Aeration as a Lake Managment Tool

Dissolved oxygen is the single most important water quality parameter for lakes. The artificial addition of oxygen (aeration) in some cases is essential to the metabolism of aerobic organisms as well as critical in increasing redox potential and to accelerate decomposition of organics including nutrients and sediments. The intent of this talk is to give the listener a brief overview of commonly used aeration techniques to include pros and cons of each management approach. Specific case studies will be reviewed and include:

•  Emergency aeration to stop a dissolve oxygen crash in the middle of a fish kill.
• Prevention of winterkill review and sizing.
• Controlling of off flavor in fish as well as blue-green algae shift.
• Binding of phosphorous to reduce nutrient availability
• SAE (Standard Aeration Efficiency)
• Thermal and chemical destratification

All lakes should be viewed as individual organisms within themselves so each lake’s response to management will vary. Aeration is not a cure all but instead just one of the tools in the toolbox. Knowing the best tool will result in better fisheries management.