment method in a large irrigation pond. A seasonal treatment of algal blooms in a 1.04 km² irrigation pond with a volume of 2.25 x 10⁶ m³ (25 m deep) was conducted between February and October 2017 in the northern Negev region of Israel. As detailed in Figure 9, biomass and total copper concentrations were measured during the first two days to assess the efficacy and minimum required concentrations of the inhibitor. Cyanobacterial biomass was measured using a YSI Exo-3 probe equipped with a GPS. The probe was mounted on a remotely operated boat that sampled the entire water body at a depth of 30 cm and transmitted the data to a laptop on land. Water samples for total copper concentrations, as well as estimates of particle migration time and final coverage, were collected from a kayak using a laser rangefinder.Total copper concentrations were measured using a YSI 9300 photometer according to the manufacturer's instructions. For the treatment area, 500 kg were applied to the water surface in 10 kg bags (the entire treatment lasted 25 min). After treatment, the copper particles drifted downwind and downstream to the opposite end of the pond (as summarized in Figure 9), where they concentrated in 10% of the infested area near the cyanobacteria aggregates. Overall, algal biomass was reduced by >95% within 24 hours with no adverse effects on local wildlife, birds, or fish. Following the initial treatment (late February 2017), a continuous treatment of 125 kg of floating copper sulfate composition was applied every 2–3 weeks when the algal concentration exceeded 10 pg / L of chlorophyll-a. Under this treatment regime, the cell density of the algae did not exceed chlorophyll-a concentrations of 10 pg / l even when last measured in late October 2017, and the total amount of copper sulfate used in the floating composition was 1,050 kg (95% w / w copper sulfate granules, 5% w / w coating). Conversely, in 2016, seven aerial applications of 2,000 kg of uncoated granular copper sulfate were applied (totaling 14 tons); however, the average cyanobacteria concentration remained high (60–80 mg / L of chlorophyll-a). Similarly, during 2015, six aerial applications of uncoated granular copper sulfate were carried out, totaling 8,000 kg; however, the average chlorophyll-a concentration was 100–200 pg of chlorophyll-a / L. Therefore, it was concluded that the treatment with the floating composition described in this document made it possible to maintain low levels of chlorophyll-a, much lower than those measured in 2015-2016 while reducing the amount of copper applied by at least 80% and thus drastically reducing the overall cost and ecological impact of copper ions. By summarizing the data from day 1 and day 2 (FIG.9), it was calculated that the theoretical copper concentrations were below 2.2X10'10ppm, on average, throughout the entire volume of the water body (2.25X109 liters), for day 1 and below 4.4X10'11ppm on average, throughout the entire volume of the water mass for day 2. The superiority of the method and composition described here is particularly surprising in view of other phytoplankton treatment studies that state that Microcystis abundance decreases only when H2O2 is applied at doses of 4 mg / L and above, and that a high cell density of Microcystis reappears rapidly after the completion of treatment (11 days when an H2O2 dose of 2 mg / L was applied) (Lin, LZ, et al. (2018) The ecological risks of hydrogen peroxide as a cyanocide: its effect on the community structure of bactorioplankton. J Oceanol Limnol 36: 2231-2242). Example 10 - Treatment of a body of water infested with the Microcystis species. An irrigation pond infested with an abundant bloom of Microcystis sp. with chlorophyll-a concentrations of 98 mg / L in the southern Negev, Israel, was used in November 2017. The pond surface area was 75,000 m² and the total volume of the reservoir was 1,125,000 m³. 150 kg of the floating composition described herein (95% w / w copper sulfate granules, 5% w / w coating) were applied, resulting in a total copper level of 2.0 g / m². Four hours after treatment, the total copper concentration at a depth of 7 m was found to be below the detection levels of the YSI 9300 photometer (<0.00 ppm). Two and a half hours after treatment, the copper concentration at the surface where the floating composition was applied was 3 ppm, but still below the detection levels at a depth of 7 m. The total reduction of cyanobacteria biomass after two days was 97% (see Figure 10).Dead cells were observed floating on the water surface where they were consumed by heterotrophic bacteria. The total theoretical copper concentrations after 2-3 h of treatment were calculated to be 1.3 x 10-9 ppm on average, throughout the entire volume of the water body. Example 11 - Lake treatments Chippewa Lake (OH, USA): 1.3 km², has been suffering from algal blooms in recent years, preventing recreation on the lake for most of the season. A report prepared for Medina County in May 2019 listed several treatment alternatives costing between $0.5 million and $1.8 million, none of which were feasible or economical. From an operational standpoint, and in terms of size, the lake had fallen into the category of an “unbeatable lake.” To highlight the simple scalability of the method and the compositions described here (95% w / w copper sulfate, 5% w / w coating), the lake cleanup was initiated. The treatment was applied after an increase in cyanobacterial biomass was detected in the lake, reaching an alarming nQCRnn / Lznz / E / Yi level of 280,000 cells / ml (14 times the standard), corresponding to an increase in cyanotoxin levels from 0.18 ppm to 0.25 ppm over a one-week period. The increase in cyanobacteria levels was visible to the naked eye, with mats of cyanobacteria on the eastern shore of the lake, corresponding