SHORT PROJECT DESCRIPTION

FWC, The Army Corps of Engineers and South Florida Water Management District are interested in testing the innovative technology that AguaCulture has patented which consists of mechanically harvesting aquatic vegetation such as algae, water hyacinths and hydrilla. This harvesting technology focuses on nutrient reduction by economically and efficiently harvesting the aquatic vegetation that has absorbed nutrients from the water column. The vegetation is reduced to a slurry, applied to upland areas and harvested as part of a process that removes nutrients from the watershed.  The result is improved water quality and a reduced potential for algae blooms. FWC will designate an area which will be the focus of this project to showcase the efficacy, feasibility and standardization of this system as a solution for aquatic weed management and nutrient control for Florida waterways. The project objectives are outlined as below:

1. Demonstrate the pounds of phosphorus removed via AguaCulture’s innovative technology.

2. Demonstrate that harvesting aquatic vegetation and unconsolidated sludge is economically feasible.

3. Demonstrate that the waste product can be applied to Agricultural land.