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Duckweed

Duckweed
Duckweed
Duckweed
Duckweed
Duckweed
Duckweed
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Identification

  • Small light green, floating plant
  • Can occasionally have visible roots
  • Has waxy surface
  • Typically measures between .5cm – 1cm

Why Do I Have It?

  • Found in polishing lagoons with low surface water movement and low flow
  • High inorganic nutrients in water column

Associated Lagoon (Pond) Conditions

Duckweed can cause drains and pipes to clog in some systems as well as increase sludge volume. It may depend on the permit, but in some cases, excessive duckweed can cause high effluent TSS. Duckweed can form a thick mat that prevents light penetration which could result in increased E. coli. While some operators might like it for the way it reduces light penetration and algae, in some cases it can cause problems.

Treatment

Duckweed can be controlled by applications of Duckweed Complete followed about two weeks later by spraying PondZilla Pro to degrade the dead duckweed. However, chemical treatment is not always recommended as a small skimmer can block duckweed from exiting the lagoon. This floating plant is a symptom of high levels of sludge buildup and internal nutrient recycling. Sludge can be physically removed by dredging or a non-disruptive option: Sludge Rx. This can aid in sludge reduction and prevent resuspension of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus.

Because wastewater issues and the cause behind algae can be complex, we recommend our Filament ID and Microanalysis. This not only confirms algae and filament ID, but looks at biological indicators, plant design, and incoming substrates to decode your unique process.

If you’re concerned about excessive growths in your lagoon or pond, we recommend taking a few photos and sending them to your rep or info@teamaquafix.com. Our lab will look over the photos and advise on further steps.

Under the Microscope and in Your Plant

Duckweed is a small, light green, floating plant with occasionally visible roots. Duckweed is not a type of algae, but can be mistaken as such. This plant is often found in polishing lagoons with low surface water movement and low flow. Common duckweed has a very waxy surface or cuticle, that combined with the curve of its 1-3 leaves allows any liquid with the surface tension of water to roll off. This floating plant reproduces rapidly and is commonly found growing in dense colonies. These colonies can also offer a habitat for watermeal to grow. Duckweed can also cause drains and pipes to clog in some systems as well as increase sludge volume. However, duckweed can be beneficial as it reduces soluble inorganic nutrient levels and shades out the growth of other aquatic weeds and algae.