Using Lanthanum-Modified Bentonite for Cleaner, Healthier Ponds

Every pond or lake owner has dreams for their waterbody—be it nurturing a trophy fishery brimming with large catches, creating a picture-perfect scene on a golf course, or establishing a stunning centerpiece that boosts the charm and value of a community association. Achieving these goals relies on a comprehensive pond management plan, including addressing excess nutrient levels.

Excess pond nutrients, particularly phosphorus, can lead to rampant growth of weeds and algae and other water quality issues. Nutrients can enter the water column through stormwater runoff, lawn fertilizer, debris, and animal waste. Over time, these nutrients can quickly reach unhealthy levels. Excess nutrients can also be introduced via decaying algae and weeds, thus creating a vicious cycle of nutrient pollution. For pond owners or managers facing the challenge of managing excessive nutrient build-up, lanthanum-modified bentonite treatments can help. Commonly known by its brand names, Phoslock or Eutrosorb, lanthanum-modified bentonite (LMB) is an innovative treatment designed to improve pond health by removing excess phosphorus from the water. Learn how this solution can transform your waterbody into a healthy, thriving ecosystem.

LMB is designed to target and remove excess phosphorus in lakes or ponds, specifically in the bottom sediments. LMB granules are usually dissolved and applied to lakes and ponds as a slurry, enabling the lanthanum to bind with phosphorus particles suspended in the water column. This interaction produces Rhabdophane, a benign mineral that settles at the bottom, creating a fine layer that further captures phosphorus and prevents its release from the sediments. Notably, this bond between lanthanum and phosphorus is resilient against pH fluctuations within naturally occurring ranges, ensuring the longevity and efficiency of the treatment. 

LMB treatments are carried out by licensed professionals using land-based spray mechanisms or boats. This precision ensures that the product evenly disperses throughout the target area, optimally binding with phosphorus. While a one-time application is common, treatments can be staged over several years to manage phosphorus levels gradually. This treatment is particularly effective in stormwater ponds and smaller water bodies where phosphorus levels are prone to increase more significantly.

Phosphorus is a natural occurrence in waterbodies and can promote a healthy aquatic ecosystem where plants and algae thrive together. Despite its benefits, when phosphorus levels are in excess, it can lead to an overgrowth of weeds and algae, deplete oxygen levels, and impair water quality. One of the primary benefits of LMB is its ability to control excess nutrients, like phosphorus, effectively. This reduces the likelihood of harmful algal blooms and aquatic weed overgrowth, which are detrimental not only to aquatic ecosystems but also hinder recreational activity. In addition, this treatment method promotes a more balanced aquatic ecosystem, supporting biodiversity and the health of fish and plant life. LMB treatments are an environmentally friendly solution, as they specifically target problem nutrients without introducing harmful chemicals into the ecosystem.

Effectively managing excess nutrient levels is key to achieving a healthy aquatic ecosystem. Whether your goal is to support aquatic life, boost recreational activities, or enhance aesthetic value, striking the right balance in nutrient levels is essential. Solutions like LMB can help address one of the primary causes of poor water quality and restore balance to the ecosystem. With an annual management program in place, our aquatic specialists can monitor water quality year-round and identify potential problems before they get out of hand. 

Let SOLitude help you achieve the waterbody of your dreams. Get started today.