Pond Algae Removal

UCD Arboretum, Davis, CA, USA

ID: FUP6

Relevant Skills: mechanical design, microcontroller, fluids, boats, environmental

The Arboretum waterway is a warm, nutrient-laden water body with ample solar exposure. The result of these conditions is plant and algae growth on the water surface. While these conditions are natural responses to the environmental system within the waterway, they can be found undesirable from an aesthetic standpoint. We have plans in place to alter the waterway system, by introducing water flow through the creation of a gradient (using weirs) which will create positive surface flow and re-circulation. This project is several years away from full completion and we would like to have a system in place to deal with removal of undesirable surface water algae and aquatic plants in the interim. Such a system should be portable, avoid wildlife impacts, and have a plan in place to deal with disposal of surface materials (such as use by the biodigester, if possible). Commercial products are available, but they tend to be expensive, slow, or require constant attention and disposal of materials in small quantity batches. This would not be cost effective for us. Alternatively, design of equipment that modifies water surface movement to prevent formation of such surface plants in the first place, could be considered.