Main Issues:
- This project aims to identify aquatic ecosystems experiencing water quality degradation and nutrient loading within Renfrew County. This involves a specific focus on the Bonnechere River and Muskrat Lake watersheds.
- Nutrient loading has caused significant problems within Renfrew County, as well as many other aquatic ecosystems across Canada. Specifically, Muskrat Lake has received attention after being labeled one of the most eutrophic lakes in Ontario.
- The eutrophication of Renfrew County’s fresh water systems is occurring as a result of many contributing factors such as atmospheric deposition, surface run off, shoreline development and agricultural and urban influences. Excess nutrients can cause significant problems such as reduced water clarity, loss of deep water oxygen, the introduction of harmful toxins, as well as various taste and odor problems.
- Bishop Water Technologies is in the process of introducing and pilot testing the capabilities of BioCord for the purpose of nutrient reduction and fresh water remediation. Originally developed in Japan over 30 years ago, the technology has been successfully engineered to treat a range of wastewater, lagoon and fresh water systems. Bishop Water has developed the use of BioCord floating treatment Island technology to remove excess nutrients from aquatic systems in a cost efficient and environmentally friendly manner. Based on the premise of nutrient reduction through naturally occurring bacteria (or ‘Biofilm’) aggregation, the system has been found to significantly reduce the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus within eutrophic fresh water systems.
- Nutrient removal technologies, such as the BioCord floating Island technology explored by the Algonquin College Students presents a potential water remediation measure to combat problems of eutrophication occurring within Renfrew County.
Project Overview
The team of students conducted historical review of previous water quality data collected from various government and conservation authorities to identify areas experiencing significant nutrient loading within Renfrew County. This aspect of the project also involved performing water quality sampling at several sites across the Bonnechere River and Muskrat Lake watersheds. In comparison with the analysis of hydrometric station data, the students identified potential areas of concern that may be contributing to Renfrew County’s eutrophication problems.
In addition, the project involved the development of a laboratory experiment in which the nutrient reduction capabilities of BioCord/Biofilm technology was informally explored. Biofilm is the symbiotic collection of bacteria on a substrate surface that assists in the removal of organic nutrients. The experiment the students designed compares and contrasts the capabilities of BioCord/Biofilm and plant phytoremediation within a controlled laboratory environment.
In addition, the project involved the development of a laboratory experiment in which the nutrient reduction capabilities of BioCord/Biofilm technology was informally explored. Biofilm is the symbiotic collection of bacteria on a substrate surface that assists in the removal of organic nutrients. The experiment the students designed compares and contrasts the capabilities of BioCord/Biofilm and plant phytoremediation within a controlled laboratory environment.
Further information on BioCord technology:
http://www.bishopwater.ca/biocord
Understanding Biofilms:
http://bacteriality.com/2008/05/26/biofilm/
http://www.bishopwater.ca/biocord
Understanding Biofilms:
http://bacteriality.com/2008/05/26/biofilm/