Silt Sampling
Aquatic silt is soil, organic material (leaves, weed, reeds etc), waste from aquatic life and sediment that is transported by water and deposited into lakes, ponds, canals etc. It can be made up of rock, mineral particles, and decaying organic matter.
How does silt get into water?
- Erosion: When flowing water scrapes against stream beds and chips away particles of rock
- Run-off: From surrounding land, such as fields or forests
- Decaying organic matter: Such as leaves, dead aquatic plants, and weeds
What are the effects of silt?
- Water quality: Excessive silt can make water turbid due to suspended material &/or algae blooms, this can be harmful to aquatic life
- Oxygen levels: Silt can interfere with water flow, increase bio chemical oxygen demand which can reduce oxygen levels and lead to anaerobic bacteria growth
- Ecosystem: Silt can increase nutrient loading and loss of total water volume
How can silt be managed?
- Erosion control: Plant cover crops or construct buffer zones to reduce the amount of sediment that flows into the water
- Silt removal: Periodically remove silt from the bottom of lakes and ponds
- Use of products like Siltex: These can help break down organic silt and raise the pH of water
How does our sample work?
Collect a sample of silt from the most affected area of your water, around 500ml is great. Seal it in a waterproof container and bag before posting to us, we will run our tests and get back to you in around 2 weeks with results and our thoughts.
The sampling can help you to understand the nature of the silt body in your lake/pond which in turn helps greatly with the suitable management of your aquatic environment. Parameters tested include pH and organic content of the silt body. This information will indicate how successful a Siltex treatment might be.
