beemats floating wetlands

Beemats Floating Wetlands

satellite beach, FL

Patrick Air Force Base has several storm water ponds that serve the runways, golf course and common grounds, and have been plagued in the past by algae and hydrilla blooms.  

In 2012, Dr. Harvey Harper monitored the effects of floating wetlands on nutrient concentrations in one of the ponds for sixteen months. At first the islands were heavily predated by birds, requiring netting for the balance of the study.  
The phosphorus uptake rates by the plants, as measured through biomass analyses, suggested that direct upland run off may have added to the measured input loading.  

There are now several Beemat floating treatment wetlands ​in several storm water ponds on the base.