Proposed Solution Components
Barley Straw:
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Part of our prototypes, barley straw prevents algae from growing in the water, and is an simple and cheap solution to preventing future algal blooms, with a low replacement cost overall. Placing straw over the affected areas will solve the issue of stopping the blooms while preserving the environment in its original form.
Lime Solution:
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According to our water sampling results from UGA, the waters of Ozora Lake were severely lacking in magnesium, which is easily replenished by adding a lime solution or powder into the water. Specifically, applying a lime slurry evenly across the surface of the water consistent with SRAC Publication No. 4100. If the lime solution contains enough fine particles (200-500 mesh) then a slurry can be created to be broadcasted from the edges of the lake that would also raise the magnesium levels. The solution will restore the nutritional balance in the area that will help the organisms nearby that had been previously harmed from the algal blooms.
People Involved
A very big thank-you to Mr. Brandon Harris at the Gwinnett Department of Water Resources for mentoring our team through the consultancy progress as well as guiding our prototyping. Thank you to Mr. John Butler for showing us the area to give us a better feel of what we were dealing with.
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Thank you to the Water and Soil Department at the University of Georgia for suggesting the proper tests to run on our water samples and also pointing us in the right direction during our research process.
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Thank you to our school internship mentor, Mrs Laura Calkins, for providing continuous feedback every step of the way.
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Lastly, thank you to all the professors and researchers that we interviewed for a more holistic understanding of our problem.