Liquid composition

Abstract

The present disclosure generally relates to liquid compositions that can be used to treat a water body, for example a dam, river or waste water. In particular, the present disclosure relates to compositions that can be used to control cyanobacteria in a water body. The liquid compositions comprise worm castings, a sugar source and optional other additives / excipients. The present disclosure also relates to methods of treating a water body using the liquid compositions. The present disclosure also relates to processes for preparing the liquid compositions, and also to uses and kits comprising the liquid compositions.

Description

LIQUID COMPOSITIONFIELD

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to liquid compositions, particularly liquid compositions that can be used to treat a water body, for example a dam, river or waste water. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a liquid composition comprising worm castings. The present disclosure also relates to methods of treating a water body using the liquid composition. The present disclosure also relates to processes for preparing the liquid composition, and also to uses and kits comprising the liquid composition.BACKGROUND

[0002] Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) are a type of microscopic, algae-like bacteria which inhabit freshwater, coastal and marine waters. While often a green or blue-green colour, they can also be white, brown, blue, yellow-brown, or red. Cyanobacteria photosynthesise like plants and have similar requirements for sunlight, nutrients and carbon dioxide to grow and produce oxygen. Favourable conditions for cyanobacteria reproduction include abundant sunlight, still or slow-flowing water, and / or sufficient levels of nutrients, especially nitrogen and phosphorus (eutrophication). In still conditions, surface water may form a separate warm top layer (stratification) in which cyanobacteria is able to access sunlight and nutrients. If these combined factors are present for several days, cyanobacteria multiply and form large toxic algae ‘blooms’.

[0003] Nutrients are either naturally present in sediments or are washed into water systems from external sources. In particular, phosphorus may be stored in significant amounts in sediments and released by normal bacterial activity. External sources of nitrogen and phosphorus include: agricultural fertilisers; household products; sewage effluent; and stormwater runoff, all of which can enter receiving waters either directly or during rainfall events. The availability of varying levels of nitrogen and phosphorus can influence which species of blue-green algae dominate and form blooms.

[0004] The presence of cyanobacteria and associated blooms can lead to poor water quality and the potential for toxicity, and can cause environmental problems, disrupt drinking water supplies, recreational activities and water-dependent industries, and pose a risk to livestock, wildlife and human health.

[0005] Various mechanical and chemical methods for controlling cyanobacteria levels in water exist. For static water bodies such as dams or lakes, mechanical methods such as continual mixing of the water body attempt to prevent conditions of stratification which could bring about cyanobacterial blooms. However, such mechanical mixing is time-consuming and requires specialist expensive equipment to be installed, such as paddle mixers or re-circulating fountains / bubblers. For a moving water body, such as a river, flushing the water body by adjusting river flow aims to disperse the blooms and break up stratification. However, the amount of flow needed to disperse algal blooms are not always available and toxins can still remain in the water column, even when algae are not visible. Chemical algaecides have been reported to control blooms, however such chemicals are toxic and only used in emergency cases.

[0006] Thus there is a need for an environmentally friendly compositions that are cost-effective and efficacious in treating water bodies, in particular water bodies that are affected or likely to be affected with cyanobacteria.

[0007] It will be understood that any prior art publications referred to herein do not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or in any other country.SUMMARY

[0008] The present disclosure is based, in part, on the surprising finding that worm castings, which are typically used as an organic fertilizer, can be applied as a part of a liquid composition to various water bodies to treat and / or remove contaminants, such as harmful microbes and pollutants. According to some embodiments or examples described herein, the present inventors have surprisingly identified that the liquidcompositions described herein can be used to treat a water body affected or likely to be affect by cyanobacteria, namely blue-green algae. In particular, infusing worm castings, a sugar source and optionally one or more agriculturally acceptable additives / excipients in an aqueous liquid carrier generates biomolecules having multiple modes of action to treat and lower cell counts for cyanobacteria. For example, the resulting liquid composition or infusion typically includes biomolecules, such as carboxylic acids, fatty acids, enzymes, and surfactants, that can act to aggregate cells, damage cell membranes through encystment and cause cell sinking thereby reducing sunlight exposure. Additionally, the liquid composition or infusion can also aid in the population growth of diatoms which consume nitrogen and / or phosphorous, effectively “starving” the cyanobacteria from its energy source, which helps to restore ecosystem health and provide a natural barrier to future algal blooms. This is despite worm castings and associated products being typically used in the agricultural industry as a composting material to enrich soils with nitrogen and other nutrients. Advantageously, the liquid compositions and infusions described herein are also made using mostly natural waste products including those from the agricultural and in some cases fishing industry, thus providing a low cost, less toxic and easier to handle water treatment agent compared to other commercial formulations.

[0009] In one aspect, there is provided a liquid composition comprising a) worm castings, b) a sugar source, c) optionally one or more agriculturally acceptable additives / excipients; and d) an aqueous liquid carrier. In one embodiment, the liquid composition comprises an aqueous infusion of a) worm castings, b) a sugar source, c) optionally one or more agriculturally acceptable additive / excipients; and d) an aqueous liquid carrier.

[0010] In one embodiment, there is provided a liquid composition comprising a) worm castings, b) a sugar source; c) a suspending agent; and d) an aqueous liquid carrier. In one embodiment, the liquid composition comprises an aqueous infusion of a) worm castings, b) a sugar source, c) a suspending agent; and d) an aqueous liquid carrier.

[0011] In one embodiment, there is provided a liquid composition comprising a) worm castings, b) a sugar source; c) a suspending agent; d) biochar, and e) an aqueous liquid carrier. In one embodiment, the liquid composition comprises an aqueous infusion of a) worm castings, b) a sugar source, c) a suspending agent; d) biochar and c) an aqueous liquid carrier.

[0012] In another aspect, there is provided a process for preparing a liquid composition as defined above, comprising suspending worm castings and a sugar source in an aqueous liquid carrier under conditions effective to form the liquid composition.

[0013] In another aspect, there is provided a method of treating a water body, the method comprising applying an effective amount of the liquid composition as defined above to the water body. In another aspect, there is provided use of the liquid composition as defined above for treating a water body. In one embodiment, the method or use is for controlling cyanobacteria in a water body and comprises applying an effective amount of the liquid composition as defined above to a water body affected or likely to be affected by the cyanobacteria.

[0014] In another aspect, there is provided a kit comprising a) the liquid composition as defined above; and b) an applicator.

[0015] It will be appreciated that any one or more of the embodiments and examples described herein for the liquid composition may also apply to the processes, methods, uses, and / or kits described herein. Any embodiment herein shall be taken to apply mutatis mutandis to any other embodiment unless specifically stated. It will also be appreciated that other aspects, embodiments and examples of the liquid composition, processes, methods, uses, and / or kits are described herein.

[0016] It will also be appreciated that some features of liquid composition may also apply to the processes, methods, uses, and / or kits identified in some aspects, embodiments or examples as described herein may not be required in all aspects,embodiments or examples as described herein, and this specification is to be read in this context. It will also be appreciated that in the various aspects, embodiments or examples, the order of method or process steps may not be essential and may be varied.BREIF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0017] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are further described and illustrated as follows, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0018] Figure 1: Liquid composition eliminates algae blooms: Left) Rainwater tank containing water contaminated with high levels of algal bloom. Right) Elimination of algal bloom following application of liquid composition.

[0019] Figure 2: Effect liquid composition has on total cyanophyta and microcystis concentration during tertiary wastewater treatment trial.

[0020] Figure 3: Proposed mode of action of liquid composition on cyanoblooms.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and which is shown, by way of illustration, several embodiments. It is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0022] With regards to the definitions provided herein, unless stated otherwise, or implicit from context, the defined terms and phrases include the provided meanings. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, or apparent from context, the terms and phrases below do not exclude the meaning that the term or phrase has acquired by a person skilled in the relevant art. The definitions are provided to aid in describing particular embodiments, and are not intended to limit the claimed invention, because the scope of the invention islimited only by the claims. Furthermore, unless otherwise required by context, singular terms shall include pluralities and plural terms shall include the singular.

[0023] All publications discussed and / or referenced herein are incorporated herein in their entirety.

[0024] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application.

[0025] Throughout this disclosure, unless specifically stated otherwise or the context requires otherwise, reference to a single step, composition of matter, group of steps or group of compositions of matter shall be taken to encompass one and a plurality (i.e., one or more) of those steps, compositions of matter, groups of steps or groups of compositions of matter. Thus, as used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural aspects unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, reference to “a” includes a single as well as two or more; reference to “an” includes a single as well as two or more; reference to “the” includes a single as well as two or more and so forth.

[0026] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the disclosure herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is to be understood that the disclosure includes all such variations and modifications. The disclosure also includes all of the examples, steps, features, methods, hydrogels, processes, and compositions, referred to or indicated in this specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations or any two or more of said steps or features.

[0027] The term “and / or”, e.g., “X and / or Y” shall be understood to mean either “X and Y” or “X or Y” and shall be taken to provide explicit support for both meanings or for either meaning.

[0028] As used herein, the term “about”, unless stated to the contrary, typically refers to a range of up to + / - 10% of the designated value, and includes smaller ranges therein, for example + / - 5% or + / - 1% of the designated value.

[0029] It is to be appreciated that certain features that are, for clarity, described herein in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any sub-combination.

[0030] Throughout the present specification, various aspects and components of the invention can be presented in a range format. The range format is included for convenience and should not be interpreted as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible sub-ranges as well as individual numerical values within that range, unless specifically indicated. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 5 should be considered to have specifically disclosed sub-ranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 5, from 3 to 5 etc., as well as individual and partial numbers within the recited range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 4.5, 4.75, and 5, unless where integers are required or implicit from context. This applies regardless of the breadth of the disclosed range. Where specific values are required, these will be indicated in the specification.

[0031] Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

[0032] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and / or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the broad general scope of the present disclosure. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

[0033] The term "liquid composition" as used herein is intended to encompass a liquid product comprising the specified components and, where applicable, in the specified amounts.

[0034] The term “particulate” refers to the form of discrete solid units of any size. The units may take the form of flakes, fibres, agglomerates, granules, powders, spheres, dust, pulverized materials or the like, as well as combinations thereof. The particulate may have any desired shape including, but not limited to, cubic, rod like, polyhedral, spherical or semi-spherical, rounded or semi-rounded, angular, irregular, and so forth. The particulate morphology can be determined by any suitable means such as optical microscopy.

[0035] The reference to “substantially free” generally refers to the absence of that compound or component in the liquid composition, other than any trace amounts or impurities that may be present, for example this may be an amount by weight % in the total liquid composition of less than about 1%, 0.1%, 0.01%, 0.001%, or 0.0001%.Liquid compositions

[0036] In one embodiment, the liquid composition comprises or consists of a) worm castings; b) a sugar source; c) an aqueous liquid carrier; and d) optionally one or more agriculturally acceptable additives / excipients.

[0037] In one embodiment, the liquid composition comprises or consists of an aqueous infusion of a) worm castings; b) a sugar source; c) an aqueous liquid carrier; and d) optionally one or more agriculturally acceptable additives / excipients.

