Lake aeration

Pond aeration or lake aeration is the process of increasing the oxygen content of the water. This is often required in ponds that suffer from anoxic conditions, usually caused by adjacent human activities. This can be achieved through the infusion of air into the bottom of the pond or lake or by surface agitation from a fountain or spray-like device to allow for oxygen exchange at the surface and the release of noxious gasses.

Dissolved oxygen is a major contributor to water quality. Not only do fish and other aquatic animals need it, but oxygen breathing aerobic bacteria decompose organic matter. Pond bottoms of organic soils demand larger amounts of oxygen. When oxygen concentrations become low, anoxic conditions may develop which can decrease the pond's ability to support life.

Aeration speeds up this process of oxidizing organic and mineral pollution. In fact, if there is sufficient aeration, the fish will be able to survive, where before they suddenly died. By pumping compressed air out to the bottom of a pond or lake with the use of a diffuser, the rising air bubbles and the friction caused in the water will bring bottom water to the surface where it is exposed to the atmosphere. Large volumes of water thus release noxious gases to the atmosphere, water picks up oxygen while circulating at the surface.Fact|date=April 2008

Natural bacteria are stimulated by aeration and circulation and they will feed on muck, organics and the food that normally feeds algae blooms or aquatic plants growth. Using aeration and bacteria is often a safe and sound form of pollution removal.

Aerator

Different devices used for aeration are called "aerators". Sometimes called as "pond aerator" or "lake aerator". Some methods used are:
* Fountains
* Air compressor
* Windmill aerators [ [http://www.outdoorwatersolutions.com/windmill-pond-aeration.aspx How Windmill Pond Aeration Works] ]

References

* [http://www.thepondreport.com Typical Seasonal Changes in Aquatic Systems]
* [http://www.lake-aeration.com Lake Aeration]
* [http://www.canadianpond.ca/evaerate.html Aeration systems]
* [http://www.LivingWaterAeration.com Living Water Aeration]
* [http://www.malibuwater.com/Aeration.html Malibu Water]