to NOAA satellite imagery taken on August 3 (FIG. 11)—indicating high levels of cyanobacteria covering more than 50% of the lake's surface. Sampling method: Dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, chlorophyll-b (Chl-b is a proxy for determining total green algae biomass), and phycocyanin (PC, a proxy for determining total cyanobacteria biomass) were measured using the YSI ProDSS probe. Clogging potential meter: This quantifies the amount of total solids in the water, measured by the time it takes for the water to clog a filter at constant pressure. Microscopy: Qualitative sampling of microorganisms in the aquatic environment. Total phytoplankton was concentrated on a 33 µm filter, using a sample volume of 3–4 gallons. Secchi disk: Measures water clarity / turbidity. Satellite imagery for the presence of TCOs (provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA) was used. ELISA test for microcystin, a cyanotoxin, was performed. This test measures microcystin levels in the water.Samples were taken weekly from two fixed points on the east side of the lake (provided by the Medina County Park District). A YSI 9300 photometer was used to measure total copper ion (Cu+2) concentration, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentration, and alkalinity. Beginning August 5, 2019, all measurements, except satellite imagery and ELISA tests, were taken daily for nine days at 8:00 a.m. each morning from four different sampling points around the lake. Local authorities independently assessed cyanotoxin levels (ELISA laboratory tests) and the total coverage of cyanobacterial mats on the water's surface (satellite imagery). An initial assessment application of -1.00877 kg / hectare (~0.9 lb / acre) was applied on August 3, 7, to determine wind and current directions and water surface dispersion patterns. An operational application followed on August 8 at a rate of 4.5 lb / acre. The results were analyzed and normalized against August 3. Application method: The composition described here (95% w / w copper sulfate granules, 5% w / w coating) was applied directly from a boat during the morning hours at a total application rate of 5.60426 kg / ha (5 lb / acre). The product, packaged in 22.6796 kg (50 lb) bags, was released by gravity from the edge of a moving boat. Once the product settled over the western perimeter of the lake, it was carried by winds and currents, which dispersed the floating particles along with the cyanobacteria aggregates. The total application time for the 680.3886 kg (1,500 lb) composition was less than 30 minutes. Within a few hours, no algaecidal particles were visible to the naked eye. Boating activities were not interrupted during the application time. Measurements taken two hours after treatment indicated negligible levels of copper ions (average of 0.3 ppm) in the hours immediately following treatment, falling below the nQCRnn / Lznz / E / Yii detection levels the next day. Results and discussion: Post-treatment phytoplankton assessments indicated a clear and immediate shift from the dominant toxic cyanobacterial species (primarily Anabaena sp. and Planktothrix sp.) to a healthy array of non-toxic eukaryotic green algae, including diatoms and various Chlamydomonas-like species (FIG. 12). Interestingly, the cyanobacterium Spirulina sp. was also observed after treatment. This strain is used as a “superfood” and is not considered toxic. Changes in chlorophyll-b (Chl-b) and phycocyanin (PC) levels correlated strongly with the qualitative results obtained from microscopic imaging. The lake's 'resistance index' to cyanobacteria, which can be assessed by the ratio of chlorophyll-b to PC (total eukaryotic green algal biomass versus cyanobacterial biomass), increased significantly by 250% (FIG. 13), indicating a clear shift in the balance of power between these two natural competitors—in favor of non-toxic species. The amplified cycle following the treatment—namely, the collapse of cyanobacterial populations after treatment, followed by prolonged oxidative stress due to hydrogen peroxide production, which again results in programmed cell death of virgin cyanobacterial populations—was observed in the days following treatment at Chippewa Lake. Dozens of acres of water surface were covered with a grayish-beige, protein-based scum (Figure 14). This phenomenon is attributed to cyanobacterial cell lysis and is a clear indication that cyanobacterial cell death continued to progress for days after treatment, long after copper levels were undetectable in the water (as detailed later). Microcystin levels remained very low after treatment (Figure 15), indicating that the timing of the treatment, in the early stages of the bloom wave, was effective. The sharp decrease in cyanobacterial biomass did not result in an increase in cyanotoxin levels, confirming that the cyanobacterial cells were in their lag phase, when cyanotoxin accumulation in the cells is minimal (Wood et al., 2010). Had the treatment been applied one or two weeks later, during the exponential growth phase of the toxin-producing cyanobacteria, cyanotoxin levels would have been much higher. Following treatment, pH levels fell from 8.5 to 7.95 (August 9–11), reflecting a reduction in overall photosynthetic activity (as an approximation of the relative decrease in total phytoplankton biomass). Within four days (August 12), pH levels increased to 8.35, indicating the resumption of photosynthetic activity by a new, predominantly non-toxic phytoplankton variety (Figure 12 and Figure 13). Further confirmation of the benefits of early treatment, and its impact on the aquatic environment, came from the unchanged dissolved oxygen levels before, during, and after treatment (FIG. 13) – preventing the risk of fish kills due to oxygen depletion (a typical outcome following the