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Two years after the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, there is still much to learn about the long-term effects of long COVID. Experts have released a new guidance report for diagnosing and treating long haulers.

Long COVID occurs in individuals who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and have at least one persistent symptom after acute illness. Symptoms of long COVID cause a range of adverse physical and psychological health effects for six months or more after initial recovery.

In May, the Biden administration announced the U.S. reached the 1 million mark in COVID deaths.

The long-term effects of COVID have also been financially debilitating. The Biden administration plans another extension of one of 2020s aid bills that prohibits states from disenrolling Medicaid beneficiaries who become ineligibleonly to those that die, opt out, or leave the state. The bill was to end by mid-July.

What are the new guidelines in diagnosing long COVID? What does rehabilitation look like for long COVID patients? How would someone know if they have long COVID?

Guests:

"The Source" is a live call-in program airing Mondays through Thursdays from 12-1 p.m. Leave a message before the program at (210) 615-8982. During the live show, call 833-877-8255, email thesource@tpr.org or tweet @TPRSource.

*This interview was recorded on Thursday, June 9.

Excerpt from:
New guidance on long COVID sheds light on symptoms and treatment options - Texas Public Radio

Domestic chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) are distributed around the world and are a familiar source of meat and eggs for almost everyone on the planet. It is easy to assume that the species was domesticated primarily as a food source and transported around the world by people wishing to ensure a supply of meat and eggs. There is, however, little evidence to support this hypothesis, and new research by a team of international scientists has concluded that chicken history may be very different from what is currently accepted.

Previous research, involving a review of literature, has proposed that chickens were domesticated in Southeast Asia around 6,000 BC, before quickly becoming established in China and spreading rapidly into western Eurasia. According to this research, domestic chickens arrived in Eastern Europe by the Neolithic, spread throughout the Mediterranean during the Bronze Age and reached temperate Europe in the Iron Age. Much of the evidence upon which this approach is based is speculative or unverified at best and, in the opinion of the current team of international experts, the conclusions are wrong.

The findings of the current study involved re-analysis of more than 600 chicken bones from museum collections and various archaeological sites in 89 countries. The researchers used radio carbon dating and stable nitrogen isotope ratios to establish the ages of the bones, as well as morphometric analysis to ascertain that the bones were indeed from chickens.

In many instances the scientists found that the chicken bones did not agree in age with the stratigraphic dating from the archaeological sites. It appears that chicken bones may easily become introduced into deposits, particularly in farm situations where the earth is regularly turned, or where other factors may disturb the stratigraphy of a deposit. Furthermore, some of the bones belonged to pheasants, and not to chickens at all. These findings cast doubt on the quality of the evidence initially used to investigate domestication and dispersion of chickens in Southeast Asia, China and Europe.

The researchers found that the oldest authentic chicken bone among their samples was found at the Neolithic site Ban Non Wat in central Thailand, and was dated at between 1,650 and 1,250 BC. This is significantly more recent than the 6,000 BC that was proposed in earlier research.

The new studies also show that the driving force behind chicken domestication was the arrival of dry rice farming into Southeast Asia, the region occupied by their wild ancestor, the red jungle fowl. The availability of dry rice drew the jungle fowls down from the trees and brought them into a closer relationship with people, which resulted in their ultimate domestication.

This domestication process was underway by around 1,500 BC in the Southeast Asia peninsula. The research suggests that chickens were then transported first across Asia and then throughout the Mediterranean along routes used by early Greek, Etruscan and Phoenician maritime traders.

This comprehensive re-evaluation of chickens firstly demonstrates how wrong our understanding of the time and place of chicken domestication was. And even more excitingly, we show how the arrival of dry rice agriculture acted as a catalyst for both the chicken domestication process and its global dispersal, said Professor Greger Larson.

Additional dating results indicated that chickens did not arrive in Europe until around 800 BC, thus dispelling the claims that they were present before the first millennium BC. After arriving in the Mediterranean region, it took almost 1,000 years before chickens were established in the colder climates of Scotland, Ireland, Scandinavia and Iceland.