[0038] As used herein, the term “aqueous infusion” refers to the resulting aqueous liquid formed when one or more compounds are extracted from the worm castings and / or sugar source in an aqueous liquid carrier described herein, by allowing the material to remain suspended in the aqueous liquid carrier over time (i.e. steeping / brewing the worm castings and sugar source in the aqueous liquid carrier). The aqueous infusion may also comprise worm castings and / or sugar source which have not dissolved or been fully extracted into the aqueous infusion. One or more agriculturally acceptable additives / excipients that may be added to the aqueous liquid carrier or indeed to the resulting aqueous infusion, such as a suspending agent (e.g. ground oyster shells) or biochar.

[0039] The liquid composition may have a total dissolved solids (TDS) concentration. TDS is a measure of the dissolved combined content of all substances present in a liquid in molecular, ionized and / or colloidal suspended form. In one embodiment, the liquid composition has a TDS concentration (in ppm) between about 10 to about 50,000. In one embodiment, the liquid composition has a TDS concentration (in ppm) of at least 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000 or 50,000. In one embodiment, the liquid composition has a TDS concentration (in ppm) of less than about 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 1,000, 500, 100, 50, 20 or 10. The TDS concentration may be in a range provided by any two of these upper and / or lower values.

[0040] While not required, any undissolved worm castings and / or sugar source can be removed from the aqueous infusion, for example by filtering or screening using a suitable filter. The filter may be a porous enclosure which houses the worm castings, sugar source and optional agriculturally acceptable additive / excipient in the aqueous liquid carrier, which permit flows of the aqueous liquid carrier therethrough to contact the worm castings and sugar source whilst retaining any insoluble worm castings and / or sugar source within the enclosure, providing a filtered aqueous infusion.Worm castings

[0041] The term “worm castings” as used herein refers to a particulate waste material which comprises soil, nutrients and bacteria, produced by worms. Also known as vermicast, worm castings is essentially worm manure (i.e. poo). One of the main benefits of worm castings resides in their microbial activity and nutrients.

[0042] A variety of worms may be used to obtain the castings. In one embodiment, the worm castings are provided by worms from the Opisthopora order. In some embodiments, the worm castings may be provided by worms from one or more of the Monilgastridae, Glossoscolecidae, Lumbricidae, Ocnerodrilidae, Ancanthodrilidae, Octochaetidae, Benhamiidae, Megascolecidae and Eudrilidae family.

[0043] Worms from the Ocnerodrilidae family, particularly the species Eisenia fetida (i.e. red wiggler), are particularly preferred owing to ease of composting breakdown to generate high quantities of castings, which can be used to prepare the liquid compositions described herein.

[0044] The worm castings can be obtained via well-known methods, including vermicomposting using a worm box or bin housing worms and suitable composting matter (e.g. food waste, soil and other waste / nutrient sources). After a period of time, the worm castings can be recovered for use to prepare the liquid composition. Other known protocols and / or additional may be used to obtain the worm castings, as understood by the person skilled in the art.

[0045] Without wishing to be bound by theory, the worm castings may contain one or more microbes and / or enzymes which can be “activated” when suspended in an aqueous liquid carrier (e.g. water) in the presence of a sugar source. In essence, the sugar source can be considered a food / nutrient source of the microbes present in the worm castings. Prior to contact with the sugar source in an aqueous environment, the microbes of the dry worm castings can be considered “dormant” or “inactive”. An analogy can be drawn to bread making, where dry yeast is inactive and once activated in an aqueous mixture can feed on sugars in flour thus causing bread to rise via fermentation.

[0046] According to some embodiments or examples described herein, when the liquid composition or infusion is used to treat a water body affected or likely to be affected by cyanobacteria (e.g. blue-green algae). The liquid composition or infusion typically biomolecules, such as carboxylic acids, fatty acids, enzymes, and surfactants, that that have multiple modes of action to treat and lower cell counts for cyanobacteria, which can act to aggregate cells, damage cell membranes through encystment and cause cell sinking thereby reducing sunlight exposure. Additionally, the liquid composition or infusion can also aid in the population growth of diatoms which consume nitrogen and / or phosphorous, effectively “starving” the cyanobacteria. In other words, consumption of the cyanobacteria’s nutrients converts the water body from being in a eutrophic or mesotrophic state (i.e. enriched with medium to high levels of nutrients) in which bloom formation thrives to an oligotrophic state (i.e. low nutrient enrichment).

[0047] In one embodiment, the concentration of worm castings in the liquid composition (in g / L) is at least about 0.01, 0.015, 0.02, 0.025, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100. In one embodiment, the concentration of worm castings in the liquid composition (in g / L) is less than about 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, 5, 4, 3, 2.5, 2. 1.5, 1, 0.5, 0.1, 0.05, 0.04, 0.03, 0.025, 0.02, 0.015 or 0.01. The concentration of worm castings may be in a range provided by any two of these upper and / or lower values, for example the concentration of worm castings in the liquid composition (in g / L) may be between about 0.1 to about 100, between about 0.1 to about 50, between about 0.1 to about 20, between about 0.1 to about 10, or between about 0.1 to about 1.

[0048] In one embodiment, the worm castings are milled. Milling the worm castings reduces the particle size of the worm castings, thus increasing the surface area available for “activation” following contact with the sugar source. Such increased activation provides an increased level of active microbes in the liquid composition, thus improving the compositions overall activity and potency. In one embodiment, the worm castings have a particle size (in mm) of at least about 0.01, 0.1, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 20, 50, or 100 or more. In one embodiment, the worm castings have a particle size (in mm)of less than about 100, 50, 20, 10, 8, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0.1 or 0.01. The worm castings may have a particle size in a range provided by any two of these upper and / or lower values, for example between about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm. The worm castings may be milled using any suitable apparatus, such as a hammer mill.

[0049] In one embodiment, the worm castings are the only castings present in the liquid composition.Sugar source

[0050] The sugar source provides one or more sugars as an energy source which “activates” the microbes of the worm castings when suspended / dissolved in an aqueous liquid carrier.

[0051] Any suitable sugar source can be used. For example, the sugar source may comprise a fermentable sugar. In one embodiment, the sugar source comprises one or more fermentable sugars selected from the group consisting of glucose, fructose or sucrose, or a combination thereof.

[0052] The fermentable sugar source may be provided in neat form, for example one or more of raw sugar, white sugar, brown sugar, molasses, corn syrup, palm sugar, or may be in the form of a cereal (including seeds), fruit or vegetable, including for example almond hulls / shells.

[0053] In one embodiment, the sugar source is an agricultural crop waste. As used herein, a “crop” refers to a cultivated plant that is grown, including for commercial sale. As used herein, “agricultural crop waste” refers to the waste generated during the production and processing of crops. In one embodiment, the sugar source comprises the hulls and / or shells of one or more of almonds, macadamias walnuts, pistachios, pecans or peanuts.

[0054] In one embodiment, the sugar source comprises the hulls and / or shells of almonds. According to some embodiments or examples described herein, it has been surprisingly found that sugar sources derived from agricultural crop waste such as the hulls and / or shells of almonds provide an optimal amount of fermentable sugar sufficient to activate the microbes within the worm castings, but not in amounts effective to cause the significant over production of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other fermentation by-products such as alcohol, that can cause the microbes to burst, unless the gas is vented / evacuated regularly during the steeping / brewing process.

[0055] In one embodiment, the sugar source comprises less than about 50% w / w fermentable sugar based on the total weight of the sugar source. In one embodiment, the sugar source comprises less than about 50%, 45%, 40%, 35%, 30%, 25%, 20%, 15%, 10% or 5% w / w fermentable sugar based on the total weight of the sugar source. The % w / w of fermentable sugar in the sugar source may be in a range provided by any two of these values, for example the sugar source may comprise between about 5% w / w to about 50% w / w fermentable sugar based on the total weight of the sugar source.

[0056] In one embodiment the concentration of sugar source in the liquid composition (in g / L) is between about 0.1 to about 50. In one embodiment the concentration of sugar source in the liquid composition (in g / L) is at least about.01, 0.015, 0.02, 0.025, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40 or 50. In one embodiment the concentration of sugar source in the liquid composition (in g / L) is less than about 50, 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20, 10, 5, 2, 1, 0.5, 0.1, 0.05, 0.04, 0.03, 0.025, 0.02, 0.015 or 0.01. The concentration of sugar may be in a range provided by any two of these upper and / or lower values, for example the concentration of sugar source in the liquid composition (in g / L) may be between about 0.1 to about 20, or between about 0.1 to about 5, or between 0.1 to about 1.

[0057] In one embodiment, the weight ratio % of worm castings to sugar source in the liquid composition is between about 1:10 to about 10:1. In one embodiment, the weight ratio % of worm castings to sugar source in the liquid composition is at least about 1:1, 2:1, 5:1, 8:1 or 10:1. In one embodiment, the weight ratio % of worm castings to sugarsource in the liquid composition is less than about 10:1, 8:1, 5:1, 2:1 or 1:1. The weight ratio % may be in a range provided by any two of these upper and / or lower values, for example, the weight ratio % of worm castings to sugar source in the liquid composition may be between about 1: 1 to about 10:1, e.g. about 3:1. The present inventors have found that a weight ratio % of worm castings to sugar source of 1: 1 or more increased the microbial activity of the liquid composition or aqueous infusion.

[0058] In one embodiment, the sugar source is milled. Milling the sugar source reduces the particle size of the sugar, allowing it to disburse throughout the liquid composition to be readily available as a food source for the microbes in the worm castings.

[0059] In one embodiment, the sugar source may have a particle size (in pm) of between about 0.01 to about 10,000. In one embodiment, the sugar source may have a particle size (in pm) of at least about 0.01, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000 or 10,000. In one embodiment, the sugar source may have a particle size (in pm) of less than about 10,000, 5000, 2000, 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2, 1, 0.5, 0.1, or 0.01. The particle size of the sugar source may be in a range provided by any two of these upper and / or lower values, for example, the sugar source may have a particle size (in μm) of between about 0.01 to about 1000. The sugar source may be milled using any suitable apparatus, such as a hammer mill.Aqueous liquid carrier and other excipients

[0060] The liquid composition comprises an aqueous liquid carrier. The aqueous liquid carrier dissolves, suspends and / or is infused with the worm castings, sugar source and any optional additives.

[0061] In one embodiment, the aqueous liquid carrier is water. In one embodiment, the aqueous liquid carrier is non-chlorinated water. The present inventors have found that the use of non-chlorinated water increases the water treatment efficacy of the liquid composition. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed the activatedmicrobes within the liquid composition remain viable for longer in non-chlorinated water.

[0062] The amount of aqueous liquid carrier may be quantity sufficient (q.s.) to provide a liquid composition comprising the recited components at any given g / L concentration.

[0063] In one embodiment, the liquid composition comprises or consists of:a) between about 0.1 g / L to about 100 g / L worm castings;b) between about 0.1 g / L to about 50 g / L sugar source; andc) an aqueous liquid carrier (q.s.).

