Polymer Enhanced Pond & Lake Management Applied Polymer Systems, Inc.

Course Overview Note: Floc Logs and Pond Logs referred to in this course are also known as polymer blocks in the industry. Silt Stop Powder is also know as polyacrylamide powder or emulsion. Common definitions used in the erosion, sediment control, and water clarification industry Quick Review of the Fundamentals of Polymer Enhancement Pond Logs: Facts and Application Rates Metal and Nutrient Removal Sediment and Nutrient Control Mixing Systems Solar Bee (solar powdered) System Passive Systems Shoreline Stabilization Systems Using Floc or Pond Log Links Self Contained Portable Systems Toxicity Testing Sample Analysis Rules for Polymer Use

Definitions  Anionic Polymer: A negatively charged polymer.  Acute Hypoxia: Occurs when cationic polymers attach to the negatively charged gill plates of aquatic organisms causing them to suffocate.  Best Management Practice (BMP): “A measure that is implemented to protect water quality and reduce the potential for pollution associated with storm water runoff.” 1  Cationic Polymer: A positively charged polymer.  LC50: “The toxicant concentration that is lethal to 50 percent of exposed organisms at a specific time of observation.” 2

Definitions  NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Units): “ The standard unit of measurement for turbidity in water analysis.” 3  Turbidity: “ A measure of the amount of material suspended in the water. Increasing the turbidity of the water decreases the amount of light that penetrates the water column. High levels of turbidity are harmful to aquatic life.” 4 NTU measures all particulate, including particles less than 0.45 microns.  Polyacrylamide (PAM): A water soluble polymer used in water clarification and erosion, sediment, and dust control.  Polymer: “A macromolecule formed by the chemical union of five or more identical combining units called monomers.“ 5  TSS (Total Suspended Solids): is a measurement of sediment particles 0.45 microns and larger.

Acronyms Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research Laboratory NWISRL Kimberly, ID United States Department of Agriculture United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service

Quick Review of the Fundamentals of Polymer Enhancement: Why We Need PAM How is Sediment Harmful How Polymer Enhancement Works

Why We Need PAM How is Sediment Harmful?  To get some perspective, drinking water is less than 1 NTU.  Without Federal guidelines, 1,000 NTU water could be discharged into lakes and streams, destroying aquatic ecosystems  At 1,000 NTU, we see reduced growth, reduced feeding rates, delayed hatching rates, and, even, death. Image from City of Calgary Drainage & Dewatering FAQ’sDrainage & Dewatering FAQ’s 0.3 NTU 991 NTU

This study shows why the EPA effluent guidelines and rules and regulations for discharge limits are so important. Even in low turbidity conditions (10 – 100 NTUs), aquatic organisms start to show signs of stress. Image from Lake Superior Duluth Streams.org Water Quality: TSS & Turbidity siteWater Quality: TSS & Turbidity site How is Sediment Harmful?

How Polymer Enhancement Works  This is a schematic depiction of the interactions of anionic PAM with charged soil particles in the presence of calcium. 6  The negatively charged anionic polymer attaches to the negatively charged soil particle by bridging with something having a 2+ charge, such as Calcium, in the soil.

How Polymer Enhancement Works Flocculation occurs when the polymer binds to the suspended soil in the water column, forming larger, heavier particulate that settles out of the water column, leaving the water clarified.

Sample Analysis  A sample analysis needs to be done before any application of polymers in order to determine the best product for that site.  Polymers are site specific and not “one size fits all”. A sample analysis from Applied Polymer Systems

Pond Logs: Facts and Application Rates

Pond Logs: Just the Facts  Pond Logs:  remove sediment and reduce TSS, NTUs, and a high amount of nutrients (about 85%), mainly phosphorous, by binding them together into larger, heavier conglomerates that settle out of the water column. This results in reduced algal growth and turbidity.  do not reduce 100 percent of the phosphorous and nutrients so the system is not sterilized, leaving a food source for plants and aquatic organisms within the water body.  are toxicity tested by a third party EPA certified lab and are shown to be non-toxic to fish or other aquatic organisms.

