17 Jul Ponds, Lakes & Lagoons

From this month’s social media themes, to the stirring speech by David Attenborough at Glastonbury – an environmental movement is emerging. The planet’s population are acknowledging the true impact of water pollution on life as we know it.

We’re not lichen it!

The ocean isn’t the only ecosystem under threat from human interference. Nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus are common fertilising chemicals; these plant-nutrients become entwined with rain during surface runoff – subsequently residing in the water system; such as ponds, lakes and lagoons. The over-abundance of plant food, displaced from our gardens – causes algae to thrive; forming objectionable slime, odours and an interference with proper filtration.

While small amounts of algae are intrinsic to the food chain; they are the main food source of zooplankton – microscopic animals that are eaten by many species of fish. As a by-product of photosynthesis, algae also releases oxygen – however, if the plant’s population expands exponentially; its eventual decomposition process actually absorbs oxygen; thus depleting the supply for aquatic life.  

Other human activities; including waste treatment systems, agriculture, forestry, as well as land development, also serve as pollutant sources. These contribute to the build-up of sludge that consumes the ecosystem; reducing oxygen, thus killing the wildlife.

What NOT to do!

With the aim to reinvigorate a pond or lake – dredging is practised, chemicals/enzymes are often employed and, in some cases; they have to be concrete-lined. These methods prove very expensive and often ineffective, due to the anaerobic nature of the water environment. The utilisation of chemicals can be particularly detrimental; while it may kill the algae – it can leave a damaging fingerprint on the ecosystem, often seeping into the sludge – resulting in the muck having to be disposed of via road transport.

The Natural Choice

eco tabs are the ideal solution – by introducing a slow release bacterial treatment; sludge is digested and the water is oxygenated, using its unique, microdot separation technology. The food source for both algae and weeds are eliminated, as sediment and hydrocarbons are consumed. Being that the by-products of eco tabs non-pathogenic bacteria are 95% water and 5% carbon dioxide; it is 100% safe for all wildlife – making it perfect for rejuvenating an aquatic ecosystem!

For examples of our work with ponds, lakes and lagoons – view our case studies.