collapse of a massive bloom). In fact, no evidence of any adverse impact on either the fauna or flora of the lake was observed. The clogging potential meter, which indicates total solids in the water, improved significantly by 400% immediately after treatment (Figure 13). This measurement serves as a further indication of the shift in populations toward non-toxic species: cyanobacteria are known to release significant amounts of polysaccharides into the water (Harel et al., 2012), which increases water viscosity and is associated with the discomfort of swimmer's itch. Controlling polysaccharide concentrations in the water, due to the collapse of cyanobacterial communities, breaks down another barrier in the cyanobacteria's defense mechanism against their natural competition, further improving the cyanobacterial resistance index. Disrupting this polysaccharide production network contributed to the increased water filterability, as indicated by the clogging potential meter results.The concentration of copper ions (Cu²⁺) in the water, sampled 15–30 cm (6–12 in) below the water surface 1–2 hours after application, averaged approximately 0.3 ppm. The copper ion concentration on days 1–3 post-treatment was <0.00 ppm. Water alkalinity levels remained unchanged before and after treatment, in the range of 80 ppm (mg / L). Taken together, the above results indicate that the composition and method of use described herein were selective against toxic cyanobacteria and rehabilitated the ecological ecosystem in the lake in favor of beneficial species, which subsequently act as a biological buffer preventing the cyanobacteria from re-establishing dominance in the aquatic system. Remarkably, the treatment effect was still present when last measured in January 2020, thus confirming the lake's "self-healing" through the restoration of a desired and sustainable ecological balance. Israel, Nitzanim Depot (seasonal treatment): The Nitzanim reservoir stores water for irrigation. Preventing blooms in the reservoir is crucial for its continuous operation. It is required to supply its customers with water that meets both bacterial and filterability standards at all times. Israeli water associations operate some 600 reservoirs (ranging from 4,046 to 76,890 hectares (10 to 190 acres) in size) across the country, designed to retain and manage recycled wastewater for irrigation. Cyanobacterial blooms occur regularly in these reservoirs, likely due to multiple factors, including high nutrient levels (e.g., phosphates and nitrates), high temperatures, and intense sunlight. Notably, the water's alkalinity is very high, ranging from 500–800 mg / L CaCO₃. Over the years, Israeli irrigation ponds have been continuously treated with crude copper at a dosage rate of 10–20 kg / 0.40 ha (20–40 lb / acre), applied with crop dusters or manually from a boat. The treatment's effectiveness was quite poor, necessitating frequent application. In many cases, superintendents are forced to open and clean pumps and filters, sometimes daily, to maintain water flow. Eventually, as water levels decline toward the end of the irrigation season, most reservoirs are forced to shut down due to condensed algal blooms that clog and damage the pumps. Materials and methods: The deposit has an area of ​​6.07028 hectares (15 acres) and has approximately 15.24 meters (50 feet) deep (-73,623.80 cubic meters (-2.6 million cubic feet). It was monitored 2-3 times per week between January and June 2018. Measurements: Chlorophyll-a (as an indicator of total phytoplankton) was measured using a handheld device (FluoroSense™, by Turner Designs, USA). pH Temperature Total particulate matter was assessed using a clogging potential meter (Israel Waterworks Association, Israel) with a 33 μm sieve filter. This device measures the time it takes for the sieve to clog under constant water pressure. In principle, the longer it takes for the filter to clog, the better the water quality. Water samples were taken from the inflow at a fixed location in the middle of the reservoir, 1.82 meters (6 feet) above the bottom of the reservoir and 13.71 meters (45 feet) below the surface when the reservoir is full. Sampling was performed in triplicate. All results were averaged for each sampling point. The analysis of the algal population was performed by microscopic observation using a cell counting chamber with a hemocytometer. Treatment protocol The treatments were carried out according to the state of the algal biomass and the water's filterability. The parameters presented were measured in the field and in the company's laboratory. Results and Conclusions: A mixture of toxic cyanobacteria species (Anabaena sp. and Microcystis sp.) constituted more than 95% of all phytoplankton populations in the reservoir before treatment. An initial treatment with the compositions described here (a first treatment with a composition of 98% w / w sodium percarbonate and 2% coating material followed by treatments with a composition of 95% w / w coated copper sulfate as shown in Figure 16) resulted in the complete collapse of the toxic bloom, keeping it below hazardous levels for months (FIG. 16). Phytoplankton population analysis clearly indicated that the treatment outcome underscored the “Kill the Winner” paradigm, whereby dominant species were severely affected by the treatment, allowing non-harmful eukaryotic algal species, primarily Monorapridium sp. and nQCRnn / Lznz / E / Yii, to survive. Pediastrum sp. (much less sensitive to treatment), occupy the “vacant” ecological niche (FIG. 16). Advantageously, the total amount of copper applied in 2018, using the composition described here, was one-third of that used the previous year (Fig. 17), despite the intensification of toxic blooms in a nearby body of water. Considering the 200% annual increase in cyanobacteria