Pond Logs: Application Rates  One Pond Log will treat between 325,000 and one million gallons.  For best results or for particularly dirty water, use one log per 325,000 gallons.  For maintenance, use one log per one million gallons.

Pond Logs: Application Rates  One ‘acre foot’ is the volume of water that covers one surface acre at one foot deep. So, 1 acre surface area x 1 foot deep = 1 acre foot  Acre foot = 325,000 gallons Example:  Acres x depth = acre foot  3 acres x 3 feet deep = 9 acre feet (2,925,000 gallons)

Metal and Nutrient Removal

Metal & Nutrient Removal with Pond Logs  Like sediment, metals in particlate form can be very light and stay suspended in the water column.  When they become bound through flocculation, they become heavier flocs that can settle out of the water column. This slide shows the reduction of metals from a wash plant up in Canada.

Metal & Nutrient Removal with Pond Logs The Pond Log is a semi-solid block of environmentally safe, non-toxic polymer blends, each type formulated to work with specific water chemistries.

Sediment and Nutrient Control Mixing Systems: Aerators Floating Fountains Waterfalls

Sediment & Nutrient Control Systems Aeration Systems  Bubbles create the mixing required to release the polymers into the water column so the nutrients and suspended solids can be flocculated.  A float marks the location of the system in the pond and ensures that the log(s) will remain in the pathway of the bubbles.  Multiple logs can be added.

Sediment & Nutrient Control Systems Floating Fountain Systems  Both the inflow to the fountain and the turbulence created by the spraying water create the required mixing to release the polymers of the Pond Log into the water column.  Multiple logs can be used.

Sediment & Nutrient Control Systems Floating Fountain Systems  It is important to remember that continual operation of the fountain will shorten the life span of Pond Logs so frequent observation is necessary.

Sediment & Nutrient Control Systems Waterfall Systems Water flows over and around the Pond Logs to facilitate mixing and reaction.

Sediment & Nutrient Control Systems Waterfall Systems Case Study: Koi Pond  This Koi pond became extremely turbid due to runoff from a construction site.  Pond Logs were placed in the flow of the waterfall – not visible in this water.

Sediment & Nutrient Control Systems Waterfall Systems Case Study: Koi Pond  Pond Logs, visible on the second and third steps, remove suspended sediment from the water column.  The Koi fish remained in the pond while it was being treated.

Sediment & Nutrient Control Systems Waterfall Systems Case Study: Koi Pond  Clearly, the Pond Logs are removing sediment and nutrients from the water.  After two days of treatment with the Pond Logs, the water was clean and the fish were happy.

Sediment & Nutrient Control Systems Waterfall Systems Case Study: Lake Shore Park Condominiums  This pond in Michigan is about 1,800 square feet and 2 1/2 feet deep.  As with many small ponds across the country, nutrients like phosphorous began to build up and algae growth increased, with thick mats of it covering the rocks in the pond.

Sediment & Nutrient Control Systems Waterfall Systems Case Study: Lake Shore Park Condominiums This close up shows the dense algal mats covering the rock surfaces within the pond.

Sediment & Nutrient Control Systems Waterfall Systems Case Study: Lake Shore Park Condominiums  The pond water was tested to find the best polymer log for this water chemistry.  The site-specific Pond Logs were placed on the steps of the waterfalls (2 logs per pond) to facilitate mixing and dispersion of the polymer material.

Sediment & Nutrient Control Systems Waterfall Systems Case Study: Lake Shore Park Condominiums  Results were noticeable within the first month.  The rocks are almost clear of algal buildup and the pond water is clear.

Sediment & Nutrient Control Systems Waterfall Systems Case Study: Lake Shore Park Condominiums  This method is very simple, requiring little to no maintenance, with excellent quality water as an outcome.  The Pond Logs are replaced about once a month (except in winter due to freezing of the ponds).

