This project evaluates the economic and environmental benefits of using native wetland plants and floating island technology to treat feedlot runoff water. This effectively improves water quality for irrigation or livestock use by removing excess nutrients, heavy metals, and other contaminants (as well as minimizing the presence of algae blooms).
Various digital technologies monitor weather parameters, precipitation and contaminant concentrations. Feedlot operators could access alternative, low-cost options for treating feedlot runoff water while being environmentally sustainable.
Funders/Partners: AREF, Henry Heuver, High Plains Industrial Park, RDAR, UFA
This project examined the effectiveness of select native wetland species in removing excessive, synthetic plant nutrients — namely nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium — from contaminated potable water in a greenhouse study.
Similar native wetland plant species were used to treat feedlot runoff water in a greenhouse study. The contaminated water was expected to contain excessive nutrients, heavy metals and other contaminants.
With investments from provincial and federal grant funding agencies, private industry, producers, and agricultural and non-agricultural organizations, the College has been working on industrial and agricultural water quality remediation research.
Floating Island - Remediation Timeline
Learn about the technology used in floating islands including H-Flumes, In-Situ Aqua Troll 600 Sondes, YSI ProDSS and Arable Mark 2 weather stations.