Stormwater runoff might seem like a natural part of the water cycle, but its destructive effect on the health of land and water ecosystems is profound. In fact, stormwater runoff represents the single most important contributor to nonpoint source pollution of our lakes, oceans, rivers, and other water bodies. It’s key to understand what the pollutants in water are to aid in water remediation and water restoration projects.
What are pollutants in water and stormwater?
When rain or melted snow moves over and through the ground, the water absorbs and assimilates any pollutants it comes into contact with, like pesticides, fertilizer, sediment, and oil, and deposits them into a stream, which eventually deposits them into a body of water. This is called nonpoint source pollution because there is not one point or source but several diffuse sources of pollution. This is as opposed to point source pollution in which the source is known, say a pipe, a ditch, or a plant, and can be managed.
This polluted runoff from rainfall ends up in our lakes, ponds, rivers, and oceans, with dire effects on aquatic ecosystems. It leads to:
- Algae Blooms: Nutrient-rich runoff fuels rapid algae growth, causing unsightly blooms that release toxins, deplete oxygen, and disrupt ecosystems.
- Odor and Aesthetic Issues: Decomposing organic matter from polluted runoff can produce foul odors, making water bodies unappealing and unusable.
- Habitat Destruction: Sedimentation and chemical pollutants harm aquatic life, destroying habitats and altering ecosystems.
Perhaps the single most important step to prevent lake and river pollution is to control the amount of pollutants that get washed into the lake by rainfall. Some common strategies for minimizing water pollution from stormwater runoff are:
- Green Infrastructure: Implementing techniques like permeable pavements, green roofs, and rain gardens helps absorb and treat runoff before it reaches water bodies.
- Sediment and Erosion Control: Practices such as silt fences, erosion blankets, and vegetative buffers prevent soil erosion and sedimentation.
- Advanced Technologies: Innovative solutions like nanobubble technology provide efficient, chemical-free water remediation and treatment.
Nanobubble Technology for storm water Remediation
Nanobubble technology is a restorative tool that provides efficient oxygenation and kick-starts natural lake processes to sustainably combat problems like algae build-up, muck, nutrients, and poor water quality.
Nanobubbles increase the dissolved oxygen concentration and oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) of the water which promotes the growth and proliferation of aerobic microbes. This leads to reduced dissolved contaminants and inhibits algae growth.
Introducing high concentrations of nanobubbles into the water increases the oxygen levels in the water, particularly in the deeper sediment layers where oxygen is often limited. This efficient oxygenation of the entire water column and sediment promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria. More beneficial bacteria help convert excess nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus into less harmful forms, which reduces algae proliferation. This also enables natural lake processes like muck digestion that reduce places for lake and river pollution to accumulate.
Successful storm water remediation installations of Moleaer nanobubble systems show how this technology helps mitigate lake and river pollution, support water restoration and improve water quality.
Stormwater retention Basin in California: Water Restoration
A stormwater retention basin for the southern region of a California city has historically been plagued by odor emissions and microbial contamination. During extended dry periods, reports of odors, likely a consequence of hydrogen sulfide production and a by-product of anoxic conditions within the water body, occurred resulting in complaints from the community. During rainfall, high levels of microbial contamination, measured by total coliforms, accumulate in the water body leading to microbial health and safety concerns.
To address both concerns and aid in water restoration, Moleaer installed two 2,200-gallon-per-minute (GPM) trailer-mounted air nanobubble generators on the basin.
To measure the conditions that cause odors, dissolved oxygen and ORP profiles were collected at four sampling locations across the basin over the course of treatment.
The results were excellent. After treatment with Moleaer nanobubbles:
- Reduced coliforms up to 75% in 8 days
- Dissolved oxygen increased from 0.5 mg/L to 4.4 mg/L at the sediment
- H2S odors were eliminated
- Increased sediment ORP -260 to +160mV
Stormwater ponds in south daytona, florida: Water remediation
The city of South Daytona, Florida, manages a series of stormwater retention ponds that ultimately drain into the Halifax River on the east coast of Florida. Like most lakes in this region, they struggled to control excessive algae blooms and to maintain water quality in several of the ponds. To combat these issues, they tried implementing conventional aeration and fountains, though neither helped reduce algae or improve the water quality.
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Clear Waters Lake Management suggested the Kingfisher nanobubble generator from Moleaer. Only three weeks after the Kingfisher installation, the city saw significantly reduced algae and clearer water, enabling water remediation.
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The results were so impressive that the former City Manager and pond-front resident Joe Yarbrough stated, “This product will revolutionize the way the public sector and homeowner’s associations address water quality in stormwater retention ponds. In less than a month of using the Kingfisher nanobubble equipment, the pond was free of algae and the water was crystal clear. I have managed cities for over 45 years and this product is absolutely amazing.”
To read more about the Moleaer trial in South Daytona, Florida, download the case study.
Combat stormwater runoff with nanobubbles for natural water remediation
Stormwater runoff poses a significant threat to the health of our water bodies. While there are several water remediation strategies, nanobubble technology stands out for its ability to oxygenate water, remove pollutants, and control algae growth sustainably and cost-effectively.
Understanding what pollutants are in water and how they can be managed using chemical-free nanobubble technology through water remediation and water restoration, it the first step to improving water quality and combatting lake and river pollution in our waterways.
Are you interested in learning more about how a Moleaer nanobubble system can help with pollution issues in your lake or stormwater basin? Contact us to talk with an expert.
