Swimming Exclosures to Prevent Algal Accumulation
Abstract
Each summer, algal blooms result in the closing of beaches in the Yahara lake system. Limiting nutrient influx to the lakes is a long term solution to the problem, but holds no promise for water quality improvement in the near future. Poor water clarity on beaches is exacerbated by wind-blown algae that collect on shore. We evaluate the feasibility of using floating silt fences as a barrier to wind-blown algae accumulation. Wave height and period at James Madison Park was modeled using the JONSWAP method based on summer wind data gathered from the Lake Mendota buoy. Performance of a model barrier was tested in a wave flume and wave height and period at failure were recorded. Model performance was extrapolated to anticipated prototype conditions to determine frequency of failure and require wave height.
Silt Barrier Along Coast
