An Investigation Into the Application of Floating Reed Bed and Barley Straw Techniques for the Remediation of Eutrophic Waters

A floating reed bed was Installed on a lowland eutrophic reservoir, replacing ferrous chloride dosing as a method of phosphate reduction. Since the study was undertaken on an active water supply reservoir, this technique was further supported by the use of submerged barley straw applications on the downstream reservoir to limit algal growth. The study examined algal, chlorophyll a, phosphate and nitrate levels in both the source water and the treated through-How to measure the effectiveness of phosphate reduction and algal control during the maturation phase of the bed. The results show that although not as effective as chemical dosing, total phosphate levels were reduced across the reservoir body and algal numbers were typically restricted to levels suitable for treatment at the receiving water treatment works. It Is concluded that although the study did not coincide with Ideal climatic conditions for prolific algal growth, the adopted techniques demonstrated significant potential as components of a holistic management approach for eutrophic waters.