Part 8 – Fixing the dead zones

Outlining the system to clean the river productively.

Step 1: Gather Water from Polluted Source

• Identify a polluted water source, such as a river or Great Lake, and collect water for processing.
• Construct a deep pool either within the river or on its side to accommodate the pump station.
• Conduct routine testing of the water sampled at this stage to monitor pollution levels.

Step 2: Transfer Water to Holding Pool or Cisterns

• Pump the collected water to holding pools or cisterns for further treatment.
• Maintain the pumps at lower maintenance levels for most of the year.
• During periods of high nutrient pollution, increase pumping to fill the holding pools or cisterns to full capacity.

Step 3: Route Water to Evaporation Greenhouse

• Direct the water flow to an evaporation greenhouse without venting.
• Maintain high temperatures within the greenhouse.
• Fill the greenhouse with shallow trays filled from above through aerated spigots to create a turbulent water surface.
• Position the fresh air intake low on one end of the greenhouse and the exhaust vent high on the opposite end.

Step 3.5: Utilize Fog Nets and Condensate Harvesting

• Deploy fog nets and condensate harvesting mechanisms to collect evaporation.
• Route the recaptured water to a clean water pool for testing and eventual return to the river.

Step 4: Channel Remaining Nutrient-Rich Water to Filters

• Direct the nutrient-rich water to aeration and conversion filters.
• Utilize deep gravel bins with water feed and air lines at the base to facilitate maximum aeration and bacterial growth.
• Employ mixed rock substrate to mineralize water for optimal plant health.

Step 5: Design and Set Up Grow Greenhouses

• Customize grow greenhouses based on the intended crop, such as cotton, cut flowers, or textile crops.
• Implement hydronic garden towers, deep gravel beds with ebb and flow systems, float beds, or shallow water beds depending on the crop requirements.
• Avoid growing food crops in this system.

Step 6: Consider Modular Architecture for Efficiency

• Utilize modular hydroponic and aquaponic architecture for flexibility and efficiency.
• Implement additional lighting, shades, fans, and airflow systems based on the selected crops’ needs.

Step 7: Plan for Processing and Maintenance Facility

• Design a small processing and maintenance facility based on the volume of water processed and expected crop yields.

Step 8: Merge Treated Water and Return to River

• Combine the treated water from the end of the system with evaporation from the initial separation process.
• Test the water quality and ensure the flow of clean water before returning it to the river.