duckweed – Aquarius-Systems

Weed Harvester Keeps Prospect Park Waters Clear

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 16:16:22 +0000

Martin Woess and his aquatic weed harvester dubbed the Lake Mess Monster has been busy clearing the waters of Prospect Park. Once a week Woess climbs aboard his weed harvester to collect the scum which consists mostly of duckweed and azolla which would quickly take over the pond if left unchecked. New York City owns two of these specialized boats the other is in service at Central Park’s Harlem Meer.

Greenish growths on lakes, ponds and rivers are common across the U.S., typically blamed on excess nitrogen in runoff water carrying fertilizer from farmland. The problem in Prospect Park and Central Park is different: the artificial lakes and ponds, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, are filled with the same water that New Yorkers drink. The potassium-enriched tap water helps the scum flourish. The mild winter and hot summer have exacerbated the problem this year.

November 2022 Newsletter

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 17:55:18 +0000

The Devil in Devil’s Lake

A Message From Our Leader: Aquatic Vegetation Makes Water Clear

The Devil in Devil’s Lake

Duckweed is More than a Superfood

Fish Found Dead after Chemical Treatment

Wed, 05 Jan 2022 22:15:31 +0000

A heat wave combined with a chemical treatment for weeds proved to be deadly to some fish in Bon Aire Lake, according to the executive director of Merrillville Stormwater Utility.

Matt Lake said about 100 fish died recently in an isolated incident in the 21-acre lake when the heat index rose to 110 degrees the day after the lake was treated for algae, duckweed and other noxious weeds.

“Some fish suffocated. It happens, primarily at the outlets of the lake,” Lake said.