Article in Canadian News – The Phoslock application at Lake Bromont in 2017 was a success

A news article published late last week online in Quebec stated that Elisabeth Tellier, Project Manager for Bromont Lake Watershed Conservation Action (ACBVLB) held a meeting in front of the community last Thursday to announce that there had been “a 70% reduction in total Phosphorus in Lake Bromont”.

She went on to say that “We did not have any beach closures, we had an exceptional year.”

Professor Dolores Planas, researcher in biology specialised in aquatic ecology, explained that it was “exceptional especially since there were several episodes of intense heat and torrential rain last summer. She added that “the amount of phosphorus has decreased by more than 70%, despite the long duration of oxygen deficiency”.

Professor Dolores Planas also said “I must say that I had confidence in the Phoslock, but it surprised me.”

“I did not think the answer would be that quick. I did not expect that there would be such a significant decrease in the presence of these (types of) algae, the ones that cause all the problems in the summer. ”

Not only has there been a shift away from cyanobacteria, since the application there has been the occurrence of the healthy water indicators; diatoms. “It’s a spring alga,” says Professor Planas. “That, I never would have predicted. It’s really a surprise.”

The success of the Phoslock applications has provided a test case for other municipalities that are struggling with cyanobacteria problems in their water bodies. The article states that Professor Planas recommends Phoslock to other lake managers with sources of phosphorus stored in the sediments.

The article can be found at the following link:

https://www.lavoixdelest.ca/actualites/loperation-phoslock-a-ete-un-succes-au-lac-bromont-d7b83a680567ee8d558a8183f040cde4?utm_campaign=lavoixdelest&utm_medium=article_share&utm_source=email