[0064] In one embodiment, the liquid composition comprises or consists of:a) between about 0.1 g / L to about 10 g / L worm castings;b) between about 0.1 g / L to about 5 g / L sugar source; andc) an aqueous liquid carrier (q.s.).

[0065] While not required, the liquid composition may further comprise one or more agriculturally acceptable additives / excipients.

[0066] In one embodiment, the liquid composition comprises or consists of:a) worm castings;b) a sugar source;c) one or more agriculturally acceptable additives / excipients; andd) an aqueous liquid carrier.

[0067] In one embodiment, the liquid composition comprises or consists of:a) between about 0.1 g / L to about 100 g / L worm castings;b) between about 0.1 g / L to about 50 g / L sugar source;c) optionally between about 0.001 g / L to about 1 g / L of one or more agriculturally acceptable additives / excipients; andd) an aqueous liquid carrier (q.s.).

[0068] In one embodiment, the liquid composition comprises or consists of:a) between about 0.1 g / L to about 10 g / L worm castings;b) between about 0.1 g / L to about 5 g / L sugar source;c) optionally between about 0.001 g / L to about 0.1 g / L of one or more agriculturally acceptable additives / excipients; andd) an aqueous liquid carrier (q.s.).

[0069] The agriculturally acceptable additives / excipients may be selected from the group consisting of a carrier, an antifoaming agent, a nutrient source, a fragrant, a base, a co-solvent, a wetting agent, an emulsifier, a humectant, a desiccating agent, a binder, a sticking agent, a filler, biochar, a flocculant, an antifreeze, a dispersing agent, a suspending agent, an emulsifier, a preservative, a stabilizer, a humectant, and a pH adjusting agent, or a combination thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize additional agriculturally acceptable additives / excipients without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0070] If present, the concentration of one or more agriculturally acceptable additives / excipients in the liquid composition (in g / L) may be between about 0.001 to about 100. In one embodiment, the concentration of one or more agriculturally acceptable additives / excipients in the liquid composition (in g / L) may be at least about 0.001, 0.002, 0.005, 0.01, 0.02, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, or 100. In one embodiment, the concentration of one or more agriculturally acceptable additives / excipients in the liquid composition (in g / L) may be less than about 100, 50, 40, 30, 20, 15, 10, 5, 2, 1, 0.5, 0.2, 0.1, 0.05, 0.02, 0.01, 0.005, 0.002 or 0.001. The concentration of agriculturally acceptable additives / excipients may be in a range provided by any two of these upper and / or lower values, for example, the concentration of one or more agriculturally acceptable additives / excipients in the liquid composition (in g / L) may be between about 0.001 to about 10, or between about 0.001 to about 1, or between about 0.001 to about 0.1.

[0071] One example of an agriculturally acceptable additive / excipient that may be present in the liquid composition is a suspending agent. Accordingly, in oneembodiment, the liquid composition further comprises a suspending agent. The suspending agent promotes the suspension of one or more components of the liquid composition (e.g. assists in suspending / floating the “activated” microbes within the liquid composition).

[0072] According to some embodiments or examples described herein, when the liquid composition or infusion is applied to a water body affected by cyanobacteria and blooms, the suspending agent assists in floating the activated microbes of the worm castings at or near the top layer of a water body (stratification) where cyanobacteria and associated blooms form. The suspended microbes and other biomolecules can act to aggregate cells, damage cell membranes through encystment and cause cell sinking from the stratification thereby reducing sunlight exposure. Additionally, the liquid composition or infusion can also aid in the population growth of diatoms which consume nitrogen and / or phosphorous, effectively “starving” the cyanobacteria.

[0073] The suspending agent may be any material that promotes the suspension of particles in a liquid. In one embodiment, the suspending agent is a particulate. The particulate has a particle size effective to promote the floating of the liquid composition on or near the surface of a water body. In one embodiment, the suspending agent may have a particle size (in μm) of between about 0.01 to about 1000. In one embodiment, the suspending agent may have a particle size (in pm) of at least about 0.01, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 or 1000. In one embodiment, the suspending agent may have a particle size (in pm) of less than about 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2, 1, 0.5, 0.1, or 0.01. The particle size of the suspending agent may be in a range provided by any two of these upper and / or lower values, for example, the suspending agent may have a particle size (in pm) of between about 0.01 to about 100.

[0074] In one embodiment, the suspending agent is non-polymeric. In one embodiment, the suspending agent is a calcium containing particulate. In one embodiment, the suspending agent comprises calcium carbonate (CaCO3). In one embodiment, the suspending agent comprises or consists of seashells. In one embodiment, the suspending agent is oyster shells. Preferably, the suspending agent isground oyster shells (also referred to as crushed oyster shells or oyster shell powder), which are predominantly composed of calcium carbonate, and is typically considered a waste material.

[0075] According to some embodiments or examples described herein, whilst also acting as a suspending agent, the ground oyster shells comprise Ca2+cations which can react with cyanobacteria nutrient sources, such as phosphorous and nitrogen ions present in the water body, thus removing them as a potential source of nutrient.Consumption and removal of the cyanobacteria’s nutrient source converts the water body from being in a eutrophic or mesotrophic state to an oligotrophic state. In one embodiment, the oyster shells may be calcined, which may enhance the chemical reactivity of the Ca2+cation species with the algae and / or one or more nutrient species. Additionally, the Ca2+ions can also flocculate any remaining cyanobacteria that survive starvation caused by the removal of available nutrients by reacting with CO2or CO32-species on the cyanobacteria surface, causing the blooms to stick together making them easy to remove. Finally, the ground oyster shells may also assist in moderating the pH of the resulting liquid composition / aqueous infusion thus providing an optimal environment for the biomolecules within the composition / infusion to mature and act on the cyanobacteria.

[0076] If present, the concentration of the suspending agent is in an amount effective to promote suspension of the activated microbes / liquid composition at or near the top of a water body, including in amounts effective to flocculate cyanobacteria and / or eutrophic species in a water body affected by blooms.

[0077] In one embodiment, the concentration of suspending agent in the liquid composition (in g / L) is between about 0.001 to about 1. In one embodiment, the concentration of suspending agent in the liquid composition (in g / L) is at least about 0.001, 0.002, 0.005, 0.01, 0.02, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9 or 1. In one embodiment, the concentration of suspending agent in the liquid composition (in g / L) is less than about 1, 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.25, 0.2, 0.15, 0.1, 0.05, 0.02, 0.01, 0.005, 0.002 or 0.001. The concentration of suspending agent maybe in a range provided by any two of these upper and / or lower values, for example the concentration of suspending agent in the liquid composition (in g / L) may be between about 0.001 to about 1, or between about 0.01 to about 0.1.

[0078] In one embodiment the weight ratio % of worm castings to suspending agent in the liquid composition is between about 10:1 to about 50:1. In one embodiment, the weight ratio % of worm castings to suspending agent in the liquid composition is at least about 10:1, 20:1, 30:1, 40:1 or 50:1. In one embodiment, the weight ratio % of worm castings to suspending agent in the liquid composition is less than about 50:1, 40: 1, 30: 1, 20: 1 or 10: 1. The weight ratio % may be in a range provided by any two of these upper and / or lower values, for example, the weight ratio % of worm castings to suspending agent in the liquid composition may be between about 20: 1 to about 50:1, e.g. about 30:1.

[0079] In one embodiment the weight ratio % of sugar source to suspending agent in the liquid composition is between about 1:1 to about 50:1. In one embodiment, the weight ratio % of sugar source to suspending agent in the liquid composition is at least about 1:1, 5:1, 10:1, 20:1, 30:1, 40:1 or 50:1. In one embodiment, the weight ratio % of sugar source to suspending agent in the liquid composition is less than about 50:1, 40: 1, 30:1, 20:1, 10:1, 5:1 or 1:1. The weight ratio % may be in a range provided by any two of these upper and / or lower values, for example, the weight ratio % of sugar source to suspending agent in the liquid composition may be between about 5: 1 to about 20: 1, e.g. about 10:1.

[0080] Another example of an agriculturally acceptable additive / excipient that may be present in the liquid composition, together with the optional suspending agent, is biochar. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the liquid composition further comprises biochar. As used herein, the term “biochar” refers the solid material obtained from the thermochemical conversion of biomass in an oxygen-limited environment and is typically a black residue made of carbon and ash. Amongst other properties, the biochar colours the liquid composition a grey / brown colour, making it easy to identify where in a given water body the liquid composition has been applied and / or settled. Importantly,like other components of the liquid composition, the biochar is a natural waste material which can be repurposed as an environmentally friendly colouring agent.

[0081] In one embodiment, the concentration of biochar in the liquid composition (in g / L) is between about 0.05 to about 1. In one embodiment, the concentration of biochar in the liquid composition (in g / L) is at least about 0.001, 0.002, 0.005, 0.01, 0.02, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9 or 1. In one embodiment, the concentration of biochar in the liquid composition (in g / L) is less than about 1, 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.25, 0.2, 0.15, 0.1, 0.05, 0.02, 0.01, 0.005, 0.002 or 0.001. The concentration of biochar may be in a range provided by any two of these upper and / or lower values, for example the concentration of biochar in the liquid composition (in g / L) may be between about 0.001 to about 1, or between about 0.01 to about 0.1.

[0082] In one embodiment the weight ratio % of worm castings to biochar in the liquid composition is between about 10:1 to about 50:1. In one embodiment, the weight ratio % of worm castings to biochar in the liquid composition is at least about 10:1, 20: 1, 30:1, 40: 1 or 50: 1. In one embodiment, the weight ratio % of worm castings to biochar in the liquid composition is less than about 50:1, 40:1, 30:1, 20:1 or 10:1. The weight ratio % may be in a range provided by any two of these upper and / or lower values, for example, the weight ratio % of worm castings to biochar in the liquid composition may be between about 20: 1 to about 50:1, e.g. about 30:1.

[0083] In one embodiment the weight ratio % of sugar source to biochar in the liquid composition is between about 1: 1 to about 50: 1. In one embodiment, the weight ratio % of sugar source to biochar in the liquid composition is at least about 1:1, 5:1, 10:1, 20: 1, 30:1, 40: 1 or 50: 1. In one embodiment, the weight ratio % of sugar source to biochar in the liquid composition is less than about 50:1, 40:1, 30:1, 20:1, 10:1, 5:1 or 1:1. The weight ratio % may be in a range provided by any two of these upper and / or lower values, for example, the weight ratio % of sugar source to biochar in the liquid composition may be between about 5:1 to about 20:1, e.g. about 10:1.

[0084] In one embodiment the weight ratio % of suspending agent to biochar in the liquid composition is between about 1: 10 to about 10: 1. In one embodiment, the weight ratio % of suspending agent to biochar in the liquid composition is at least about 1:10, 1:5, 1:2, 1:1, 2:1, 5:1 or 10:1. In one embodiment, the weight ratio % of suspending agent to biochar in the liquid composition is less than about 10:1, 5:1, 2:1, 1:1, 1:2, 1:5 or 1: 10. The weight ratio % may be in a range provided by any two of these upper and / or lower values, for example, the weight ratio % of suspending agent to biochar in the liquid composition may be between about 5:1 to about 1:5, e.g. about 1:1.

