Increasing urbanization of the South Carolina coastal zone has led to the proliferation of stormwater detention ponds. Many stormwater ponds accumulate nutrients that stimulate excessive phytoplankton growth, which results in high concentrations of organic matter, especially dissolved organic carbon. Once discharged, this material represents an input of biological oxygen demand (BOD) that can negatively impact oxygen conditions in coastal water. Algicide (typically copper sulfate) is commonly used to control excessive phytoplankton growth and herbicides are used to control submerged and emergent ‘weedy’ vegetation. These treatments require regular application and can lead to artificial phytoplankton boom and bust cycles that can exacerbate BOD loading as phytoplankton die from chemical treatment.
Here, we focus on an alternative to chemical treatment for the reduction of phytoplankton growth and associated production of BOD: the use of aerating fountains. Our objectives are to (1) determine how phytoplankton growth and community composition respond to aeration as a means of altering the physical environment in controlled experiments in both the field and laboratory, (2) quantify the amount of BOD available for export to receiving waters, (3) assess effects of aeration on nitrogen and phosphorus (forms and concentrations) in detention pond waters and bottom sediments, as a means of testing the capacity of well oxygenated bottoms to enhance nutrient storage/removal by sediments, and (4) incorporate research findings into recommendations for use of fountains or aerators in stormwater pond management to maximize aesthetic value of ponds while minimizing impacts to downstream receiving waters and disseminate these findings.