By Lauren Garner
Algal blooms are of global interest due to the rise in
nutrient run-off in aquatic environments often leading to the instability of
marine ecosystems. Various geo-engineering methods have been utilized in hopes
of altering the dominance of algae to that of macrophytes in such occurrences. For
instance, the utilization of a flocculation-capping method proved the capability
of eliminating algal biomass, as well as resulting in the degradation of the
algal biomass in its entirety. This unique method results in nutrient release upon
decay, therefore allowing for macrophyte utilization for vegetation
restoration. Modified soils were
utilized for flocculation, allowing for the sedimentation of the algal flocs
upon anaerobic sediment. Additionally, a capping layer settles upon the algal
flocs allowing for nitrogen assimilation from the decayed algal cells resulting
in the reintegration of nitrogen for vegetation. Within the study it was found
that the flocculation-capping groups displayed an acceleration in both photosynthesis
and respiration rates associated with both temperature and the treatments. This
advancement allows for a cost-effective method to restoring aquatic
environments without the use of chemicals and avoidance of secondary pollution.
At a small laboratory scale no trade-offs were acknowledged or found, but the
implementation of this method upon a large-scale in terms of an actual aquatic
environment may result in possible trade-offs.
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| Algal blooms, as indicated on the far left-hand side of the image, occur at the surface of aquatic environments. As displayed throughout the image, the flocculation-capping method is implemented to allow for the removal of algal presence. The result of this method allows for the reintegration of nitrogen into the system and allowing for the restoration of vegetation and water quality. |
Reference
Honggang Z., Yuanyuan S., Tao L., Jun C., and Gang P. 2018. Switching Harmful Algal Blooms to Submerged Macrophytes in Shallow Waters Using Geo-engineering Methods: Evidence for a 15N Tracing Study. J. Environ. Sci. Technol. 52 (20), 11778-11785
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