[0085] In one embodiment, the liquid composition comprises or consists of:a) worm castings;b) a sugar source;c) a suspending agent; andd) an aqueous liquid carrier.

[0086] In one embodiment, the liquid composition comprises or consists of:a) worm castings;b) a sugar source;c) a suspending agent;d) biochar; ande) an aqueous liquid carrier.

[0087] In one embodiment, the liquid composition comprises or consists of:a) between about 0.1 g / L to about 100 g / L worm castings;b) between about 0.1 g / L to about 50 g / L sugar source;c) between about 0.001 g / L to about 1 g / L suspending agent; andd) an aqueous liquid carrier (q.s.).

[0088] In one embodiment, the liquid composition comprises or consists of:a) between about 0.1 g / L to about 10 g / L worm castings;b) between about 0.1 g / L to about 5 g / L sugar source;c) between about 0.001 g / L to about 0.1 g / L suspending agent; andd) an aqueous liquid carrier (q.s.).

[0089] In one embodiment, the liquid composition comprises or consists of:a) between about 0.1 g / L to about 100 g / L worm castings;b) between about 0.1 g / L to about 50 g / L sugar source;c) between about 0.001 g / L to about 1 g / L suspending agent; d) between about 0.001 g / L to about 1 g / L biochar;e) an aqueous liquid carrier (q.s.).

[0090] In one embodiment, the liquid composition comprises or consists of:a) between about 0.1 g / L to about 10 g / L worm castings;b) between about 0.1 g / L to about 5 g / L sugar source;c) between about 0.001 g / L to about 0.1 g / L suspending agent; d) between about 0.001 g / L to about 0.1 g / L biochar;e) an aqueous liquid carrier (q.s.).

[0091] In one embodiment, the liquid composition comprises or consists of:a) worm castings;b) a sugar source;c) calcium carbonate (CaCO3); andd) an aqueous liquid carrier.

[0092] In one embodiment, the liquid composition comprises or consists of:a) worm castings;b) a sugar source;c) calcium carbonate (CaCO3);d) biochar; ande) an aqueous liquid carrier.

[0093] In one embodiment, the liquid composition comprises or consists of:a) between about 0.1 g / L to about 100 g / L worm castings;b) between about 0.1 g / L to about 50 g / L sugar source;c) between about 0.001 g / L to about 1 g / L calcium carbonate (CaCO3); and d) an aqueous liquid carrier (q.s.).

[0094] In one embodiment, the liquid composition comprises or consists of:a) between about 0.1 g / L to about 10 g / L worm castings;b) between about 0.1 g / L to about 5 g / L sugar source;c) between about 0.001 g / L to about 0.1 g / L calcium carbonate (CaCO3); and d) an aqueous liquid carrier (q.s.).

[0095] In one embodiment, the liquid composition comprises or consists of:a) between about 0.1 g / L to about 100 g / L worm castings;b) between about 0.1 g / L to about 50 g / L sugar source;c) between about 0.001 g / L to about 1 g / L calcium carbonate (CaCO3); d) between about 0.001 g / L to about 1 g / L biochar; ande) an aqueous liquid carrier (q.s.).

[0096] In one embodiment, the liquid composition comprises or consists of:a) between about 0.1 g / L to about 10 g / L worm castings;b) between about 0.1 g / L to about 5 g / L sugar source;c) between about 0.001 g / L to about 0.1 g / L calcium carbonate (CaCO3); d) between about 0.001 g / L to about 0.1 g / L biochar; ande) an aqueous liquid carrier (q.s.).

[0097] In one embodiment, the liquid composition comprises or consists of:a) worm castings;b) a sugar source;c) ground seashells; andd) an aqueous liquid carrier.

[0098] In one embodiment, the liquid composition comprises or consists of:a) worm castings;b) a sugar source;c) ground seashells;d) biochar; ande) an aqueous liquid carrier.

[0099] In one embodiment, the liquid composition comprises or consists of:a) between about 0.1 g / L to about 100 g / L worm castings;b) between about 0.1 g / L to about 50 g / L sugar source;c) between about 0.001 g / L to about 1 g / L ground seashells; and d) an aqueous liquid carrier (q.s.).

[0100] one embodiment, the liquid composition comprises or consists of: a) between about 0.1 g / L to about 10 g / L worm castings or consists of; b) between about 0.1 g / L to about 5 g / L sugar source;c) between about 0.001 g / L to about 0.1 g / L ground seashells; and d) an aqueous liquid carrier (q.s.).

[0101] In one embodiment, the liquid composition comprises or consists of:a) between about 0.1 g / L to about 100 g / L worm castings;b) between about 0.1 g / L to about 50 g / L sugar source;c) between about 0.001 g / L to about 1 g / L ground seashells;d) between about 0.001 g / L to about 1 g / L biochar; ande) an aqueous liquid carrier (q.s.).

[0102] In one embodiment, the liquid composition comprises or consists of:a) between about 0.1 g / L to about 10 g / L worm castings;b) between about 0.1 g / L to about 5 g / L sugar source;c) between about 0.001 g / L to about 0.1 g / L ground seashells;d) between about 0.001 g / L to about 0.1 g / L biochar; ande) an aqueous liquid carrier (q.s.).

[0103] In one embodiment, the liquid composition comprises or consists of:a) worm castings;b) a sugar source;c) ground oyster shells; andd) an aqueous liquid carrier.

[0104] In one embodiment, the liquid composition comprises or consists of:a) worm castings;b) a sugar source;c) ground oyster shells;d) biochar; ande) an aqueous liquid carrier.

[0105] In one embodiment, the liquid composition comprises or consists of:a) between about 0.1 g / L to about 100 g / L worm castings;b) between about 0.1 g / L to about 50 g / L sugar source;c) between about 0.001 g / L to about 1 g / L ground oyster shells; and d) an aqueous liquid carrier (q.s.).

[0106] In one embodiment, the liquid composition comprises or consists of:a) between about 0.1 g / L to about 10 g / L worm castings;b) between about 0.1 g / L to about 5 g / L sugar source;c) between about 0.001 g / L to about 0.1 g / L ground oyster shells; and d) an aqueous liquid carrier (q.s.).

[0107] In one embodiment, the liquid composition comprises or consists of:a) between about 0.1 g / L to about 100 g / L worm castings;b) between about 0.1 g / L to about 50 g / L sugar source;c) between about 0.001 g / L to about 1 g / L ground oyster shells; d) between about 0.001 g / L to about 1 g / L biochar; ande) an aqueous liquid carrier (q.s.).

[0108] In one embodiment, the liquid composition comprises or consists of:a) between about 0.1 g / L to about 10 g / L worm castings;b) between about 0.1 g / L to about 5 g / L sugar source;c) between about 0.001 g / L to about 0.1 g / L ground oyster shells;d) between about 0.001 g / L to about 0.1 g / L biochar; ande) an aqueous liquid carrier (q.s.).

[0109] In one embodiment, the liquid composition has a dynamic viscosity (in mPa.s) of less than about 100, 80, 50, 40, 30, 20, 18, 15, 12, 10, 5 or 1 when measured using a rotational viscometer at 20 rpm and at a temperature of 20°C. The dynamic viscosity may be in a range provided by any two of these values, for example between about 1 to about 100 when measured using a rotational viscometer at 20 rpm and at a temperature of 20°C. According to some embodiments or examples described herein, liquid compositions described herein having a viscosity below 100 mPa.s may provide better characteristics in terms of ease of pourability and / or ease of spray / spot application.Physicochemical properties

[0110] It will be appreciated that the pH of the liquid composition can vary depending on the type and amount of components, such as the concentration of sugar sour, such as an optional suspending agent and / or optional biochar. In one embodiment, the liquid composition has a pH of at least about 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 12.5, 13, 13.5 or 14. In one embodiment, the liquid composition has a pH of less than about 14, 13.5, 13, 12.5, 12, 11.5, 11, 10.5, 10, 9.5, 9, 8.5, 8, 7.5, 7, 6.5, 6, 5.5 or 5. The pH may be in a range provided by any two of these upper and / or lower values for example, the liquid composition has a pH of between about 6 to about 8 (i.e. neutral or at least weakly acidic / alkaline). In one embodiment, the pH of the liquid composition is substantially the same as that for rainwater. The pH may be measured using any conventional technique known in the art.

[0111] In some embodiments, the liquid composition has a total dissolved solids content (in mg / L) of between about 500 to about 5000. In one embodiment, the liquid composition has a total dissolved solids content (in mg / L) of at least about 500, 700, 1000, 1200, 1500, 1700, 2000, 2500 or 3000. In one embodiment, the liquidcomposition has a total dissolved solids content (in mg / L) of less than about 3000, 2500, 2000, 1700, 1500, 1200, 1000, 700 or 500. The total dissolved solids content may be in a range provided by any two of these upper and / or lower values, for example between about 1000 mg / L to about 2000 mg / L, for example between about 1500 mg / L to about 2000 mg / L. The total dissolved solids content can be measured using APHA standard method 2540.

[0112] In some embodiments, the liquid composition has a total suspended solids content (in mg / L) of between about 500 to about 5000. In one embodiment, the liquid composition has a total suspended solids content (in mg / L) of at least about 500, 700, 1000, 1200, 1500, 1700, 2000, 2500 or 3000. In one embodiment, the liquid composition has a total suspended solids content (in mg / L) of less than about 3000, 2500, 2000, 1700, 1500, 1200, 1000, 700 or 500. The total suspended solids content may be in a range provided by any two of these upper and / or lower values, for example between about 500 mg / L to about 1500 mg / L, for example between about 1000 mg / L to about 1500 mg / L. The total suspended solids content can be measured using APHA standard method 2540.

[0113] The liquid composition may comprise low levels of one or more metals. For example, the liquid composition may comprise low to undetectable levels of one or more heavy metals selected from the group consisting of silver, aluminium, arsenic, cadmium, copper, chromium, iron, manganese, nickel, lead, selenium, zinc and mercury. If present, each of the aforementioned heavy metals may independently have a concentration in the liquid composition (in mg / L) of greater than 0 to about 50. In some embodiments, each of the aforementioned heavy metals may independently have a concentration in the liquid composition (in mg / L) of greater than about 0, 0.0001, 0.0005, 0.001, 0.005, 0.01, 0.02, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40 or 50. In some embodiments, each of the aforementioned heavy metals may independently have a concentration in the liquid composition (in mg / L) of less than about 50, 40, 30, 20, 15, 10, 5, 2, 1, 0.5, 0.2, 0.1, 0.05, 0.02, 0.01, 0.005, 0.001, 0.0005, or 0.0001. The concentration of the one or more heavy metals in the liquid composition may eachindependently be in a range provided by any two of these upper or lower values. The heavy metal content can be measured using APHA standard method 3125 by ICP-MS.

