Nutrients in pond and lake water can trigger nuisance algae growth, cause unpleasant odours, reduce water clarity and lead to a buildup of organic sediment (muck). Bioaugmentation is the use of specifically cultured products, containing beneficial bacteria and/or enzymes, to lower these nutrient levels in pond and lake water.
Bioaugmentation can also be valuable in improving the efficiency of industrial and municipal wastewater treatment. The right bioaugmentation product can help with:
- grease reduction in lift stations,
- better foam breakdown,
- improved assimilation of grease byproducts,
- more consistent flocculation,
- lagoon sludge reduction and
- improvements in effluent BOD, TSS, and odour levels
Improving water quality by adding bacteria and enzymes
Bacteria occur naturally everywhere, and they are the base of the food chain. Bacteria convert nutrient material through consumption as they grow and multiply. Then, other aquatic organisms, such as insects, feed on the bacteria which become food for fish, birds and other animals.
Different strains of bacteria can reduce muck, improve water clarity, or reduce the levels of nitrogen and phosphorus that are available for plant and weed growth. Adding additional specially cultured strains of bacteria can greatly improve the water quality of a pond or lake. The bacteria out-compete algae and plants for the available nutrients in the water column while enhancing the natural decomposition process.
Enzymes are organic proteins that act as catalysts in specific chemical reactions. Enzymes enhance chemical reactions without being consumed during the process. Adding the right enzymes can improve the decomposition process and improve the efficiency of the beneficial bacteria in the water.
Which products are right for my situation?
Choosing the right bioaugmentation product is essential to ensuring the effectiveness of the product. We have found that many pond and wastewater management challenges that require bioaugmentation solutions can be solved with a clear understanding of the observed problems, but sometimes water testing can be valuable. When speaking with you, our team will work to understand your situation thoroughly and may suggest water testing if we believe it would be beneficial in your situation.
Algae Control Canada carries a broad range of bioaugmentation products. Contact us today and one of our Water Quality Specialists can help you determine which one is right for your pond, lake or treatment facility.
You can naturally control nuisance algae growth and address these indicators of poor water quality in your pond or lake:
- Recurrent algae blooms in your lake or pond
- Muck build up on your pond bottom
- Poor water clarity
- Foul odours from your pond
- Excessive weed growth
- High TSS in your wastewater effluent
- Excessive Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) in your lagoon
- High ammonia levels
- Foaming and excessive odours in your wastewater treatment
- Lift station grease accumulation in wastewater treatment
- Sludge buildup in your wastewater lagoon