populations in various bodies of water in Israel between 2014 and 2017, the actual reduction in copper applied in 2018, using Lake Guard™, is closer to 85%. Since its launch in Israel in mid-2018, the composition disclosed here (containing 98% (w / w) sodium percarbonate) has acquired, at a record speed, a market share of -90%. China, Taihu Lake (near Yixing): The pilot project was conducted in a former fishpond (7,100 m2, -0.809 ha (~2 acres)) near Taihu Lake, across a similarly polluted “corridor” that connects a waterway between the city of Yixing and Taihu Lake. Ongoing efforts to address the cyanobacteria loads flowing through this “corridor,” from both the lake and the city, at an average annual cost of $25 million, have been unsuccessful. The fish pond, which was contaminated with a very high biomass of cyanobacteria, was treated with a large dose to achieve an immediate decrease in biomass levels. Since its launch in June 2019, multiple applications have been carried out in different configurations in China. A recent example is a pilot designed in preparation for a Yixing waterway cleanup project (FIG.18), on the shores of Lake Tai, one of the most well-known and worst cases of large-scale toxic blooms (~2250 km2). Application description: The fish pond was dosed with the composition described in this document (98% w / w sodium percarbonate and 2% coating material) on August 7 and August 8, 2019. The particles in the composition were applied to travel with the currents and wind across the pond, interacting with the phytoplankton inhabiting it. Two consecutive treatments were applied. Each application lasted less than 5 minutes. On the afternoon of August 8, six hours after the second application, all water parameters indicated a complete collapse of the bloom. One example (Fig. 19) is the initial decrease in chlorophyll and the more pronounced decrease in phycocyanin, representing changing levels of phytoplankton and cyanobacteria, respectively. Two weeks later, the phytoplankton population, composed of eukaryotic green algae, showed a tremendous recovery with the replacement of beneficial species and probably outcompeting toxic cyanobacteria and maintaining a healthy aquatic ecosystem (FIG. 19). Sampling methodology: Throughout the pilot period, quantitative measurements were taken using the YSI ProDSS probe, which measured dissolved oxygen, pH, chlorophyll, and phycocyanin (PC). Chlorophyll (Chi) measurements serve as a proxy for total algal biomass in the water. Phycocyanin (PC) levels serve as a direct proxy for total cyanobacterial biomass. In parallel, qualitative evaluations were carried out visually. Results: A. Changes in cyanobacteria and total algae levels: Before treatment (at time 0), the PC and chlorophyll values ​​were 21.84 pg / l and 22.32 pg / l, respectively. After 48 hours, the PC fell to 1.72 pg / l (-93% from time 0) and the chlorophyll concentration was 9.39 pg / l (-58% from time 0) (FIG. 19A and FIG. 19B). Two weeks later, on August 20, PC values ​​remained stagnant at 2.04 pg / l, while the chlorophyll concentration increased to 45.34 mg / l (i.e., a 482% increase from its post-treatment low). Since PC levels did not change significantly over the two-week period, the significant increase in chlorophyll levels reflects the increase in beneficial algae populations over cyanobacteria species. B. Changes in pH and dissolved oxygen (DO) values: The drastic reduction in photosynthetic and respiratory activities (consuming and releasing CO2, respectively) had an immediate and direct influence on pH (Figure 20A), which dropped from 9.05 to 8.29 in 48 h. By August 20, two weeks later, pH levels had fallen to 7.43. Dissolved oxygen (DO) levels decreased immediately after treatment due to the bacterial biodegradation of dead cyanobacteria biomass, which depletes dissolved oxygen, and the collapse of oxygen-producing cyanobacteria. However, DO levels gradually increased from their lowest point on day 2 as oxygen-producing algae began to thrive in the rebalanced aquatic ecosystem, as indicated by the increase in chlorophyll, but not by the increase in PC levels (Figure 20B). Visual inspection of the pond before treatment (upper panels) and after treatment (lower panels) confirmed the effectiveness of the treatment (FIG. 18). Russia, a recreational lake in Pobedi Park, (Republic of Tatarstan): The treatment and follow-up were carried out between October 2 and 10, 2018. The size of the lake was 40,000 m2 of surface area (4 ha / 10 acres). Application: The treatment with the composition described here (98% w / w sodium percarbonate, 8,966 kg / ha (8 lbs / acre)) was applied manually on the morning of October 2, 2018, from the lake shore by an untrained local person. The application took less than 10 minutes. Once in the water, the floating particles released over time were carried by the wind and currents and coalesced with the cyanobacteria aggregations. nQCRnn / Lznz / E / Yi Mastering methodology: The lake was regularly inspected during the past year by the local superintendent. Results: No adverse impacts on fauna or flora were observed in or around the pond, and according to the lake superintendent's reports (September 2019), no algal blooms have been detected in the lake since the single treatment with the composition disclosed here in October 2018, one year prior. This contrasts sharply with previous years, when harmful algal blooms plagued the lake annually. Although certain embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it should be clarified that the invention is not limited by the specific embodiments described herein. To those skilled in the art, numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will be evident without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as described in the following claims.

