Date: Mon, 14 Sep 2009 11:49:57 -0400
From: Sam Groce
Subject: Response to Using a Windmill to Oxygenate a Pond
,
In response to the question about using a windmill for pond aeration, it is probably not going to work that well. Natural oxygenation of water takes place as a breeze blows across the top of the water making the water ripple.. If there is an abundance of floating aquatic weeds growing on the surface of the pond this can prohibit the natural aeration of the pond. However if the pond is “clean” oxygen levels in water decline to their lowest on days that are hot (90o+) and there is little to no wind. Given those conditions, a windmill will not be pumping water if there is no wind to power it. Also you will need to have enough pressure so that the water being returned to the pond can be sprayed back into the pond to more effectively oxygenate the water droplets as they travel through the air. Here is a link that will take you to a page with several links to various publications about pond aeration that can help you determine what method will work best for you and your situation. http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/nreos/wild/fisheries/topics/aeration.htm
I hope this information helps.
Sincerely,
Sam Groce
Samuel E. Groce
Extension Agent
Livestock & Forages, Field Crops, Pesticide Education
Chatham County Center
North Carolina State University
Post Office Box 279
Pittsboro, NC 27312
Telephone: 919.542.8202 FAX: 919.542.8246
Homepage: http://chatham.ces.ncsu.edu/
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