[0114] In one example, the concentration of silver in the liquid composition (in mg / L) may be less than about 0.1, 0.5, 0.1, 0.05 or 0.001. In another example, the concentration of aluminium in the liquid composition (in mg / L) may between about 5 to about 50, between about 10 to about 30, or between 20 to about 25. In another example, the concentration of arsenic in the liquid composition (in mg / L) may be between about 0.01 to about 1, between about 0.01 to about 0.5, or between 0.01 to about 0.1. In another example, the concentration of cadmium in the liquid composition (in mg / L) may be less than about 0.1, 0.5, 0.1, 0.05 or 0.001. In another example, the concentration of chromium in the liquid composition (in mg / L) may be less than about 0.1, 0.5, 0.1, 0.05, 0.03 or 0.001. In another example, the concentration of copper in the liquid composition (in mg / L) may be between about 0.1 to about 0.5, between about 0.1 to about 0.3, or between 0.1 to about 0.2. In another example, the concentration of iron in the liquid composition (in mg / L) may between about 5 to about 50, between about 10 to about 30, or between about 15 to about 25. In another example, the concentration of manganese in the liquid composition (in mg / L) may between about 1 to about 15, between about 1 to about 10, or between about 1 to about 5. In another example, the concentration of nickel in the liquid composition (in mg / L) may be between about 0.01 to about 1, between about 0.01 to about 0.5, or between 0.01 to about 0.1. In another example, the concentration of lead in the liquid composition (in mg / L) may be between about 0.01 to about 1, between about 0.01 to about 0.5, or between 0.01 to about 0.1. In another example, the concentration of selenium in the liquid composition (in mg / L) may be less than about 1, 0.5, 0.1, 0.05, 0.002 or 0.001. In another example, the concentration of zinc in the liquid composition (in mg / L) may be between about 0.1 to about 5, between about 0.1 to about 1, or between about 0.5 to about 1. In one embodiment, the liquid composition is substantially free of mercury.

[0115] According to some embodiments or examples, the present inventors have also surprisingly found that the liquid compositions described herein has a physiochemical property profile that is similar to, and for some properties substantially the same as,rainwater, as highlighted in Table 2. This has numerous advantages especially where the liquid compositions are used for environmental applications such as treatment of water bodies described herein. Furthermore, for those physicochemical properties which are slightly higher than that for rainwater as highlighted in Table 1, such as various heavy metals, it will be appreciated that according to some embodiments or examples described herein, the liquid composition will be applied to a water body at quite low concentrations, for example in an amount effective to deliver between about 0.00001% w / v to about 0.1% w / v of the liquid composition based on the total volume of the water body. Therefore, the concentrations of the heavy metals will further dilute to levels comparable or even lower than potable rainwater, highlighting the liquid compositions excellent safety profile for use in water bodies.

[0116] The liquid composition may also have a silica content. In one embodiment, the concentration of silica in the liquid composition (in mg / L; total recoverable) may be higher than that for potable rainwater, for example at least about 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, or 100. In one embodiment, the concentration of silica in the liquid composition (in mg / L; total recoverable) may be between about 20 to about 100, between 20 to about 80, between about 20 to about 70, or between about 40 to about 70. The silica content may be measured using APHA standard method 3120 by ICP-OES.

[0117] According to one example, when a liquid composition comprising such higher levels of silica content was used to treat a water body, the present inventors surprisingly found that the total levels of diatoms (such as bacillariophytes) present in the water body increased over time following application of the liquid composition. Such diatoms consume nitrogen and / or phosphorous, effectively “starving” the cyanobacteria from its energy source. As diatoms are surrounded by a cell wall made of silica, it is believed that the high silica content of the liquid composition provides a healthy ecosystem for bacillariophytes to proliferate and grow, which can compete with the cyanobacteria for its nutrient source. Thus it is believed that a liquid composition described herein having a higher silica content may also indirectly starve cyanobacteria of their nutrient source by providing nutrients / components that facilitate in the population growth of diatoms present in water bodies.Process of preparing liquid compositions

[0118] In one aspect or embodiment, there is provided a process of preparing a liquid composition described herein, comprising suspending worm castings and a sugar source in an aqueous liquid carrier under conditions effective to form the liquid composition.

[0119] The worm castings may be added to the aqueous liquid carrier first followed by the sugar source. Alternatively, the sugar source may be added to the liquid carrier first followed by the worm castings. In one embodiment, the worm castings and sugar source are mixed together prior to suspending in the aqueous liquid carrier. Thus in one aspect or embodiment, there is provided a particulate comprising worm castings and a sugar source. However, it will be appreciated that, in most cases, no limitation is placed on what order the worm castings and sugar source are added to the aqueous liquid carrier.

[0120] In one embodiment, oxygen can be bubbled into the suspension of worm castings and sugar source in the aqueous liquid carrier, which may increase the microbial activity of the liquid composition. This can be achieved using a suitable air pump, such as an aquarium bubbler.

[0121] In one embodiment, the worm castings and sugar source are suspended in the aqueous liquid carrier for a period of time (in hours) of between about 6 to about 240. In one embodiment, the worm castings and sugar source are suspended in the aqueous liquid carrier for a period of time (in hours) of at least about 1, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 24, 36, 54, 72, 96, 120, 144, 168, 192, 216, 240 or 336. In one embodiment, the worm castings and sugar source are suspended in the aqueous liquid carrier for a period of time (in hours) of less than about 336, 240, 216, 192, 168, 144, 120, 96, 72, 54, 36, 24, 18, 15, 12, 9 or 6. The suspension time may be in a range provided by any two of these upper and / or lower values, for example between about 12 to about 240, e.g. about 168.

[0122] In one embodiment, the worm castings and sugar source are suspended in the aqueous liquid carrier at a temperature (in °C) of between about 5 to about 45. In one embodiment, the worm castings and sugar source are suspended in the aqueous liquid carrier at a temperature (in °C) of at least about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 or 45. In one embodiment, the worm castings and sugar source are suspended in the aqueous liquid carrier at a temperature (in °C) of less than about 50, 45, 40, 35, 30. The suspension temperature may be in a range provided by any two of these upper and / or lower values, for example between about 20 to about 30. In one embodiment, the worm castings and sugar source are suspended in the aqueous liquid carrier at ambient temperature (that is no external heating or cooling is applied).

[0123] In one embodiment, the suspension comprising the worm castings and sugar source is filtered, for example to obtain an aqueous infusion. Such filtering removes undissolved worm castings and / or sugar source which makes the liquid composition easier to apply to a water body via a pump. However, where pump application is not required (such as bulk application of the liquid composition to a dam) it will be appreciated that the composition can have a degree of solids present. Alternatively or additionally, the liquid composition is allowed to settle and subsequently the top layer is decanted off to remove undissolved worm castings and / or sugar source.

[0124] In one embodiment, the worm castings and sugar source are suspended within a porous enclosure (e.g. a meshed bag) in the aqueous liquid carrier, the porous enclosure configured to permit flow of the aqueous liquid carrier therethrough to contact the worm castings and sugar source whilst retaining any insoluble worm castings and / or sugar source within the enclosure. The porous enclosure may also house one or more agriculturally acceptable additives / excipients. Alternatively, one or more agriculturally acceptable additives / excipients may be added to the aqueous liquid carrier.

[0125] If one or more agriculturally acceptable additives / excipients are added to the liquid composition, these may be added together with the worm castings and / or sugar source. In one embodiment, one or more agriculturally acceptable additives / excipientsare added to the suspension comprising the worm castings and sugar source.Alternatively, one or more agriculturally acceptable additives / excipients can be added to the aqueous infusion.

[0126] In one embodiment, the process may comprise steeping worm castings, a sugar source and optionally one or more agriculturally acceptable additives / excipients in an aqueous liquid carrier. In another embodiment, the process may comprising steeping one or more agriculturally acceptable additives / excipients in the aqueous infusion.

[0127] Where a suspending agent and / or biochar are included, in one embodiment the suspending agent and / or biochar is added to the suspension comprising the worm castings and sugar source, or is added to the aqueous infusion.

[0128] In one embodiment, the liquid composition is diluted further with water (e.g. non-chlorinated water).

[0129] In one embodiment, the liquid composition is filtered, for example to remove one or more of undissolved solids, such as undissolved worm castings and / or sugar source. The filtering may be performed at a size that allows for the retention of finer particles of biochar and / or oyster shells that may be present yet removes coarser particles of worm castings and / or sugar source (if present).

[0130] It will be appreciated that any one or more of the embodiments and examples described herein for the worm castings, sugar source, optional one or more agriculturally acceptable additives / excipients and water body in relation to the liquid composition can equally apply to the process for preparing the liquid composition described herein.Water treatment

[0131] The liquid composition described herein can be used to treat water, including for example to control unwanted contaminants, such as cyanobacteria (e.g. blue green algae) or other pollutants, which may be present in a water body.

[0132] In one aspect or embodiment, there is provided a method of treating a water body, the method comprising applying an effective amount of the liquid composition described herein to the water body. In another aspect or embodiment, there is provided use of the liquid composition described herein for treating a water body. In one embodiment, there is provided a method of treating a water body, the method comprising applying an effective amount of the liquid composition described herein to the water body. In another embodiment, there is provided use of the liquid composition described herein for treating a water body.

[0133] In one aspect or embodiment, there is provided a method of controlling a contaminant in a water body comprising applying an effective amount of the liquid composition to a water body affected or likely to be affected by the contaminant. In another aspect or embodiment, there is provided use of the liquid composition described herein for controlling a contaminant in a water body. In one embodiment, there is provided a method of controlling a contaminant in a water body comprising applying an effective amount of the liquid composition to a water body affected or likely to be affected by the contaminant. In another embodiment, there is provided use of the liquid composition described herein for controlling a contaminant in a water body.

[0134] The liquid composition can be used to treat a wide range of unwanted contaminants. For example, the liquid composition can be used to treat “black” water, such as effluent from sewage plants and septic tanks, as well as domestic (e.g. household) and industrial (e.g. hotels, cruise ships or buildings) waste water, making it safe for use, re-use or disposal. In addition to this, animal effluent can be treated for use in irrigation of crops or pasture.

[0135] Polluted / contaminated rivers, lakes or reservoir waters, such as dam / water tank water, can be treated allowing it to be used as irrigation water or even potable water, especially as pollution of water reservoir catchment areas is particularly problematic when large rainfall is experienced. “Grey” water, which includes fluid from showers, wash basins, dishwashers and washing machines etc., may be treated so that they may be used for irrigation, washing, fire-fighting reservoirs, etc.

[0136] As such, it will be appreciated that the liquid composition is suitable for treating a wide range of waters. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the contaminants, pollutants and / or microbes which can be treated will depend on the type of water being treated. For example, the liquid composition may be used to treat the waters of rivers, dams, water tanks, ground water, seawater, swimming pools and industrial and domestic waste water.