Claims

1. A composition for mitigating, inhibiting and / or eliminating phytoplankton growth in a body of water, the composition comprising granules comprising an active ingredient at concentrations of 80.0-99.5% (w / w) of the composition and a coating material at concentrations of 0.5-20% (w / w) of the composition; wherein the critical surface tension of said composition is between 0.00015-0.0006 newton / cm (15-60 dynes / cm) and wherein the relative density of the composition, before immersion in water, is greater than 1.0 g / cm3 and wherein the relative density of the composition decreases below 1 g / cm3 0.25-60 minutes after being immersed in water.

2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the coating material has an acid value of 3-8 mg of KOH per gram.

3. The composition according to any of claim 1 or 2, wherein the coating material comprises a behenic acid; octadecanoic acid, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl ester; glyceryl distearate; hexadecanoic acid; octadecanoic acid; fatty acids; C8-18 and C18-unsaturated fatty acids; C16-18 and C18-unsaturated fatty acids; C8-18 and C18-unsaturated fatty acids, potassium salts; C8-18 and C18-unsaturated fatty acids, sodium salts; mono- and di-glycerides, C8-18 and C18 unsaturated; mono- and di-glycerides, C14-18; Fatty acids, coconut, polymers with glycerol and italic anhydride, a wax, paraffin, rosin, silicone derivative or a derivative thereof or any combination thereof.

