Following its path to set objectives, goals and milestones, FERRO is also dedicated to providing innovation into current solutions. Continuing with our campaign, FERRO will share a new approach, focused on nutrient removal, reuse and recovery. 

Background: Why is hypolimnetic nutrient removal and recycling needed?

Traditional hypolimnic withdrawal has been used before, as a way to remove nutrient-rich bottom water from lakes. However, this approach is not compatible with the circular economy principles and long-term sustainability goals.

Therefore, there is a vital need for new solutions which will not only remove the phosphorus from lake water, but will also recover and reuse the water sustainably.

How will this be achieved?: FERRO’s input

FERRO’s approach aims to develop a pumping system which is energy-neutral and solar-powered. The system will remove the water rich in phosphorus from the targeted lake areas, and will recover the nutrients for reuse. The process will consist of a floating platform, equipped with solar panels that will power a pump which will transfer up to 100 m³ of water per hour from the lake to the shoreline. 

This work targets shallow lakes rich in nutrients and ones with deeper hypolimnetic zones where there is phosphorus built-up. The nutrient-rich water will be gathered from the water bottom, treated with various filter systems, and returned into the lake as clean water. 

Who will benefit from this?

Lake managers and restoration practitioners will benefit from a targeted and energy-efficient tool, which directly tackles the internal phosphorus stacking whilst supporting the long-term lake recovery. The farming sector will benefit from the gathered phosphorus, by reusing it as fertilizer. This will reduce the dependency on artificial inputs and support the management of  more circular nutrients. Policymakers and field authorities at large will benefit from an improved quality of water, reduced risks of nutrient pollution, and a coordination with circular economy and sustainable objectives.