SITE: Lee County Health Park, Ft. Meyers, Florida

OBJECTIVE: Improve water quality of pond by reducing organic nutrient content in water column and bottom sediment layer, thus restoring balance and health to pond’s ecosystem in addition to creating an aesthetically pleasing waterscape.

POND SPECIFICS: Over the years, this 1.5 acre, oval pond with a maximum depth of 6 feet had become increasingly unbalanced. Heavy nutrient loading, low oxygen levels and a lack of beneficial bacteria to break down organics resulted in algal blooms, bottom sludge accumulation, and a lack of water clarity. A plan to return the pond’s ecosystem to a healthy state was developed.

ACTION PLAN: Utilize AquaClean bioaugmentation products; in this case, ACF-32 in conjunction with an AquaMaster surface spray type aerator. The intent of the aerator is to supply dissolved oxygen to the pond to support and stimulate the aerobic digestion process created by the addition of ACF-32 of bacteria strains. The ACF-32 formulation is added to enhance and accelerate the biological performance and sediment reduction.

Initial application of 6 gallons of AquaClean Sludge Away and 20 gallons of ACF-32 (diluted mix) was introduced into pond. For the next 6 weeks, 1 gallon of SA and 20 gallons of ACF-32 (diluted mix) was applied. A monthly maintenance dosage of 10 gallons ACF-32 (diluted mix) will be utilized.

Pond to be monitored on a twice per month basis.

RESULTS AND OBSERVATIONS: After 6 weeks improvement was noticed. Algal blooms were less intense. Water clarity was improved, along with some slight sludge reduction being evident.

After 12 weeks, improvement was significantly advanced. Algal blooms were now only slight and less often. Water clarity was much improved. Sludge reduction was dramatic. Originally measured at 4 inches along the outer shoreline areas, and up to 12 inches in the center; at 12 weeks there was no muck in shallow areas and now only 1 to 2 inches in center. Oxygen levels throughout the entire water column had increased. The pond’s BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) levels had been reduced. This shows that the pond is no longer consuming oxygen faster than it can replenish it. This has created a beneficial environment in which the microbes can thrive and grow.

In summary, the pond’s health and balance have greatly improved and its aesthetic appeal also. The synergistic use of aeration and beneficial bioaugmentation has proved to be a valuable tool in achieving this.