Performance of a carbon dioxide injection system at a navigation lock to control the spread of aquatic invasive species

Journal of Environmental Engineering
By: , and 

Links

Abstract

Natural resource agencies need effective strategies to control the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) such as invasive fish, which can expand their range using rivers as hydrological pathways to access new areas. Lock and dam structures within major rivers are prospective locations to deploy techniques, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) infusion into lock water, that could impede upstream AIS migration without disrupting vessel passage and lock operation. The current pesticide label for CO2 in the United States allows injections of 100–150  mg/LCO2 as a behavioral deterrent treatment for invasive carps. This research describes the first operationalizing and testing of a CO2 injection and manifold distribution system at a 1,548,000-L navigation lock chamber on the Fox River near Kaukauna, Wisconsin, USA. Two chemical distribution manifolds located on the floor and wall of the chamber were independently tested to quantify mixing time, mixing homogeneity, injection efficiency, and operational power requirements under a range of operating parameters. Both manifold configurations were able to meet most performance benchmarks established during previous fish behavior studies. Certain limitations were exhibited and quantified for both manifold configurations in terms of mixing homogeneity and operational power. This research details the design and performance of CO2-to-water infusion systems that could be used to deter the spread of AIS at navigation pinch-points. These results may inform future CO2 system designs and operating conditions to support natural resource management plans to limit the spread of AIS.

Study Area

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Performance of a carbon dioxide injection system at a navigation lock to control the spread of aquatic invasive species
Series title Journal of Environmental Engineering
DOI 10.1061/(ASCE)EE.1943-7870.0001987
Volume 148
Issue 4
Year Published 2022
Language English
Publisher American Society of Civil Engineers
Contributing office(s) Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center
Description 04022011, 18 p.
Country United States
State Wisconsin
City Kaukauna
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details