Mackworth-Enviro personnel presented a poster at the 2020 North American Lake Management Society Annual conference. The poster focused on several case studies of bottom sealing filter barriers to reduce nutrient inflow into lakes and Ponds. Please check out the poster below and feel free to contact us with any questions.
Case Studies of Bottom-Sealed Filter Barriers to Reduce Nutrient Inflow Into Lakes and Ponds Poster Abstract:
Lake preservation, restoration, and proper nutrient management are becoming an increasing concern as the prevalence of nuisance and harmful algal blooms (HABs) continues to rise across the world. While restoration and maintenance are important, the process often requires overlapping approaches: some long-term, others tedious, repeated annually, or expensive. Further, restoration efforts are sensitive and frequently overwhelmed by a nutrient influx during significant wet weather events or abnormally wet seasons. Prevention is a key aspect of lake management that is often overlooked and poorly understood. Nonpoint source pollution accounts for a significant portion of nutrient input into surface waters, and inlet streams can be a big culprit. Nutrient removal filter barriers (NRBs) are floating, anchored filter barrier curtains that have been deployed in recent years and been shown to reduce the input of nutrients through filtration and allowing flow to pass through the full curtain area. NRBs work in the preventative phase by reducing the input of nutrients and helping mitigate future problems. They can also be used in tandem with restoration efforts to allow a buffer during wet weather events. In this presentation we provide several case studies in the northeast region that showcase how NRBs can be effective at reducing nutrient inputs. In particular, we highlight an experimental three-barrier system study in Maine. Results of this study have indicated a reduction of total phosphorus averaging 55% per season. Our hope is to implement further understanding and continue to improve NRBs to highlight practical solutions to prevent nutrient inflow.