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Aeration simply means adding air to water.
Air contains 21% oxygen and therefore the process of aeration also adds oxygen vital to the sustained health of ponds and lakes and for reversing lake degradation.
The Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) of a pond or lake is determined by the number of fish and organisms times the amount of oxygen needed for each individual to survive. Eutrophication (lake deterioration) begins when the BOD of a lake cannot be met. The water becomes stratified and the overload of organic debris and sludge accumulation on the bottom produces poisonous gases. In anaerobic conditions, excess nutrients are released into the water. Fish are restricted to the upper levels where oxygen levels are sufficient. Lake trout and other deep-water fish become vulnerable to disease and die from the lack of oxygen at lower levels.
Aeration reverses eutrophication by adding oxygen to all levels of water, eliminating stratification and it's effects while meeting BOD.
The aeration process works by pumping air down to the lake bottom. As the air bubbles rise, they force water to the surface where it exchanges harmful gases for more oxygen. As much as 25% of oxygen exchange is achieved by the crowning effect on the surface caused by the rising bubbles. With oxygen present at the pond or lake bottom, nutrients are locked up. Organisms prosper and are quickly consumed by aerobic bacteria, restoring a healthy lake environment.
The type of aeration system used depends on the size and depth of the lake or pond requiring treatment.
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