Following its path of clear goals in lake management and restoration, FERRO has identified a major issue in lake pollution - nutrient resources. Thus, the project is presenting its fifth result, aiming to reduce the nutrient loads in basins. 

Background: Why is nutrient recovery at lake inflows important?

The excessive nutrient resources from catchments are still a main driver of nutrient pollution in lakes by weakening restoration efforts and slowing down ecological recovery. Lake inflows are a strategic control point where the nutrients carried from the catchment merge, prior to entering the lake. Interfering during this stage gives a unique opportunity to reduce nutrient loads to the marine ecosystem and recover useful nutrients before they add to the pollution.  

There are limited resources of phosphorus and the rising need for sustainable nutrient control. Here, we see a strong need to develop sustainable solutions that block the nutrients in lake inflows and convert them into a positive use in agriculture. 

How will this be achieved: FERRO’s input

FERRO’s approach aims to reduce the nutrient loads for the basins by trapping them at the lake inflows. This will be possible by using smart and adaptive clotting, followed by recovering and reusing the nutrient-rich material. To act as flocculants, iron-based salts will be dosed at inflow points. This will promote the formation of packed flocs that catch the phosphorus, organic matter and other materials before they enter the lake. 

Recovered residue will be examined to assess the substance of nitrogen, carbon and phosphorus, as well as the one of potentially harmful elements such as toxic heavy metals. 

Who will benefit from this?

Lake managers and environmental authorities will benefit from a substantial reduction in external nutrient loading, supporting faster and more robust recovery of eutrophic lakes, particularly those with high flushing rates. The agricultural sector stands to benefit from the recovery and reuse of nutrient-rich flocs as fertilisers, contributing to reduced dependence on synthetic inputs and improved nutrient circularity.

Additionally, policymakers, water managers, and society benefit from improved water quality, reduced eutrophication risk, and more efficient use of finite nutrient resources.