What Is Dissolved Oxygen and Why Is it Important for My Waterbody?
Dissolved oxygen (DO) refers to the concentration of oxygen in water. DO is vital for healthy lakes and ponds and key to the survival of fish, other aquatic life, and beneficial bacteria. DO also helps prevent muck build-up by supporting the decomposition of organic materials like dead plants and animal waste.
Waterbodies with insufficient DO are more likely to experience water quality and nutrient imbalances that may lead to:
- Nuisance weeds
- Algae
- Toxic cyanobacteria (blue-green algae)
- Fish kills
- Foul odors
- Bottom sludge
- Loss of depth and flooding
Fortunately, many solutions are available to correct DO deficiencies, promote healthy water quality, and help prevent future issues.
Floating Pond Fountains
Fountains and surface aerators are some of the most recognizable tools designed to help oxygenate and circulate water. Both types of units improve water quality by creating surface movement and are most effective in waterbodies between 4-8 feet deep.
Fountains use specialized pumps to spray water into the air in decorative patterns. As it falls, it creates turbulence that facilitates the transfer of oxygen into the water column. However, the water quality benefits of fountains are often secondary to the aesthetic benefits.
Pond Surface Aerators
Surface aerators are low-profile units with strong propellers that create a boil-like flow. Though they’re less eye-catching than fountains, these systems can infuse up to 72 pounds of oxygen into the water in 24 hours, making them an excellent choice if water quality improvement is the priority.
Pond Submersed Aerator
For waterbodies greater than 6-8 feet deep, experts may recommend a submersed aerator, which uses an on-shore compressor to pump air through tubing to the bottom of a lake or pond where it is released through diffusers. The fine bubbles that are produced help oxygenate and circulate the water column as they rise. Submersed aerators can be placed directly under or near a fountain or surface aerator for maximum benefits.
Oxygenation Technologies
In addition to fountains and pond aerators, which have been used in the lake management industry for decades, there are also several new premium solutions for improving oxygen levels in waterbodies. Nanobubbles, side stream saturation, and other modern technologies help provide a more direct means of elevating DO.
Nanobubbles are microscopic bubbles that are continuously injected into the water with a compact, on-shore unit. They are negatively charged, allowing them to oxidize and degrade positively charged algal cells, toxins, and excess nutrients when they come in contact. Because they also lack natural buoyancy, they can remain in the water for months.
Side stream saturation offers comparable benefits to traditional aeration without producing bubbles. By injecting oxygen at low pressure through suction and discharge lines into specific water depths, this method achieves five to ten times the oxygenation efficiency. The oxygen-rich water is then infused into bottom sediments, where it remains for extended periods.
Enhance Your Pond with Dissolved Oxygen
DO is crucial for maintaining the health of any waterbody and there are now more oxygenation solutions than ever before. Speak with an expert today to find the right solution for your waterbody.
The Benefits of Oxygen In Your Pond
Contact Us to Oxygenate Your Pond
Call us at 888-480-5253 or complete the form below to connect with an aquatic management expert.
SOLitude Lake Management is a nationwide environmental firm committed to providing sustainable solutions that improve water quality, enhance beauty and preserve natural resources.
SOLitude’s team of aquatic scientists specializes in the development and execution of customized lake, stormwater pond, wetland and fisheries management programs. Services include water quality testing and restoration, algae and aquatic weed control, installation and maintenance of fountains and aeration systems, shoreline erosion control, muck and sediment removal and invasive species management. SOLitude partners with homeowners associations, golf courses, private landowners, businesses and municipalities. SOLitude Lake Management is part of Rentokil, a leading business services company, operating across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.
For more information, visit SOLitude Lake Management at solitudelakemanagement.com, and connect on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