Solar Bee (solar powdered) System

Sediment & Nutrient Control Systems Solar Bee (solar powdered) System Case Study: Hilaman Lake  This project/test was done with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) on Hilaman Lake.  Pond Logs were attached to a Solar Bee (solar powered fountain- circulator) so water could flow over and around them to treat the 10 million gallon lake. SolarBee

Sediment & Nutrient Control Systems Solar Bee (solar powered) System Case Study: Hilaman Lake  Pond Logs are attached to the outside of the SolarBee where water flows over and around them.  Pond Logs work to bind the nutrients and flocculate particulated algae.

Sediment & Nutrient Control Systems Solar Bee (solar powered) System Case Study: Hilaman Lake Before being treated with the Pond Logs, nutrients caused vegetative growth to take over Hilaman Lake. July 2007

Sediment & Nutrient Control Systems Solar Bee (solar powered) System Case Study: Hilaman Lake November 2007  After treating the lake for four months, the nutrient load was reduced and a visible reduction in vegetative growth was observed.  Notice that enough vegetation remains to sustain aquatic life.

 These results from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection show a 76 percent reduction in phosphorous after the logs were placed in the system.  One gram of phosphorous produces 100 grams of algae so by reducing the phosphorous levels, the algae are starved out. Sediment & Nutrient Control Systems Solar Bee (solar powered) System Case Study: Hilaman Lake

What About When There is No Mixing Apparatus? Passive Systems

No Mixing Apparatus Passive Systems In this case, Floc Logs were placed in the ditch that fed this pond. When stormwater entered the ditch, the flow went over and around the logs and the log components were discharged into the pond; a reaction occurred, creating flocculent, and the pond was clarified. This passive system works best on smaller ponds where it is possible for the log components to circulate through the entire pond.

No Mixing Apparatus Passive Systems Here, Floc Logs are placed in the stream that feeds a pond. As water flows over and around the logs, they slowly dissolve, releasing the polymer where it mixes and reacts to clarify the water. This is a suitable application for smaller ponds where the treated water can circulate throughout.

Shoreline Stabilization

 Bare soil and soil erosion contribute to pond turbidity.  Stabilizing the banks with polymer enhanced soft armoring prevents erosion and sedimentation from entering the pond, reduces maintenance, and helps let vegetation get established.

Shoreline Stabilization Case Study: Lake Independence  Erosion of the shoreline is clearly visible on the bank along the right side of this photograph.  A blended anionic polymer powder was used to stabilize the soil during construction.

Shoreline Stabilization Case Study: Lake Independence Geosynthetic fabric is laid on the bank then covered with sand.

Shoreline Stabilization Case Study: Lake Independence Excess fabric is pulled over the sand, then fortified with rock, forming a containment for the sediment.

Shoreline Stabilization Case Study: Lake Independence The completed bank structure consists of polymer, sand, rock, and top soil.

Shoreline Stabilization Case Study: Lake Independence Polymer, seed mix, mulch, and straw matrix are spread over rock. Once the polymer-soil matrix is formed, the soil is more resistant to erosion.

Shoreline Stabilization Case Study: Lake Independence  The project took about two weeks to complete.  The following spring, the bank was visually appealing and permanent.  Note the grass growing between the rocks and the clarity of the water as seen by the reflection of the tree.

Systems Using Floc Log or Pond Log Links

Systems Using Floc Log or Pond Log Links Floc Log and Pond Log Links are comprised of seven small logs joined together in “links”. One group of links contains the same amount of polymer as one Floc or Pond Log.

Systems Using Floc Log or Pond Log Links  The LIPVAC (Low Interior Pressure Venture Aeration Circulation) system is designed to operate on high volume but with low pressure which allows the pump to operate at very high efficiency, resulting in lower electrical costs.  As water moves through the circulator, it flows over and around the Floc or Pond Log Links, causing them to dissolve and disperse throughout the water column where the polymer blends attach to the nutrients and/or sediment in the water column.

