BIO-DREDGING

Bio-Dredging is the process of digesting organic sediment that fuels nutrient recycling and building up the food web to consume the biomass produced as a result.

Bio-Dredging serves three crucial functions in the remediation of eutrophic water bodies:

1. Suppressing and controlling the rate of nutrient release from sediments.
2. Depleting the sediment nutrient stockpiles that recycle nutrients to sustain and intensify eutrophication.
3. Eliminating the mucky, nutrient-rich rooting beds that promote invasive weed growth, which also leads to nutrient recycling.

The first requirement for successful Bio-Dredging is fully oxygenating the water at the benthic margin, where water and sediment meet.

This facilitates the proliferation of aerobic conditions and ensures that the increased oxygen demand created by organic sediment digestion can be met

Once full oxygenation is achieved, we employ enzymatic digestion to Bio-Dredge away the organic sediment.

We specifically use enzymes instead of microbes because when microbes proliferate, they produce a microbial sludge. While this sludge is desirable in wastewater treatment, it is counter-productive in lakes and reservoirs.

Enzymes, on the other hand, are biological catalysts for specific biochemical reactions. They break down organic matter into smaller, more readily available compounds that can be consumed by the existing microbial community in the lake or reservoir.

This process not only reduces the organic sediment layer but also stimulates the growth of beneficial microorganisms that contribute to the overall health of the aquatic ecosystem.

As the organic sediment is digested, nutrients are released into the water column. To prevent these nutrients from fueling new algal blooms or invasive weed growth, it is essential to have a robust and diverse food web in place.

Zooplankton, aquatic insects, and fish play a crucial role in consuming the biomass produced by the released nutrients, effectively clearing them from the water body.

Bio-Dredging is a gradual process that requires consistent application and monitoring. Regular bathymetric surveys help track the progress of sediment reduction and inform adjustments to the oxygenation system and enzymatic treatment regimen.

The benefits of Bio-Dredging extend beyond the reduction of organic sediment and nutrient recycling. As the sediment layer diminishes, the water body’s depth increases, allowing for better light penetration and improved habitat for aquatic life.

The removal of mucky, nutrient-rich rooting beds also helps control the growth of invasive weeds, which can otherwise dominate the ecosystem and contribute to nutrient recycling.

By combining Bio-Dredging with full oxygenation and a focus on building a robust food web, lake managers can effectively address the root causes of eutrophication and set the stage for long-term water quality improvements.

This holistic approach not only targets the immediate symptoms of eutrophication but also works to restore the natural balance and resilience of the aquatic ecosystem.

We added 2 feet to the depth of the lake in just two years! Click here to learn more

Another way to see the impact of Bio-Dredging is to look at the change in contour lines over the years. As the deeper contour lines get further and further apart, the volume of the waterbody increases.