Impacts of Mechanical Macrophyte Removal Devices on Sediment Scouring in Littoral Habitats: II. Experimental Operation in the Littoral Zone of Eau Galle Reservoir, Wisconsin
Abstract
Research experimentally evaluated the impacts of a mechanical macrophyte removal device on changes in sediment bed elevation and water quality in the littoral zone of a shallow embayment located in Eau Galle Reservoir, Wisconsin. Mechanical macrophyte removal devices are an attractive, low-cost means of removing macrophytes in specific areas without herbicides or repeated mechanical harvesting. However, commercially available mechanical macrophyte removal devices that employ a submerged roller arm and paddle design to entangle and uproot macrophytes may have indirect negative impacts to littoral habitat by resuspending and scouring sediment and associated nutrients. Excavation and alteration of sediment substrate (see James et al. (2004)) can have an impact on invertebrate and fish habitat and lead to enhanced nutrient recycling, depending on the density of use in relation to lake shoreline size. The objective of this study was to experimentally quantify sediment displacement and changes in water quality associated with resuspension during operation of mechanical macrophyte removal devices employing a submerged roller arm and paddle design.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA446865
Entities
People
- David I. Wright
- Harry L. Eakin
- John W. Barko
- William F. James
Organizations
- Engineer Research and Development Center