Systems Using Floc Log or Pond Log Links Case Study: Rolling M Ranch  This project was an 18 million gallon storm water pond in Georgia, which became contaminated with sediment during the construction of a natural gas pipeline.  The rancher’s cattle were getting sick and two died from drinking this water. 967 NTUs

Systems Using Floc Log or Pond Log Links Case Study: Rolling M Ranch  A LIPVAC system was used to circulate the polymer blends throughout the pond to reduce turbidity.  This LIPVAC System ran 24 hours a day for about 30 days.

Systems Using Floc Log or Pond Log Links Case Study: Rolling M Ranch After treatment, the pond's turbidity was reduced from 967 NTUs to NTUs

Systems Using Floc Log or Pond Log Links Case Study: Berry Pond  Berry Pond, in Florida, was completely covered in duckweed and water meal.  Initial turbidity and phosphorous levels were elevated.

Systems Using Floc Log or Pond Log Links Case Study: Berry Pond  Pond Log Links were used with a LIPVAC system.  One week later there was a visible difference.  After about 60 days, the once green pond became a beautiful, clear pond.

Systems Using Floc Log or Pond Log Links Case Study: Berry Pond This graph shows the numeric reduction in nutrients and turbidity.

Self-Contained Portable Systems

Self Contained Portable Systems The WaterWagon is a convenient, portable unit that uses Floc or Pond Log Links.

Case Study: Self Contained Portable Systems  Initial turbidity of this pond was around 300 NTUs.  Water was pumped into cannons at the top where it flowed over the inserted Pond Log Links, mixing and reacting with the turbid water.  Pond Log Links are inserted into cannons.  Pond Log Links

Case Study: Self Contained Portable Systems  Next, the polymer treated water was discharged into tanks containing fibrous jute matting.  Notice how the flocculated particulate leaving the mixing cannons attached to the jute in the tanks. This is where additional log links could be added if needed.

Case Study: Self Contained Portable Systems  Water was forced through a serpentine baffle grid where the heavier, flocculated sediment could settle.  Coconut matting and baffles inside the mixing chamber capture flocculated sediment.

Case Study: Self Contained Portable Systems  Cleaner water exiting the system is given a final polishing by flowing over jute matting which has been sprinkled with Silt Stop powder.  The original turbidity measurement of approximately 300 NTUs has been reduced to a much cleaner 17.

Self Contained, Portable Systems: Tank System Portable tank systems can use regular logs or log links.

Self Contained, Portable Systems: Tank System Treated water enters tank for particle collection. NOTE: Schematic for single tank Discharge exits Baker Tank. Particle Curtains placed in a series, fit to tank size, as water must flow through, not around curtains. Water flows through particle curtains becoming clearer with each subsequent passing. Launder with Pond or Floc Logs or log links.

Toxicity Testing

 The highlighted text indicates that toxicity testing of any polymer blend product should be “based on reasonable worst-case analysis”.  The idea is to test the whole product before it is applied to ensure that it is not toxic.  If the whole product is not toxic then any residual of the product would not be toxic. Note: Floc Log testing was conducted using worst-case analysis. All toxicity tests were conducted using ASTM procedures at full chemical exposure. Chitosan tests were conducted using effluent after reaction filtration. This is not worst-case analysis and does not follow ASTM procedures.

Toxicity Testing Example of a Toxicity Report Done by a Third Party EPA Certified Lab The chart above shows the fathead minnow survival percentage as the Floc Log concentration is increased. As shown, there is an 77.5% survival rate of the minnows at 1,680 ppm Floc Log concentration.