This is the first time that radiocarbon dating has been used on this scale to determine the significance of chickens in early societies, said Dr. Julia Best. Our results demonstrate the need to directly date proposed early specimens, as this allows us the clearest picture yet of our early interactions with chickens.

The results of these analyses also allowed the researchers to evaluate the changing relationship between humans and chickens over time. During the Iron Age in Europe, chickens were venerated and generally not regarded as food. The studies showed that several of the earliest chickens are buried alone and un-butchered, and many are also found buried with people. Male humans were often buried with cockerels and females with hens.

It was only during the time of the Roman Empire that the use of chickens and eggs as food was popularized. For example, in Britain, chickens were not regularly consumed until the third century AD, mostly in urban and military settings.

Eating chickens is so common that people think we have never not eaten them, explained Professor Naomi Sykes from the University of Exeter. Our evidence shows that our past relationship with chickens was far more complex, and that for centuries chickens were celebrated and venerated.

The team concludes that, with their adaptability in terms of a largely cereal-based diet, domesticated chickens were relatively quickly and easily transported along the land and sea trade routes to Asia, Oceania, Africa and Europe.

The fact that chickens are so ubiquitous and popular today, and yet were domesticated relatively recently is startling,said Dr. Ophlie Lebrasseur. Our research highlights the importance of robust osteological comparisons, secure stratigraphic dating and placing early finds within their broader cultural and environmental context.

The research is published in two separate scientific articles, appearing in Antiquity and the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

By Alison Bosman, Earth.com Staff Writer

See the original post here:
Study sheds new light on history of domestic chickens - Earth.com

It hasn't been the best quarter for First Bancorp (NASDAQ:FBNC) shareholders, since the share price has fallen 17% in that time. But at least the stock is up over the last five years. In that time, it is up 14%, which isn't bad, but is below the market return of 75%.

While the stock has fallen 4.4% this week, it's worth focusing on the longer term and seeing if the stocks historical returns have been driven by the underlying fundamentals.

View our latest analysis for First Bancorp

While markets are a powerful pricing mechanism, share prices reflect investor sentiment, not just underlying business performance. One flawed but reasonable way to assess how sentiment around a company has changed is to compare the earnings per share (EPS) with the share price.

During five years of share price growth, First Bancorp achieved compound earnings per share (EPS) growth of 16% per year. The EPS growth is more impressive than the yearly share price gain of 3% over the same period. So it seems the market isn't so enthusiastic about the stock these days.

The company's earnings per share (over time) is depicted in the image below (click to see the exact numbers).

It's good to see that there was some significant insider buying in the last three months. That's a positive. On the other hand, we think the revenue and earnings trends are much more meaningful measures of the business. Before buying or selling a stock, we always recommend a close examination of historic growth trends, available here..

It is important to consider the total shareholder return, as well as the share price return, for any given stock. Whereas the share price return only reflects the change in the share price, the TSR includes the value of dividends (assuming they were reinvested) and the benefit of any discounted capital raising or spin-off. So for companies that pay a generous dividend, the TSR is often a lot higher than the share price return. We note that for First Bancorp the TSR over the last 5 years was 25%, which is better than the share price return mentioned above. The dividends paid by the company have thusly boosted the total shareholder return.

While it's never nice to take a loss, First Bancorp shareholders can take comfort that , including dividends,their trailing twelve month loss of 12% wasn't as bad as the market loss of around 14%. Of course, the long term returns are far more important and the good news is that over five years, the stock has returned 5% for each year. It could be that the business is just facing some short term problems, but shareholders should keep a close eye on the fundamentals. While it is well worth considering the different impacts that market conditions can have on the share price, there are other factors that are even more important. For instance, we've identified 1 warning sign for First Bancorp that you should be aware of.

There are plenty of other companies that have insiders buying up shares. You probably do not want to miss this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying.

Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on US exchanges.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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First Bancorp (NASDAQ:FBNC) sheds 4.4% this week, as yearly returns fall more in line with earnings growth - Simply Wall St

A 28st mum who nearly capsized a boat because of her excessive size 32 bulk has shed half her body weight using diet and exercise and celebrated turning 50 as a 13st 10lb size 14. Put on her first diet at just six years old, former teaching assistant Rachel Mellor, 50, says this triggered an unhealthy relationship with food that followed her through life.

But the final straw came for Rachel, of Ossett, West Yorkshire, who has two daughters, Catherine, 12, and university student Elizabeth, 23, with her accountant husband Richard, 52, on a seaside boat trip with her children.

She said: We were living in Scarborough on the North Yorkshire coast at the time and I decided to take the kids out on a boat. It was a big thing, with at least 20 or so people on it already. But when I went to get on the boat dipped hugely under me.

With that many people on it already, youd think one more wouldnt make a difference. I was so embarrassed. I was ordered to sit right in the middle of the boat. I just wanted the ground to open up and swallow me.

That was in August 2015 when, weighing 28st 1lb and a size 32, at 5ft 9in Rachel had a body mass index (BMI) used to gauge a healthy weight of 58, which is more than double the top of the NHS healthy range of 18.5 to 24.9, making her dangerously obese. Finally facing her problem, Rachel joined WW (formerly Weight Watchers) the same month and started changing her lifestyle by cutting back on portion sizes and limiting things like bread and pasta, which she was used to eating in huge amounts.

She said: I was lucky I didnt have any health issues. But it was only a matter of time until that happened. I couldnt run around after either of my daughters when they were young. I couldnt go on funfair rides, but it was nearly capsizing the boat that I found mortifying!

Rachel had struggled with her weight all her life but feels that being put on a diet aged six, when she was simply a chubby child, triggered her secret eating problems.

She explained: I was always overweight. But, looking back now, when I was a kid, I was chubby. I wasnt hugely obese. Being put on a diet at just six years old simply meant I started eating in secret.

Always big growing up, she then gained weight once she settled into married life with Richard after tying the knot 28 years ago, which was compounded by her first pregnancy. Struggling to conceive her second daughter, she managed to lose 5st between having her two children, but regained it all and then some with the arrival of her youngest girl.

She said: The food I was eating wasnt all bad. Ive never been a binger. Im a full-time mum now, but I was working full time then as a teaching assistant and there wasnt a lot of time for planning and cooking. Wed have takeaways nearly every week.

There were always cakes and chocolates in the staff room at school and Id eat all of those, too. Then Id go to the supermarket to do the shopping and reward myself with a bar of chocolate on the way home.

While her boating embarrassment got her through the doors of a slimming club in August 2015, her commitment was half-hearted.

She said: I spent the next few years losing and gaining the same stone. I wasnt sticking to the plan. Life just got in the way and I wasnt prioritising myself.

But in 2019, Rachel and her family moved to Ossett for Richards work, and she stopped working, giving her time to recommit to dieting, especially when the country went into its first Covid lockdown. Determined to shift her excess weight for good, recommitting to WW, Rachel began planning all the familys meals in advance.

She would also send Richard shopping with a list, to avoid her being tempted to buy extra calorific treats.

She said: Id write a list and hed stick to it. Chocolate wasnt on there. It was quite simply a case of if I didnt have it in the house, I wouldnt eat it.

Only initially wanting to reach a size 18, Rachels weight loss continued, and she was soon walking five miles a day. And she was delighted when she tried her size 18 wedding dress on last year and found it was too big.

In time for her big 50th birthday party in May 2022, which she celebrated with a murder mystery bash, she was a slimline size 14/16 and weighed just 13st 10lb, giving her a far healthier BMI of 28.3.

Having lost an incredible 14st 3lb, Rachel said: Ive got to where my happy weight is. I could lose more, but I wouldnt be able to maintain it. The girls and Richard are so proud of me. And I am proud of myself.

Im active with my family for the first time. Just the other day we were playing Frisbee, while the old me would just have been sat in the car!

