BIOAUGMENTATION
WHAT IS BIOAUGMENTATION?
Bioaugmentation is the process of providing nature-based interventions to rectify and align biological functions to desired outcomes.
The two key aspects to bioaugmentation in water renewal include:
- Enzymatic digestion of sediment nutrient stockpiles for Bio-Dredging.
- Micronutrient supplementation to nourish and boost foundation layer organisms in the food web, as measured in phytoplankton and zooplankton analysis.
WHY DOES BIOAUGMENTATION MATTER?
Eutrophication disrupts the water body’s nutrient cycle, constraining its nutrient clearance ability and promoting nutrient recycling. Reversing eutrophication depends on reversing this disruption to the biological order and restoring nutrient clearance.
Bioaugmentation plays a crucial role in this process by targeting the specific biological functions that eutrophication impairs.
For example, enzymatic digestion of sediment nutrient stockpiles is essential for Bio-Dredging and reducing the internal nutrient loading that perpetuates eutrophication.
By breaking down the organic matter in the sediment, enzymes release nutrients that can be taken up by the food web, preventing their accumulation and recycling.
Micronutrient supplementation, on the other hand, supports the growth and development of foundation layer organisms in the food web, such as phytoplankton and zooplankton.
These organisms form the basis of the aquatic ecosystem’s nutrient clearing capacity, and their health and abundance are critical for maintaining water quality
HOW DOES BIOAUGMENTATION WORK?
Our technology partner, SIS.BIO, has invested years of research, development, and innovation to formulate advanced biological products that they manufacture inhouse.
These products are specifically designed to address the challenges associated with eutrophication and promote the restoration of healthy aquatic ecosystems.
Enzymes are used to actively digest organic sediment and deplete nutrient stockpiles. By breaking down the complex organic compounds in the sediment, enzymes make nutrients more readily available for uptake by the food web, reducing the potential for nutrient recycling.
Micronutrients are used to promote the proliferation and re-establishment of organisms at foundation levels of the food web, thereby restoring nutrient clearing capacity.
These micronutrients provide the essential building blocks for the growth and development of phytoplankton and zooplankton, which in turn support higher trophic levels in the food web.
HOW DO YOU MEASURE BIOAUGMENTATION PROGRESS?
We employ several monitoring and measurement techniques to assess the effectiveness of bioaugmentation:
1. Annual bathymetric scans: These scans provide a detailed analysis of the depth profile of the water body, allowing us to record changes over time.
By comparing the bathymetric data from year to year, we can calculate the increase in water volume, which is directly proportional to the reduction in sediment volume achieved through Bio-Dredging.
Bathymetry Analysis
We measure how much organic sediment that recycles nutrients and drives eutrophication has been bio-dredged away so that it can no longer drive eutrophication.
Phycological Analysis
We monitor what phytoplankton species are present and in what quantities to make sure that we have a healthy balance that sustains the food we and prevents cyanobacteria HABs.
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2. Phycology monitoring: We closely monitor the taxonomic profile and quantity of phytoplankton in the lake.
Our aim is to reduce unwanted types, such as toxic cyanobacteria that cause harmful algal blooms (HABs), in favor of beneficial algae that provide better nutrition for the food web.
Additionally, we strive to reduce overall phytoplankton biomass by restoring the food web’s capacity to consume and clear this biomass from the lake.
3. Zooplankton analysis: Zooplankton are an essential component of the food web, serving as a link between primary producers (phytoplankton) and higher trophic levels (fish). By monitoring zooplankton populations, we can assess the food web’s health and functionality and its ability to clear nutrients from the system.
By combining these measurement techniques, we can track the progress of bioaugmentation efforts and make informed decisions about adjusting the treatment regimen to optimize results. The ultimate goal is to restore the natural balance of the aquatic ecosystem, enhance its resilience, and improve water quality for the long term.
Bioaugmentation, when combined with other remediation strategies such as oxygenation and Bio-Dredging, offers a powerful tool for addressing the root causes of eutrophication and promoting the recovery of impaired water bodies.
By working with nature and leveraging the inherent biological processes that maintain ecosystem health, we can achieve sustainable, long-lasting results and preserve these valuable aquatic resources for generations to come.