The above chart compares the LC50 values of polymers commonly used in stormwater applications. The LC50 value is the lethal concentration where 50% of the population dies. As can be seen, Chitosan has extremely low LC50 values making it highly toxic. Polymer LC50 Values (mg/L) PolymerD. magna 48 hrO. mykiss 96 hrP. promealas 96 hr Al 2 Cl(OH) 5 > DADMAC Mimosa bark258No data1.3 Chitosan APS 706b Floc Log> > 1680 APS 703d Floc Log No data APS 712 Silt Stop1617No data> 6720 Toxicity Testing Example of a Toxicity Report Done by a Third Party EPA Certified Lab

Toxicity Testing  Very little Chitosan was required to kill this fish.  A 0.001% solution is like putting 645 grains of salt, or 1/128 th of a teaspoon, into one gallon of water.

Anionic Erosion and Water Clarification PAM based polymers are FAR less toxic than Fungicides, Insecticides, Rodenticides, Cationic Polymers, most Herbicides and even Concentrated Fertilizers. NWISRL Kimberly, ID Toxicity Testing

Sample Analysis

 A sample analysis needs to be done before any application of polymers in order to determine the best product for that site.  Polymers are site specific and not “one size fits all”. A sample analysis from Applied Polymer Systems

Rules for Polymer Use 1.Polymers must be anionic and non-toxic to aquatic organisms with an EPA certified toxicity report (whole product WET tests using ASTM guidelines). 2.Each site application must demonstrate 95% or better NTU reduction based on initial test reports. 3.Polymers are unique for each application. There is no “one type fits all”, so testing must be done.

Factors Affecting Pond Logs  Poor or improper design (Plan in advance!!)  Insufficient mixing time  Incorrect polymer for the specific soil and water chemistries. Remember, polymers are site specific! You must test the soil or water chemistry to determine the correct polymer product  Application rates are wrong  Soil and landscape variability  Temperature – reaction times are increased in colder temperatures

References 1 International Erosion Control Association. Resources: Terms & Acronyms BioTox Laboratory. (2004, January). Report for chronic toxicity testing for Applied Polymer Systems Silt Stop 702 product. Retrieved from McGowan, W. (2000). All about Water. Des Plaines, Illinois: Scranton Gillette Communications, Inc. 4 International Erosion Control Association. Resources: Terms & Acronyms Lewis, R. J., Sr. (2007). Hawley's condensed chemical dictionary (15th ed.). Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons Inc. 6 Orts, Sojka, and Glenn Polymer Additives in Irrigation Water to Reduce Erosion and Better Manage Water Infiltration. Agro-Food Industry Hi-Tech. July/August, pp 37-41

References Applied Polymer Systems. (2010, October). Applied Polymer Systems [Polymer Enhanced Best Management Practices Application Guide]. Retrieved from Lewis, R. J., Sr. (2007). Hawley's condensed chemical dictionary (15th ed.). Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons Inc. Minnesota Rural Water Association (Ed.). (2009). Minnesota water works operations manual. (Original work published 1994) Click HereClick Here Moss, N., & Dymond, B. (n.d.). Flocculation: Theory & application. Click HereClick Here Romøren, K., Thu, B. J., & Evensen, Ø. (2002, December). Immersion delivery of plasmid DNA II. A study of the potentials of a chitosan based delivery system in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fry. Journal of controlled release, 85(1- 3), doi: /S (02)00278-Xdoi: /S (02)00278-X Sojka, R. E., and Lentz, R. D. (1997). A PAM Primer: A brief history of PAM and PAM-related issues. pp Full TextFull Text

References Stechemesser, H., & Dobias, B. (Eds.). (2005). Surfactant science series: Vol Coagulation and flocculation (2nd ed.). Boca Raton, Florida: Taylor & Francis. Click HereClick Here USDA Agricultural Research Service. (2009, August 19). PAM research. Retrieved from United States Department of Agriculture website: University of Central Florida. (2010, October 19). Stormwater Management Academy. Retrieved from USEPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). (2003). Chitosan: Poly-D- glucosamine (128930) Fact Sheet. Full TextFull Text US EPA. (2008, November 21). Development Document for Proposed Effluent Guidelines and Standards for the Construction and Development Category. Full TextFull Text Wikipedia. (n.d.). Wikipedia: Polymer. Retrieved from