4. The composition according to any of claims 1-3, having a melting temperature of 50-90sC.

5. The composition according to any of claims 1 to 4, having a solidification temperature below 20sC.

6. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the concentration of the active ingredient is approximately 90-99.5%.

7. The composition according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the concentration of the coating material content is in the range of approximately 0.5 to 10%.

8. The composition according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the critical surface tension of said composition is in the range of 0.00020 to 0.00045 newton / cm (20 to 45 dynes / cm).

9. The composition according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the active agent comprises an oxygen-releasing agent, a chlorine-releasing agent, a bromine-releasing agent, an iodine-releasing agent, a peroxide-based compound, a copper-releasing agent, a manganese-releasing agent, an aluminum-releasing agent, or any combination thereof.

10. The composition according to any of claims 1 to 9, formulated so that the active ingredient is released into the water system at water temperatures below 45°C within 24 hours of application. nQCRnn / Lznz / E / Yi 11. The composition according to any of claims 1-10, which is formulated as granules having a granule size in the range of 10-1500 pm.

12. The composition according to any of claims 1 to 11, which is formulated as granules having a granule size in the range of 1 to 10 mm.

13. The composition according to any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the granules have a viscosity of 6 to 8 cP at 70sC.

14. The composition according to any of claims 1 to 13, wherein the composition comprises granules with different concentrations of coating material.

15. The composition according to claim 14, wherein the granules comprise granules having 0.5-2% w / w of coating material mixed with granules having 3-10% of coating material, leading to a slow / prolonged release of the active ingredient and / or a prolonged period of exposure of the cyanobacteria to the active ingredient.

16. The composition according to any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the composition is configured to remain submerged at a depth of approximately 0.02 to 1 m below the surface of the water system after it has been applied and / or after it has returned to the surface.

17. A method for preventing and / or inhibiting the development of a toxic phytoplankton bloom in a body of water, the method comprising identifying areas within the body of water that have a toxic phytoplankton biomass greater than 8,000 cells / mL or a chlorophyll concentration greater than 3 pg / L and applying a floating algaecide composition to the area of ​​the body of water, such that the concentration of the algaecide within the area is less than the lowest lethal dose, and wherein the granules have different concentrations of coating material, thereby providing a prolonged release of the algaecide.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the body of water comprises a reservoir, an ocean, a lake, a dam, a pond, an estuary, a gulf, a sea or a river.

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the application is carried out when the chlorophyll-a concentration is less than 10.

20. The method of any one of claims 17 to 19, further comprising applying a second dose of a floating algaecide composition to the area 0.5 to 10 hours after the first application thereof.

21. The method according to any of claims 17 to 20, wherein the algaecide composition is configured to release the algaecide for at least 2 hours after application.

22. The method according to any of claims 17 to 21, wherein the composition is formulated to remain submerged at a depth of approximately 0.02 to 1 m below the surface of the body of water.

23. The method according to any of claims 17 to 22, wherein the body of water is a body of water with previous toxic phytoplankton bloom events.

24. The method according to any of claims 17 to 23, wherein the applied composition comprises granules comprising 80.0-99.5% (w / w) of active ingredient and 0.520% (w / w) of coating material.

25. The method according to any of claims 17-24, wherein the granules comprise granules having 0.5-2% w / w of coating material mixed with granules having 3-10% of coating material, leading to a slow / prolonged release of the active ingredient and / or a prolonged period of exposure of the clanobacterlas to the active ingredient.

26. The method according to any of claims 24-25, wherein the coating material has a melting point above 45°C.

27. The method according to any of claims 24 to 26, wherein the coating material has an acidity index of 3 to 8 mg of KOH per gram.

28. The method according to any of claims 24 to 27, wherein a critical surface tension of said composition is between 0.00015-0.0006 newton / cm (15-60 dynes / cm) and wherein the relative density of the composition, before immersion in water, is greater than 1.0 g / cm3.

29. The method according to any of claims 24 to 28, wherein the granule size is within a range of 1 to 10 mm.

30. The method according to any of claims 24 to 29, wherein the granule size is within a range of 10-1500 pm.