Managed Aquatic Plant Systems - Floating Wetlands - Riverside Duck Pond Project

Listed below are several photographs of a pond where the existence of Nutrients In-Nutrients Out is of balance.  Due to the large waterfowl population and the local resident's feeding the ducks, the waterbody  constantly accumulates nutrients.  However the water body possesses no capability or mechanism for removing those nutrients.  Algae blooms are perennial and the water quality poor.  Floating Wetlands are in the process of being added to the pond to provide the Nutrient Out Component.  We will be posting data and photographs of the results.

TMDL Credits, TMDL Reductions are possible with Floating Wetlands - Managed Aquatic Plant Systems - Florida and the Eastern US

The pickerel weed, canna and bullrush are  growing well - filling out the 2" thick polypropylene platform, and providing a two-tiered platform for removing Nitrogen and Phosphorous.  Firstly, the dense root system allows for microbe activity and digestion to occur just below the surface.  Secondly,  the plants ingest Nitrogen and Phosphorous as part of their required nutrients, sequestering both in the biomass.

These floating platforms of wetland plants function on a Nutrient In - Nutrient Out basis as described below - perfect for a TMDL nutrient removal program.

Nutrients In - Nutrients Out! Simple way to keep water clean with Floating Wetlands

When nutrients and pollutants keep entering a system - if they are not removed - they accumulate.  The typical pond cleaning cycle involves waiting until the pond is full of nutrients and the algae are blooming rampantly.  Copper sulfate is added to kill the algae and the algae die and drop to the bottom of the pond.  Soon however, the dead algae release consumed nutrients back into the water and the cycle begins again.  The missing component to the equation is the NUTRIENTS OUT link.  Floating wetlands can help resolve this issue through a program of managed periodic biomass removal.  Biomass contains sequestered nutrients.  The harvesting or pruning of the aquatic plants on the floating platform permanently removes nutrients from the pond, helping with the nutrient balance in the water.  Harvested biomass can be composted for reuse in landscapes, reducing the need for fertilizers.  Nutrients in and nutrients out.  Call Kevin - 904-294-2656.