Comparison of traditional methods of lake reclamation with microbiological methods.

There are several methods of lake reclamation, but they all share the same goal – improving the condition of the aquatic ecosystem. Poor conditions in the water can be caused by an excess of nutrients, toxic substances, as well as by increases in climate change. As a result, eutrophication occurs, which manifests itself in high concentrations of phosphates and nitrates in the water, massive phytoplankton blooms, production of cyanotoxins, high siltation, and the destruction of flora and fauna, etc.

Traditional reclamation methods are based on the inactivation or physical removal of nutrients. However, each method has some drawbacks. When choosing the right method, one must also take into account the limitations resulting from the topography, the nature of the lake, or the budget allocated to improving the water condition.

Traditional rehabilitation methods for ponds and lakes

Selective removal of hypolimnion waters

This consists of draining highly nutrient rich water from the lower layers of the body of water. This activity is only possible in deep flowing lakes, and the effects are only visible after several, or even a dozen, years. This is an uneconomical and inefficient method.

Artificial aeration of lakes

Using aerators on the bottom water layers, or bottom sediments. This method is expensive due to the need to regularly repeat the procedure (failure to aerate results in a fairly quick return to the original state) and large energy expenditure. Also, as in the case of the removal of hypolimnion waters, the positive effects only become visible after many years.

Removal of bottom sediments (dredging)

Dredging is the mechanical removal of the bottom sediments, which are the main storehouse of nutrients. This method is very expensive due to the need to use heavy equipment, store waste material, and haul materials for disposal. It is also dangerous and unpredictable for the aquatic environment. Also, not only nutrients are removed with the sediment, but also useful micro and macro-organisms. The harmful side effects of dredging include: high turbidity of the water and reduction of oxygen levels (causing fish death). After dredging the body of water can take many years for its ecosystem to return to balance, and during that time, the economic and recreational values of the body of water are reduced or completely eliminated.

Phosphorus inactivation

This is carried out with the use of chemical coagulants, which lead to the precipitation of mineral phosphorus from the water and bottom sediments. The use of phosphorus inactivation as an independent method is ineffective and largely depends on the selection of appropriate coagulants. This method also poses some dangers to the biotope

Why should you choose EcoGerm microbial bioremediation?

EcoGerm microbial bioremediation is an example of a biological method that is based on natural processes in the aquatic environment. It consists of applying an ecologically safe mixture, such as EcoGerm Lakes, which contains high concentrations of specially selected strains of bacteria. Bacteria decompose organic pollutants and nutrients in the waters and bottom sediments, gradually leading to a complete restoration of the biological balance in the aquatic ecosystem.

This innovative method (new to the global marketplace) is easy to use and gives long-lasting effects. These non-invasive bacteria strains are completely safe for humans, animals, and the environment. During their use, the body of water can be used for economic, fishing, recreational, and sports purposes. This method is more financially profitable when compared to the reclamation methods described above, which are most often used in European countries. Ecological and effective, with no side effects – biological balance can be restored to a intensely eutrophic lake after just a few months.

EcoGerm Lakes microbiological mixture is currently the best and most efficient agent of this type in the world.

Why choose EcoGerm microbial bioremediation?