Savannah Doctor Tries Solar Power to Aerate Local Waterways

Fine Bubble Aeration Method

Savannah Georgia based Dr. Sydney Smith is conducting an experiment using solar panels to try to pump oxygen into local rivers. The local rivers have a problem with oxygen depletion as the river beds continue to deepen. Fish and other aquatic life tend to stay away from waterways where the oxygen level is diminishing.

A Dermatologist by trade, Dr. Smith has constructed a "solar dock" made from a dozen floating solar panels that power a pump that puts oxygen into Savannah's Skidaway River. In his estimation the floating solar dock will be able to oxygenate an acre of water 15 feet deep. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers currently use high-powered pumps that burn fuel to introduce liquid oxygen into local waterways. The Dr. believes he can eventually do the same job with his solar powered pumps that require little care and don't burn fossil fuel.

But, one local scientist doesn't agree with Dr. Smith's theory that this type or size dock will be an effective way to pump oxygen into larger local rivers. Skidaway Institute of Oceanography scientist Bill Savidge says that Dr. Smith is only aerating a small fraction of the water that goes by so would be ineffective unless he can find a way to design a system that could be scaled up. He advises Dr. Smith to try his experiment in a smaller local harbor or fish hatchery.

Despite the criticism Dr. Smith remains hopeful that he'll eventually be able to improve the oxygen level in the river using his eco-friendly methods.

More details at the Savannah Morning News.