RPI Leads Innovative Research on Aquatic Herbicide Impact

A collaboration involving experts from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), the Lake George Association (LGA), and Paul Smith’s College has resulted in the first long-term study examining the environmental effects of the aquatic herbicide florpyrauxifen-benzyl (commercially known as ProcellaCOR). Led by RPI professor and freshwater ecology expert Kevin Rose, Ph.D., the research aims to assess the herbicide’s impact on New York lakes, focusing on its interaction with native ecosystems.

ProcellaCOR has gained approval from both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) for its efficacy in targeting the invasive species Eurasian watermilfoil. It is currently utilized in over 30 lakes across New York, including notable locations such as Lake George, Minerva Lake, and Brant Lake. Given its widespread application, understanding its long-term effects is critical.

Groundbreaking Research on Herbicide Persistence

The research team initiated their study after ProcellaCOR was introduced to Lake George bays. They collected samples of water, aquatic plants, and sediments from treated areas to monitor the herbicide’s behavior over time. The findings revealed that while ProcellaCOR degraded and disappeared from the water within days, it remained detectable in the lakebed sediments for more than a year. Moreover, the herbicide was found to migrate deeper into the sediments over time, indicating that it interacts with the lakebed environment more significantly than anticipated.

These results underscore a crucial point: the behavior of herbicides in natural settings can differ markedly from laboratory conditions. This highlights the necessity of conducting field-based research to understand fully how such products affect ecosystems.

Commitment to Freshwater Ecosystem Health

RPI’s participation in this study is part of a broader commitment to the conservation and understanding of freshwater ecosystems, exemplified by the efforts of the Darrin Fresh Water Institute (DFWI) and The Jefferson Project. The DFWI serves as a multidisciplinary research center dedicated to freshwater science, while The Jefferson Project is a collaboration among RPI, IBM, and the Lake George Association, focusing on advanced monitoring and modeling to enhance lake health.

In reflecting on the significance of the research, Dr. Rose stated, “New products are occasionally introduced into ecosystems as we work to prevent harm from threats like invasive species. Many of these tools can bring tangible benefits, but it’s essential to understand their long-term impacts and potential unintended consequences.”

Senior Research Specialist Brian Mattes added, “As the first study of its kind, this research offers important insight into how we strengthen our ongoing efforts to maintain lake health. RPI and DFWI’s involvement reflects our collective commitment to better the world using science and creative problem-solving.”

The research team plans to continue monitoring ProcellaCOR’s persistence in Lake George and other Adirondack lakes, ensuring that their findings contribute to sustainable lake management practices. For further details, you can access the scientific report at https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.23.678083v1.