[0137] The liquid composition may be applied to the water body to prevent contamination (e.g. added to a water body likely to be affected by a contaminant). Alternatively or additionally, the liquid composition may be added to a water body already affected by the contaminant.

[0138] While a wide range of contaminants can be treated using the liquid composition, the liquid composition can be used to control cyanobacteria. In one embodiment, the method or use described herein is for controlling cyanobacteria in a water body comprising applying an effective amount of the liquid composition to a water body affected or likely to be affected by the cyanobacteria. Common cyanobacteria that can be treated include, but are not limited to, Aphanizomenon, Cylindrospermopsis, Dolichospermum, Microcystis, Nodularia, Planktothrix, and Trichodesmium. In one embodiment, the method or use described herein is for controlling algae blooms.

[0139] The liquid composition can be applied to the water body in an amount effective to treat one or more contaminants. In one embodiment, the liquid composition is applied in an amount effective to deliver between about 0.00001% v / v to about 5%v / v of the liquid composition based on the total volume of the water body to be treated. In one embodiment, the liquid composition is applied in an amount effective to deliver at least about 0.00001, 0.00004, 0.00005, 0.0001, 0.0002, 0.0003, 0.0004, 0.0005, 0.0008, 0.001, 0.002, 0.003, 0.004, 0.005, 0.01, 0.02, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 6, 8, or 10% v / v of the liquid composition based on the total volume of the water body to be treated. In one embodiment, the liquid composition is applied in an amount effective to deliver less than about 10, 8, 6, 5, 4.5, 4, 3.5, 3, 2.5, 2, 1.5, 1, 0.5, 0.1, 0.05, 0.02, 0.01, 0.005, 0.004, 0.003, 0.002, 0.001, 0.0008, 0.0005, 0.0004, 0.0003, 0.0002, 0.0001, 0.00005, 0.00004 or 0.00001 % v / v of the liquid composition based on the total volume of the water body to be treated. The amount of liquid composition applied may be in a range provided by any two of these upper and / or lower values. In one embodiment, the liquid composition is applied in an amount effective to deliver between about 0.0001% v / v to about 1% v / v of the liquid composition based on the total volume of the water body to be treated, e.g. about 0.0004% w / v.

[0140] The amount of liquid composition applied to a water body can also be expressed in terms of litres per total litre of the water body. In one embodiment, the liquid composition is applied in an amount effective to deliver between about 0.1 to about 250 litres of liquid composition per 250,000 litres of water body to be treated. In one embodiment, the liquid composition is applied in an amount effective to deliver at least about 0.025, 0.1, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.25, 2, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 25, 50, 125, 250, 1250, 2500, 3750, 5000, 6250, 7500, 8750, 10000, 11250, 12500, 15000, 20000, or 25000 litres of liquid composition per 250,000 litres of water body to be treated. In one embodiment, the liquid composition is applied in an amount effective to deliver less than about 25000, 20000, 15000, 12500, 11250, 10000, 8750, 7500, 6250, 5000, 3750, 2500, 1250, 250, 125, 50, 25, 12.5, 10, 7.5, 5, 2.5, 2, 1.25, 1, 0.75, 0.5, 0.25, 0.125, 0.1 or 0.025 litres of liquid composition per 250,000 litres of water body to be treated. The amount of liquid composition applied may be in a range provided by any two of these upper and / or lower values, for example the liquid composition is applied in an amount effective to deliver between about 0.1 to about 10 litres of liquidcomposition per 250,000 litres of water body to be treated, e.g. about 1 litre of liquid composition per 250,000 litres of water body to be treated.

[0141] Typically, a higher concentration of liquid composition is required for water bodies where the water is moving resulting in less pooling (e.g. rivers), compared to water bodies which are static (e.g. dams / water tanks).

[0142] In one embodiment, the liquid composition is reapplied to the water body, for example to the water body affected or likely to be affected by cyanobacteria. In one embodiment, the liquid composition is reapplied to the water body within 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 or 14 days after the first application. In one embodiment, the liquid composition is reapplied to the water body within 7 to 14 days after the first application. In one embodiment, the liquid composition is reapplied to the water body after 7 days after the first application. During this 7 day period, it has been found that the various biomolecules present in the liquid composition or resulting infusion have increased in concentration which may lead to improved treatment performance.

[0143] Any suitable method to apply the liquid composition to the water body can be used. In one embodiment, the liquid composition is spot (i.e. batch) applied on the water body.

[0144] It will be appreciated that any one or more of the embodiments and examples described herein for the worm castings, sugar source, optional one or more agriculturally acceptable additives / excipients (including the suspending agent and biochar) in relation to the liquid composition can equally apply to the methods and uses for treating a water body described herein.Kits

[0145] The liquid composition may be provided as part of a kit. In one aspect or embodiment, there is provided a kit comprising a) the liquid composition; and b) an applicator.

[0146] The kit may further comprise instructions for use.

[0147] The composition may be provided as part of a kit.

[0148] The present disclosure can also be described by reference to one or more of the following example embodiments. It will be appreciated that the specific embodiments presented below are not intended to be limiting to the scope. It will be appreciated that persons skilled in the art may incorporate one or more of the elements, features or embodiments in the listing below (indeed, any such aspect or embodiment described herein) into combinations not specifically set forth herein. All such embodiments are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure.1. A liquid composition, comprisinga) worm castings;b) a sugar source; andc) an aqueous liquid carrier.2. The liquid composition of example embodiment 1, comprising an aqueous infusion of:a) worm castings;b) a sugar source; andc) an aqueous liquid carrier.3. The liquid composition of example embodiment 1 or example embodiment 2, wherein the concentration of worm castings in the liquid composition or aqueous infusion (in g / L) is between about 1 to about 100, between about 1 to about 50, between about 1 to about 20, or between about 1 to about 10.4. The liquid composition of any one of example embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the concentration of sugar source in the liquid composition or aqueous infusion (in g / L) is between about 1 to about 50, between about 1 to about 20, or between about 1 to about 5.5. The liquid composition of any one of example embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the worm castings are milled, preferably having a particles size (in mm) of between about 0.01 to about 10.6. The liquid composition of any one of example embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the weight ratio % of worm castings to sugar source in the liquid composition or aqueous infusion is between about 1: 10 to about 10:1, preferably between about 1: 1 to about 10: 1, e.g. about 3:1.7. The liquid composition of any one of example embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the sugar source comprises a fermentable sugar.8. The liquid composition of any one of example embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the sugar source comprises one or more fermentable sugars selected from the group consisting of glucose, fructose or sucrose, or a combination thereof.9. The liquid composition of example embodiment 7 or example embodiment 8, wherein the sugar source comprises less than about 50% w / w fermentable sugar based on the total weight of the sugar source, e.g. between about 5% w / w to about 50% w / w fermentable sugar based on the total weight of the sugar source.10. The liquid composition of any one of example embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the sugar source is an agricultural crop waste.11. The liquid composition of any one of example embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the sugar source comprises the hulls and / or shells of one or more of almonds, macadamias walnuts, pistachios, pecans or peanuts.12. The liquid composition of any one of example embodiments 1 to 11, wherein the sugar source is milled, preferably having particle size (in μm) of between about 0.01 to about 1000.13. The liquid composition of any one of example embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the aqueous liquid carrier is water.14. The liquid composition of example embodiment 13, wherein the water is nonchlorinated water.15. The liquid composition of any one of example embodiments 1 to 14, wherein the liquid composition further comprises a suspending agent.16. The liquid composition of example embodiment 15, wherein the concentration of suspending agent in the liquid composition (in g / L) is between about 0.01 to about 1, or between about 0.1 to about 0.5.17. The liquid composition of example embodiment 15 or example embodiment 16, wherein the suspending agent comprises calcium carbonate (CaCO3).18. The liquid composition of example embodiment 17, wherein the suspending agent is shellfish shells, preferably ground oyster shells.19. The liquid composition of any one of example embodiments 15 to 18, wherein the suspending agent has a particle size (in μm) of between about 0.1 to about 1000.20. The liquid composition of any one of example embodiments 1 to 19, wherein the liquid composition further comprises biochar.21. The liquid composition of example embodiment 20, wherein the concentration of biochar in the liquid composition (in g / L) is between about 0.01 to about 1, or between about 0.1 to about 0.5.22. The liquid composition of any one of example embodiments 1 to 21, wherein the liquid composition has a pH of between about 6 to about 8.23. A process for preparing a liquid composition of any one of example embodiments 1 to 22, comprising suspending worm castings and a sugar source in an aqueous liquid carrier under conditions effective to form the liquid composition.24. The process of example embodiment 23, wherein the worm castings and sugar source are mixed together prior to suspending in the aqueous liquid carrier.25. The process of example embodiment 23 or example embodiment 24, wherein the worm castings and sugar source are suspended in the aqueous liquid carrier for a period of time (in hours) of between about 6 to about 240, or between about 12 to about 144, or between about 24 to about 120.26. The process of any one of example embodiments 23 to 25, wherein the worm castings and sugar source are suspended in the aqueous liquid carrier at a temperature (in °C) of between about 5 to about 45, e.g. ambient temperature.27. The process of any one of example embodiments 23 to 26, wherein the suspension comprising the worm castings and sugar source is filtered.28. The process of example embodiment 27, wherein the worm castings and sugar source is suspended within a porous enclosure in the aqueous liquid carrier, the porous enclosure configured to permit flow of the aqueous liquid carrier therethrough to contact the worm castings and sugar source whilst retaining any insoluble worm castings and / or sugar source within the enclosure.29. The process of any one of example embodiments 23 to 28, wherein a suspending agent and / or biochar is added to the suspension comprising the worm castings and sugar source, or is added to the aqueous infusion.30. A method of treating a water body, the method comprising applying an effective amount of the liquid composition of any one of example embodiments 1 to 22 to the water body.31. Use of the liquid composition of any one of example embodiments 1 to 22 for treating a water body.32. The method or use of example embodiment 30 or example embodiment 31, for controlling cyanobacteria in a water body comprising applying an effective amount of the liquid composition to a water body affected or likely to be affected by the cyanobacteria.33. The method or use of any one of example embodiments 30 to 32, wherein the liquid composition is applied in an amount effective to deliver between about 0.5% w / v to about 5% w / v of the liquid composition based on the total volume of the water body.34. The method or use of any one of example embodiments 30 to 33, wherein the liquid composition is applied in an amount effective to deliver between about 0.1 to about 100 litre of liquid composition per 100 kilolitres of water body.35. The method or use of any one of example embodiments 30 to 34, wherein the liquid composition is reapplied to the water body within 7 to 14 days after the first application.36. The method or use of any one of example embodiments 30 to 35, wherein the liquid composition is spot (i.e. batch) applied on the water body.37. A kit comprising a) the liquid composition of any one of example embodiments 1 to 22; and b) an applicator.38. A particulate comprising worm castings and a sugar source.

