Short-wavelength ultraviolet light array for aquatic invasive weed species control apparatus and method

Abstract

Apparatus for control of vegetation having at least a part within a body of water such as a lake which includes a generally planar surface and a plurality of Ultra Violet Light-C (UV-C) light sources capable of producing UV-C light at substantially a wave length of 254 nm, the sources being disposed on the generally planar surface. The method for control of vegetation includes providing a generally planar surface, providing the plurality of UV-C light sources capable of producing UV-C light at substantially a wave length of 254 nm and positioning the sources on the generally planar surface, and positioning the generally planar member with the UV-C light sources within 12 inches of vegetation to be controlled, and exposing the vegetation to be controlled to the UV-C light sources for a finite period of time.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. provisional patent application No. 62 / 238,632 filed on 7 Oct. 2015 which application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The present invention is generally directed to remediation of invasive weeds disposed in lakes, ponds ocean bays and other bodies of water. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention are directed to the use of Ultra Violet Light to destroy invasive weeds and particularly to provide a practical way of using Ultra Violet Light-C (UV-C) light for controlling aquatic invasive weeds in lakes and other bodies of water. Embodiments of the present invention utilize a non-chemical treatment method to control and destroy aquatic plants.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Eurasian Watermilfoil also known as Myriophyllum spicatum L. is a submersed, aquatic perennial in the Haloragaceae family that roots to the bottom of water bodies. The roots...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Prior art methods to control Milfoil are costly and ineffective in addition to being labor intensive and having inherent high pollution risks.

The use of any chemicals or herbicides pollutes the water and can cause long term and indirect problems that can lead to health and safety concerns of other aquatic life and water quality concerns.

Some prior art methods can actually spread the milfoil infestation by breaking off thousands of small fragments that can mature into new infestations; create personnel safety problems when using divers to place, move and remove mats placed over treatment areas.

However, native vegetation tends to be removed by this method simultaneously, eliminating beneficial competitors.

Herbicide use is more highly regulated in aquatic systems than in terrestrial systems, because of the inherent dilution effects in an aquatic environment making it more difficult to use.

Furthermore, current ...

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