Learn from the Lakes
Lake Study
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Laminar Flow Aeration
Laminar flow aeration is a technology that has been around for decades and was initially used in sewage treatment. However, here in Michigan, it is being used to biodegrade excessive mucky sediments and has shown great promise in the reduction of cyanobacteria and also in some excessive growth of nuisance rooted aquatic plants. I have been participating in the research of over 6 lakes that employ this technology and will be submitting papers for peer review. Stay tuned!
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Hello. My name is Lynne Laubach and I live on the north end of Indian Lake(Dowagiac/Eau Claire). We are having a big issue, for the last couple months. Large patches of weeds have been floating around the lake and most of them have ended up on the north end of the lake and we have been removing them. I started a blog of my own(Lynnesindianlakeblog) to let everyone know what we've been dealing with. Something needs to be done! We cannot continue to remove these weeds! Please look at my photos. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteLynne,
ReplyDeleteThe aquatic herbicide treatments that were applied to the north and west ends of the lake this year, left little to be desired and only offered temporary relief. We suspect that this is due to the fact that the majority of the milfoil in Indian Lake has been genetically confirmed to be hybrid milfoil, which is very resistant to aquatic herbicides. Additionally, with the heavy winds we have had on this side of the state, the milfoil has uprooted in many areas and has floated to shore. Our October vegetation survey revealed much more milfoil growth at the north end than at the south end where the laminar flow aeration technology is located. The hope is to introduce a whole-lake aeration system so that all of the lake reacts in the same manner. I am releasing the Indian Lake 2 year study report and results shortly which will indicate all of the benefits received from this technology. I am doubtful that the efforts required to remove onshore weed masses will continue with increased time of use of the laminar flow technology. It is actually a good sign that the milfoil is coming to shore, rather than accumulating more muck on the lake bottom upon decay.
Why is Expertise so Important in Lake Restoration?
ReplyDeleteLakes are incredibly complex and diverse, although some may argue that they pale in comparison to the diversity of oceans, which may be true. However, due to the developmental pressures our lakes face today, which lead to pollution and water quality degradation, a thorough understanding of these drivers cannot be underestimated. For example, a lake is comprised of many layers of different sediments, different layers of water column, and multiple aquatic biota across different taxa groups. Education beyond the MS degree is needed to thoroughly understand all of these components and a doctorate is usually preferred. The reason for this is that experts at the highest level of education are trained to problem-solve lake issues while taking into account all of the aforementioned lake components. This education and problem-solving strategy leads to a sustainable solution that integrates not just technology (a powerful lake restoration tool) but also societal needs that the ecosystem depends upon.
Posted just now by Jennifer Jermalowicz-Jones