[0149] The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2023900313 filed on 9 February 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.EXAMPLES

[0150] In order that the disclosure may be more clearly understood, particular embodiments of the invention and described in further detail below by reference to the following non-limiting experimental materials, methodologies and examples.Materials and methods

[0151] Worm castings were obtained from Eisenia fetida (i.e. red wiggler worms) via conventional vermiculture techniques.Example 1A: Preparing the liquid composition

[0152] The quantities of materials used to make 1000 L of a liquid composition of the present disclosure are shown below:Material Quantity (kg) Concentration (g / L) Worm castings 7.5 7.5Hammer-milled almond hulls / shells 2.5 2.5Non-chlorinated water 1000 (litre) - Biochar 0.25 0.25Ground oyster shells 0.25 0.25

[0153] An exemplary method for preparation of the liquid composition was performed as follows:1) Worm castings were combined with the hammer-milled almond hulls / shells, and the resultant material placed in a fine mesh bag.2) A 1000 L drum was charged with the non-chlorinated water and the bag containing the worm castings and almond hulls / shells was suspended in the water.3) If required, the biochar and oyster powder is then added to the water before allowing the worm castings and almond hulls / shell to steep for 3 to 4 days in the water, oyster shells and biochar under ambient conditions.4) After the designated steeping period, the mesh bag containing the worm castings and almond husks was removed from the drum and the resulting aqueous infusion from the drum was decanted into separate tanks.5) Any suspended solids remaining in the decanted aqueous infusion were allowed to settle for a further 1 day, after which the top of the aqueous infusion was decanted to remove the solids and bottled.Example IB: Preparing a diluted liquid composition

[0154] The quantities of materials used to make 10,000 L of a diluted liquid composition of the present disclosure are shown below:Material Quantity (kg) Concentration (g / L) Worm castings 7.5 0.75Hammer-milled almond hulls / shells 2.5 0.25Non-chlorinated water 1000 + 9000 (litre) - Biochar 0.25 0.025Ground oyster shells 0.25 0.025

[0155] An exemplary method for preparation of the diluted liquid composition was performed as follows:1) Worm castings were combined with the hammer-milled almond hulls / shells, and the resultant material placed in a fine mesh bag.2) A 1000 L drum was charged with the non-chlorinated water and the bag containing the worm castings and almond hulls / shells was suspended in the water to steep for 7 days.3) The resulting infusion is then decanted into a separate second drum which contains oyster powder and biochar. This ensures good mixing and suspension of the oyster shells and biochar within the infusion.4) The infusion containing suspended oyster powder and biochar is then diluted with 9000 litres of non-chlorinated water to a concentration of 10% v / v (based on the total volume of liquid in the second drum).5) The diluted infusion containing suspended biochar and oyster shells is then left to brew for 7 days. After the designated brewing period, the resulting diluted aqueous infusion from the drum was decanted into separate tanks.6) Any suspended solids remaining in the decanted aqueous infusion were allowed to settle for a further 1 day, after which the top of the aqueous infusion was decanted to remove the solids and bottled, liquid composition may be provided as part of a kit.Example 2: Waste water treatment trial

[0156] A small scale laboratory trial was performed to determine the effective dose (% w / v) of the liquid composition for reducing algae count in mixed culture using a wastewater model.Experimental design

[0157] Water samples were collected from an active pond located at a wastewater treatment facility. The collected wastewater was used as an inoculum to grow cyanobacteria (i.e. algae) in a controlled laboratory environment. Samples of the collected water were dosed with the liquid composition to concentration ranging from0.05% to 5% w / v before monitoring for a period of three weeks to determine effectiveness of the liquid compositions ability to reduce algal biomass and species diversity.Results

[0158] The lowest concentration of liquid composition found to be capable of reducing algal biomass and species diversity in this study could be as low as 0.1% v / v based on the total volume of the sample. Algae cell growth was inhibited for >7 days.Example 3: Field trial

[0159] A larger scale field trial of the product was performed in 1000 L industrial bulk containers (IBCs) containing wastewater having significant bloom levels.Experimental design

[0160] 1000 L IBCs were filled with water from an active stage 3 wastewater pond, and nutrients (e.g. phosphorous and nitrogen sources) were added to encourage significant algal bloom. The liquid composition was added to these containers at a level of 0.5% or 2% w / v, and the tanks monitored for a period of 5 weeks.Results

[0161] A summary of the measured properties for the dosed water and the control are provided in Table 1 below:Table 1. Cyanobacteria and pH levels of the treated and control water samplesPeriod Microcystis aeruginosa Total toxic cyanophy tes pH Control Treatment Control Treatment Control Treatment Week 1 34500 ND 35200 1600 8.55 6.55 Week 2 3430 ND 3430 ND 10.3 6.7 Week 3 882 ND 882 ND 10.04 6.88 Week 4 8200 ND 8200 ND 9.93 6.2 Week 5 3410 75 3410 75 9.8 6.5

[0162] At the tested dosage, the liquid composition was effective in significantly reducing the levels of both Microcystis aeruginosa and total toxic cyanobacteria present in the waste water within 1 week of application and for the full 5 week treatment period, and in some cases resulted in non-detectable levels (ND) of cyanobacteria following treatment. Additionally, the pH of the water sample dosed with the liquid composition also decreased from an alkaline pH in the range of 8.55 to 10.04, to a near neutral / weakly acidic pH in the range of 6.2 to 6.7.Example 4: Rainwater tank trial

[0163] The liquid composition was applied to a rainwater tank containing water contaminated with high levels of toxic algal bloom. The liquid composition was successful in eliminating the algal biomass present in the water, based on a visual inspection (see Figure 1).

[0164] It is believed that the biomolecules present in the liquid composition / infusion have multiple modes of action to treat and lower cell counts for cyanobacteria. For example, the resulting liquid composition or infusion typically includes biomolecules, such as carboxylic acids, fatty acids, enzymes, and surfactants, that can act to aggregate cells, damage cell membranes through encystment and cause cell sinking thereby reducing sunlight exposure. Additionally, the liquid composition or infusion can also aid in the population growth of diatoms which consume nitrogen and / or phosphorous,effectively “starving” the cyanobacteria from its energy source,, thus eliminating toxic algae in waters as evident by the experimental trials and visual assessment of the treated water.Example 5: Physicochemical characterisation

[0165] The liquid composition was prepared according to Example IB, except that rainwater was used as the non-chlorinated water source. The rainwater (control) and liquid composition was analysed for various parameters, including total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), total alkalinity (TA), total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN), NOx, total organic carbon (TOC), heavy metals, cations, anions, and silica.Methodology

[0166] TDS in mg / L: APHA standard method 2540 was used to determine the TDS and TSS (in mg / L). A well-mixed sample is filtered through a standard glass fiber filter, and the filtrate is evaporated to dryness in a weighed dish and dried to constant weight at 180 °C. The increase in dish weight represents the total dissolved solids.

[0167] TSS in mg / L: APHA standard 2540 was used to find this parameter. A well-mixed, measured volume of a water sample is filtered through a pre-weighed glass fiber filter. The filter is heated to constant mass at 104 ± 1 °C and then weighed. The mass increase divided by filtered water volume equals the TSS in mg / L.

[0168] TA in mg / L of CaCCh: APHA standard 2320 was used to find this parameter. Total alkalinity is measured by measuring the amount of acid (e.g., sulfuric acid) needed to bring the sample to a pH of 4.2. At this pH, all the alkaline compounds in the sample are "used up." The result is reported as milligrams per litre of calcium carbonate (mg / L CaCCh).

[0169] TP in mg / L of P and N: These parameters were analysed by EAL's In-house method (W4).

[0170] NOx in mg / L of N: APHA standard method 4500 NO3- was used to find this parameter. Nitrate is reduced almost quantitatively to nitrite in the presence of Cd. Thus, The nitrite is determined by diazotising with sulfanilamide and coupling with N-(l-naphthyl)-ethylenediamine dihydrochloride to form a highly coloured azo dye that is measured colorimetrically.

[0171] TOC in mg / L: APHA standard method 5310 B was used to determine this parameter. The sample is homogenised and diluted as necessary. A micro portion is injected into a heated reaction chamber with an oxidative catalyst such as cobalt oxide, platinum group metals, or barium chromate. The water is vaporised, and the organic and inorganic carbon are oxidised to CO2and H2O. The CO2is transported in the carrier-gas stream and measured using a nondispersive infrared gas analyser or titrated colorimetrically.

[0172] Heavy metals in mg / L: The heavy metals mentioned in the table, such as silver, aluminium, arsenic, cadmium, copper, chromium, iron, manganese, nickel, lead, selenium, zinc, mercury are measured using the APHA standard method 3125 method by ICP-MS. Total metals - samples digested with nitric acid; Total available (acid soluble / extractable) metals - samples acidified with nitric acid to pH <2; Dissolved metals - samples filtered through 0.45pm cellulose acetate and then acidified with nitric acid before analysis.

[0173] Cations in mg / L: The cations listed are measured by the same APHA standard method 3125 by ICP-MS.

[0174] Silica in mg / L: It was measured by the APHA standard method 3120 by ICP-OES.Results

[0175] A summary of the physicochemical properties of the liquid composition is provided below in Table 2:Table 2: Physicochemical properties of liquid compositionBackground Liquid composition Parameters (Rainwater) (undiluted) *pH 7.53±0.05 7.55±0.05 *EC (mS / cm) 0.8±0.01 13.39±0.05 Total Dissolved Solids (mg / L) 148.0 1816.5±61.52 Total Suspended Solids (mg / L) <1 1273.5±19.09 Total Alkalinity (mg / L CaCO3equivalent) 41.00 980±5.66 Total Phosphorus (mg / L P) <0.01 17.92±0.06 Phosphate (mg / L P) <0.005 7.45±0.13 Total Nitrogen (mg / L N) 0.13 44.75±3.52 NOx (mg / L N) 0.03 0.10±0.03 Nitrate (mg / L N) 0.03 <0.05 Nitrite (mg / L N) <0.005 0.10±0.03 Ammonia (mg / L N) 0.03 2.05±0.01 Total Organic Carbon (mg / L) 2.94 237.5±0.71 Silver (mg / L) <0.001 <0.001 Aluminium (mg / L) 0.75 23.97±1.80 Arsenic (mg / L) <0.001 0.02±0.002 Cadmium (mg / L) <0.001 <0.001 Chromium (mg / L) 0.00 0.03±0.001 Copper (mg / L) 0.10 0.15±0.01 Iron (mg / L) 0.12 20.81±0.96 Manganese (mg / L) 0.00 2.55±0.07 Nickel (mg / L) 0.01 0.04±0.0001Background Liquid composition Parameters (Rainwater) (undiluted) Lead (mg / L) 0.006 0.04±0.0001 Selenium (mg / L) <0.002 <0.002 Zinc (mg / L) 1.70 0.61±0.005 Mercury (mg / L) <0.0005 ND Lithium (mg / L) <0.001 0.02±0.0005 Beryllium (mg / L) <0.001 ND Boron (mg / L) 0.03 0.753±0.03 Vanadium (mg / L) <0.001 0.06±0.005 Cobalt (mg / L) <0.001 0.01±0.0002 Strontium (mg / L) 0.08 1.22±0.004 Molybdenum (mg / L) <0.001 <0.001 Antimony (mg / L) <0.001 <0.001 Barium (mg / L) 0.01 0.36±0.001 Thallium (mg / L) <0.001 <0.001 Bismuth (mg / L) <0.001 <0.001 Thorium (mg / L) <0.001 0.02±0.0001 Uranium (mg / L) <0.001 <0.001 Calcium (mg / L) 16.47 <0.001 Magnesium (mg / L) 4.93 41.54±0.02 Potassium (mg / L) 5.57 566.17±2.14 Sodium (mg / L) 19.04 25.65±0.19 Sulfur (mg / L) 7.36 27.26±14.8 Phosphorus (mg / L) 0.47 17.43±0.62 Bromide (mg / L) <0.1 <0.1 Silica (mg / L) - Total recoverable 14.06 53.39±1.75 Silica (mg / L) - NaOH extract 15.45 60.51±6.34*measured in EPIC Laboratory; “±” represent standard deviation; Values in the Waterzyme column represent the mean of two replications; mg / L = milligrams per litre. mS / cm = milliSiemens per centimeter

