What are the benefits of enzyme therapy? First of all, enzymes are very beneficial for your pond or lake. They control metabolic processes and speed up the decomposition of dead algae. The enzyme therapy treatment also reduces ammonia and sludge. These are just a few of the benefits of enzymes. However, there are many other benefits as well. Read on to learn more.
Table of Contents
ToggleBacteria found in ponds and lakes play a vital role in the metabolic processes of the aquatic environment. These organisms are responsible for the breakdown of essential organic compounds and the production of secondary metabolites. The efficiency of these enzymes depends on the number of waste materials present, the type of bacteria present, and the chemistry of the water. In eutrophic ponds, organic wastes are abundant.
There are two types of bacteria found in ponds and lakes: aerobic and anaerobic. Both types of bacteria function differently, but the primary goal of aerobic bacteria is to use oxygen. Anaerobic bacteria perform their metabolic processes without oxygen and are slower than their aerobic counterparts. Both types of bacteria produce enzymes that help break down organic compounds. Several bacteria also perform denitrification, converting nitrate into nitrogen gas. This process removes nitrogen from the pond’s ecosystem.
Biological digester treatments break down organic matter, including dead algae. Liquid bacteria re-establishes bacterial colonies that speed up decomposition. The product’s powerful action consumes excess nutrients in dead algae and muck and improves water column aesthetics, odor, and ecosystem.
The decomposition process by bacteria and other organisms is slowed by organic sediment, high in nitrogen, phosphorous, and organics. Excessive levels of these nutrients may affect aquatic life and strain water treatment systems. In addition, algae may clog filters and plug treatment tanks. If left unchecked, they can impede the process.
Ammonia in a pond or lake is a poisonous gas. It occurs when algae bloom rapidly and intensely and collapse spectacularly. After the bloom collapses, ammonia concentrations rapidly increase as dead algae decompose, reducing dissolved oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. A crash may cause ammonia concentrations to reach six to eight mg/L, and the pH level may fall to 7.8.0.
During summer, ammonia concentrations in ponds and lakes are low, as algae perform intensive photosynthesis to remove ammonia. But during the winter, ammonia levels are still high, as decomposition of organic matter accumulates on pond sediment. The amount of feed added to the pond during the growing season also determines the duration of high ammonia concentration.
A pond or lake without enzyme therapy can develop a significant amount of sludge and other nutrients that will affect water clarity. In addition to reducing sludge, enzyme therapy can also reduce excess nutrients in the water, supporting the growth of green organic matter. By reducing sludge, enzymes can improve the health of a pond or lake.
The most common cause of pond sludge is fallen leaves and other organic matter, which decompose and release high levels of nitrites and ammonia. These two components are toxic to fish, and biological filtration is necessary to break them down. Adding enzymes to your pond or lake can dramatically reduce the amount of sludge you see in your pond or lake.
Using bacteria in a pond or lake will improve its water quality. Bacteria in a water body will consume organic materials and assimilate nutrients, thereby increasing the clarity and reducing the presence of algae and other nuisance organisms. The rate at which bacteria act will depend on the organic material in the water and the depth of sediment in the body of the pond or lake.
Bacteria and enzyme products work better in a water body with friendly chemistry. The bacteria and enzyme product must meet seven requirements to work effectively in the pond or lake. For example, bacteria and enzymes can’t do their job well if they aren’t given enough food. Furthermore, they have to be applied to the water and used in the correct amount. In addition, it is essential to choose a proven product and follow the recommended application rates to ensure the most beneficial results.
You should use enzyme therapy to treat ponds and lakes for many reasons. One of them is that it is natural and works to help maintain stable pH and kH levels. Another reason is that bacteria in these products help limit algae growth. These factors can also reduce the smell of a pond or lake. This combination is a great way to combat both odors and algae.
Algae are one of the major causes of bad pond smell. They can grow thick and contribute to sludge build-up in ponds. Although small amounts of sludge are beneficial to a garden pond, much of it can cause a bad smell. Therefore, you should try to keep it to a minimum. However, if the sludge is thick, it will not do much to help.