Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID 2013AR342B

Improving Surface Water Quality by Reducing SOD and Nutrients

Institute: Arkansas
Year Established: 2013 Start Date: 2013-03-01 End Date: 2014-02-28
Total Federal Funds: $7,197 Total Non-Federal Funds: $14,416

Principal Investigators: Gregory Osborn

Abstract: This project will test the hypothesis that in place oxygenation of sediments in lakes and ponds will cause aerobic digestion of organic matter causing a reduction in the organic content of sediments upon resettling. A reduction in organic matter in sediments may cause a subsequent reduction in sediment oxygen demand thereby reducing the likelihood of the occurrence of anoxic hypolimnion in lakes leading to a decrease in bioavailable phosphorus. This study will also examine the use of a new technology for causing the flotation of algae in the water column of lakes and ponds for subsequent removal. The new technology may allow large scale, in place treatment of ponds or sections of lakes to economically remove algae and therefore capture and remove nuisance nutrients from these water bodies. The study will develop early data to determine the feasibility of these two approaches for improving water quality in lakes and reservoirs that serve as public drinking water supplies.