[0176] The concentrations of the analytes in Table 1 were compared with the Recommended Maximum Impurity Concentrations (RMIC) presented in Table 8.4 of Australian Drinking Water Guideline 6 (Version 3.8 Update September 2022), as shown in Table 3 below:Table 3: Comparison of RMIC of liquid composition with RMIC Table 8.4 of ADWGIMPURITY£© 8 8£ u8 ££NHMRCHealth- Based 0.003 0.01 0.001 0.02GuidelineValue (mg / L) BiarumLiquid<0.001 0.02 0.36 0.15 ND ND 0.04 ND 0.04 <0.002 c p 0.001 0.03 <0.001omposition*d Ci gamum"the values represent RMIC of 100% Waterzyme strength.h Ciromum oLACopperod Ci byane00ld Fiuored Lea o§l Sieenum°l Siver ■

[0177] In many cases, the liquid composition may be applied to a water body at low concentrations, in some cases as low as 0.0004% v / v (i.e. 1 litre of liquid composition applied to 250,000 litres of water body). At such low concentrations, the salts and heavy metals will further dilute, rendering the liquid composition safe for environmental applications. Even if the liquid composition were added to a water body at higher concentrations (or even without any dilution), the analysis shows that many of the components of the liquid composition are similar to or even lower than tolerable levels for drinking water, highlighting the liquid compositions excellent safety profile for use in treating water bodies, such as for controlling cyanobacteria.Example 6: Liquid composition treats cyanobacterial blooms whilst promoting growth of beneficial non-toxic microbes

[0178] A tertiary wastewater treatment plant was selected to evaluate the efficacy of the liquid composition in treating cyanobacterial blooms (i.e. microcystis blooms). The following methodology was followed:• The liquid composition was prepared according to Example IB.• A tertiary wastewater pond of 30 megaliters in capacity was identified, 9 days of travel time, constant inflow and outflow.• Dose of liquid composition was 1 liter per 250,000 liters of contaminated water, with dosing adjusted to account for constant outflow.• Around 150 liters of liquid composition was applied at the front end, in line with the water-flow.• Regular sampling and analysis.

[0179] Figure 2 highlights the efficacy of the liquid composition on the total number of cyanophyta (i.e. cyanobacteria) and microcystis (i.e. toxic cyanophytes) present in the tertiary wastewater. Initial testing at t-1 days determined a total cyanophyta at143,000 cells / ml, dominated by microcystis at 138,000 cells / ml. The liquid composition was applied on day t=0 and monitoring results on day t+5 showed the total cyanophyta and microcystis dropped to 20,800 cells / ml and 18,400 cells / ml, respectively. Results on day t+14 showed the microcystis dropped to 5,070 cells / ml. Results on day t+19 showed the microcystis dropped further to 4,950 cells / ml. The overall removal rate for total cyanophyta and microcystis was 95% and 96% respectively.

[0180] In addition, it was identified that the total level of bacillariophytes (i.e. diatoms) increased as the trial progressed. Results on day t+19 showed an increase in the total bacillariophytes to 2,300 cells / ml compared to 1,650 cells / mL on day t+14.

[0181] The liquid composition both killed the toxic bloom by directly attacking the algae cells and also inhibited further blooms by encouraging the growth of beneficial organisms, such as bacillariophytes, which compete for nutrients and / or excrete algicidal compounds. This highlights the liquid compositions ability to selectively target toxic algae species and not substantially affect other beneficial organisms.Example 7: Liquid compositions mode of action on cyanoblooms

[0182] Non-targeted analysis (NT A) was employed to assess the compounds and their groups present in the liquid composition. Non-targeted analysis (NTA) is a powerful technique that relies on high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) and computational tools to detect and identify unknown or suspected chemicals in a sample.

[0183] The liquid composition of Example IB was mixed with rainwater. 300 mL samples were retrieved daily for a period of 7 days which were extracted for metabolites using OASIS HLB 3CC 60 mg (Waters Australia). The non-target analysis was conducted using UHPLC-HRMS (Orbitrap Q-Exactive) operated with a Heated Electrospray Ionization (HESI) source. The analysis was acquired in scanning mode (full scan MS, range: m / z 100-1800, with separate acquisitions for negative and positive ionisation modes. After eliminating the blank background from the raw data, furtherfeature reduction has been made in compound discoverer software. Compound annotation and identification were conducted using the ChemSpider and mzCloud database node to search mass spectral databases for matching compounds within the ±5 ppm mass tolerance range.

[0184] The compounds matching with the databases resulted in >5000 hits. The significant compounds belonged to the class of surfactants, phenols, carboxylic acids, fatty acids, and antibacterial compounds. Proposed mode of actions based on the compounds identified through NTA is presented in Figure 3.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A liquid composition, comprisinga) worm castings;b) a sugar source;c) optionally one or more agriculturally acceptable additives / excipients; and d) an aqueous liquid carrier.

2. The liquid composition of claim 1, comprising an aqueous infusion of:a) worm castings;b) a sugar source;c) optionally one or more agriculturally acceptable additives / excipients; and d) an aqueous liquid carrier.

3. The liquid composition of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the concentration of worm castings in the liquid composition (in g / L) is between about 0.1 to about 100, between about 0.1 to about 50, between about 0.1 to about 20, between about 0.1 to about 10, or between about 0.1 to about 1.

4. The liquid composition of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the concentration of sugar source in the liquid composition (in g / L) is between about 0.1 to about 50, between about 0.1 to about 20, or between about 0.1 to about 5.

5. The liquid composition of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the worm castings are milled, preferably having a particles size (in mm) of between about 0.01 to about 10.

6. The liquid composition of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the weight ratio % of worm castings to sugar source in the liquid composition is between about 1: 10 to about 10:1, preferably between about 1:1 to about 10:1, e.g. about 3:1.

7. The liquid composition of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the sugar source comprises a fermentable sugar.

8. The liquid composition of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the sugar source comprises one or more fermentable sugars selected from the group consisting of glucose, fructose or sucrose, or a combination thereof.

9. The liquid composition of claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the sugar source comprises less than about 50% w / w fermentable sugar based on the total weight of the sugar source, e.g. between about 5% w / w to about 50% w / w fermentable sugar based on the total weight of the sugar source.

10. The liquid composition of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the sugar source is an agricultural crop waste.

11. The liquid composition of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the sugar source comprises the hulls and / or shells of one or more of almonds, macadamias walnuts, pistachios, pecans or peanuts.

12. The liquid composition of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the sugar source is milled, preferably having particle size (in μm) of between about 0.01 to about 1000.

13. The liquid composition of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the aqueous liquid carrier is water.

14. The liquid composition of claim 13, wherein the water is non-chlorinated water.

15. The liquid composition of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the liquid composition further comprises a suspending agent.

16. The liquid composition of claim 15, wherein the concentration of suspending agent in the liquid composition (in g / L) is between about 0.001 to about 1, between about 0.001 to about 0.5, or between about 0.01 to about 0.1.

17. The liquid composition of claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the suspending agent comprises calcium carbonate (CaCO3).

18. The liquid composition of claim 17, wherein the suspending agent is shellfish shells, preferably ground oyster shells.

19. The liquid composition of any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the suspending agent has a particle size (in μm) of between about 0.1 to about 1000.

20. The liquid composition of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the liquid composition further comprises biochar.

21. The liquid composition of claim 20, wherein the concentration of biochar in the liquid composition (in g / L) is between about 0.001 to about 1, between about 0.001 to about 0.5, or between about 0.01 to about 0.1.

22. The liquid composition of any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the liquid composition has a pH of between about 6 to about 8.

23. A process for preparing a liquid composition of any one of claims 1 to 22, comprising suspending worm castings and a sugar source in an aqueous liquid carrier under conditions effective to form the liquid composition.

24. The process of claim 23, wherein the worm castings and sugar source are mixed together prior to suspending in the aqueous liquid carrier.

25. The process of claim 23 or claim 24, wherein the worm castings and sugar source are suspended in the aqueous liquid carrier for a period of time (in hours) of between about 6 to about 366.

26. The process of any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the worm castings and sugar source are suspended in the aqueous liquid carrier at a temperature (in °C) of between about 5 to about 45, e.g. ambient temperature.

27. The process of any one of claims 23 to 26, wherein the suspension comprising the worm castings and sugar source is filtered.

28. The process of claim 27, wherein the worm castings and sugar source is suspended within a porous enclosure in the aqueous liquid carrier, the porous enclosure configured to permit flow of the aqueous liquid carrier therethrough to contact the worm castings and sugar source whilst retaining any insoluble worm castings and / or sugar source within the enclosure.

29. The process of any one of claims 23 to 28, wherein a suspending agent and / or biochar is added to the suspension comprising the worm castings and sugar source, or is added to the aqueous infusion.

30. A method of treating a water body, the method comprising applying an effective amount of the liquid composition of any one of claims 1 to 22 to the water body.

31. Use of the liquid composition of any one of claims 1 to 22 for treating a water body.

32. The method or use of claim 30 or claim 31, for controlling cyanobacteria in a water body comprising applying an effective amount of the liquid composition to a water body affected or likely to be affected by the cyanobacteria.

33. The method or use of any one of claims 30 to 32, wherein the liquid composition is applied in an amount effective to deliver between about 0.0001% v / v to about 1% v / v of the liquid composition based on the total volume of the water body to be treated.

34. The method or use of any one of claims 30 to 33, wherein the liquid composition is applied in an amount effective to deliver between about 0.1 to about 10 litres of liquid composition per 250,000 litres of water body to be treated.

35. The method or use of any one of claims 30 to 34, wherein the liquid composition is reapplied to the water body within 7 to 14 days after the first application.

36. The method or use of any one of claims 30 to 35, wherein the liquid composition is spot (i.e. batch) applied on the water body.

Images