Many freshwater lakes suffer from Harmful Algal Blooms driven largely by nutrient pollution, leading to widespread loss of aquatic life through oxygen deprivation. An associated issue is generation of methane in such lakes, contributing a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. Both of these situations urgently need complete water column aeration as part of prevention and a solution. Barriers to complete aeration include high operational costs, proximity to grid connection and lack of robust research. Additionally, aeration alone is not sufficient to permanently sequester the nutrients causing algal blooms and increased methane emissions. The applicant proposes a collaborative solution that will address the causes of algal blooms and methane emissions from lakes by bringing together best-in-class technologies and resulting synergies: nanobubble aeration, solar power system, and floating wetland technology. The assembled unit will represent an affordable, moveable, scalable product that will advance whole-waterbody aeration of freshwater lakes and ponds and wastewater lagoons without disturbing natural function. The intention of the applicant is to build and test a full-scale configuration consisting of an autonomous solar- powered nanobubbler and floating wetland combination that can be deployed in a wide range of waterbodies. Phase I testing will primarily involve the mechanical and electrical engineering aspects of ensuring the system is functional, reliable, robust and stable, and that it performs as expected in terms of oxygen delivery. Phase II testing will perform a suite of tests designed to demonstrate the commercial value of the technology. Ultimately, this project would demonstrate the feasibility of the BioHaven platform as a large-scale, stable, floating solar platform that can remove harmful contaminants from large bodies of water while reducing operating costs and generating revenue through sale of excess solar power. Phase 1 will deliver an autonomous, floating, solar-powered aeration system that combines nanobubble generation with a floating treatment wetland and offers the following
Benefits: An affordable and highly effective off-grid aeration system that can be used in freshwater lakes lacking grid power. A floating wetland optimized for aerobic biological nutrient removal to prevent harmful algae blooms and associated methane emissions. A flow of injected oxygen to promote fish growth and health. A water resource recovery tool for decreasing sludge in wastewater systems, lowering power and dredging costs. A portable system that can be placed and moved for maximum benefit. The ability to provide and store excess power. A scalable system that could evolve into a floating solar pontoon that delivers power and cleans water at the same time.