Rachel's diet before

Breakfast cereal and skimmed milk

Lunch three slices of bread in a sandwich, a lot of fruit

Dinner huge portions of pasta or two chicken Kyivs and tinned spaghetti

Snacks chocolate

Drinks water and coffee

Rachel's diet now

Breakfast porridge oats with raspberries and blueberries

Lunch salad or spinach with smoked fish

Dinner chicken and jacket potatoes and salad or a small portion of spag bol

Snacks chickpea cake and fruit

Drinks water

For more information or details on how to join WW, visit http://www.ww.com/uk

See original here:
Weight Watchers mum sheds 14st after nearly capsizing a boat - Wales Online

Its safe to say last night was not the game Leeds would have wanted, but things were always going to be tough without skipper Kruise Leeming.

A former Giants, he was named man of the match in Leeds 40-4 win over Warrington last week but was unavailable through illness as the Rhinos travelled to Leemings old stomping ground.

His absence was key as Huddersfield dominated the middle controlling the Leeds ruck and limiting the speed at which their forwards were subsequently allowed to make metres off the back of it.

After the game, his coach Rohan Smith shed some more light on the situation as he clearly demonstrated the character of Leeming who still wanted to play: Kruise has been ill for a few days. He tried to get moving yesterday but hes actually a bit worse today than yesterday. He wanted to play but we couldnt allow him to go out there and we ruled him out late this afternoon.

I hope he wakes up and feels a bit better.

Its unclear whether this will impact Leemings chances of picking up another England appearance next week against the Combined Nations. Ironically, he played for the Combined Nations against England last year before making his England debut against France at the end of the season.

With the likes of Paul McShane chomping at the bit to wrap up the England number nine shirt, Leeming will want to give himself the best shot at securing the jersey in Shaun Wanes side.

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Rohan Smith sheds light on Kruise Leeming situation demonstrating the character of the Leeds Rhinos skipper - Serious About Rugby League

EL PASO, TX - The murder trial of Ricardo Marquez continued today, and witnesses provided their testimony to the court.

An officer with the El Paso Police Department was the first witness of the day, and his testimony revealed that he was the one that collected evidence from Marquez's brother-in-law's Jeep. Pictures of the Jeep's cargo area were shown, including a mat that had been sprayed with luminol by the officer. The mat had illuminated, indicating that blood may have been on it, but the officer would not confirm if it was indeed blood. He stated that various things can cause illumination, such as copper, iron unrelated to blood, dirt, and plant-based items.

The rest of the witnesses included forensic experts and scientists from the Department of Public Safety. Forensic scientist Jessica Gonzalez-Pea testified that she was able to confirm that blood was present on a mat found in Marquez's garage. Despite this, she could not confirm how old the blood was or if it could be attributed to Gaytan.

Kathy Serrano, another forensic scientist for DPS, stated that she was tasked with finding and identifying DNA from both Gaytan and Marquez. Using a DNA profile taken from Gaytan's toothbrush, she was able to compare the DNA found in the back of the Jeep to Gaytan. She found that the DNA had a probability of greater than 4 times that it could be Gaytan's. However, she testified that the probability was still too low to call the DNA a definitive match to Gaytan. Serrano then underwent cross-examination.

Originally posted here:
Ricardo Marquez trial update: Witness testimony sheds more light into what may have happened to Erika Gaytan - KVIA

We are Oklahomas largest koi pond and decorative water garden builder. After over 20 years, we understand the science of ponds and pass on our passion for excellence to our customers.

Come visit our showroom and see our craftsmanship in person. We have several display ponds onsite. All you have to do is pick your favorite design. We also staff full time year round pond service professionals for pond cleaning and pond repairs.

Did you know that we even build koi ponds in the winter? Ponds are our full time passion, not just something we do on the side. Youll rest easy knowing that you hired a landscape pond company with a retail storefront that will always be available to assist you and your pond needs.

Service after the sale is extremely important to us. Let us show you how waterfalls and water gardens can enhance your lifestyle. Koi Ponds and decorative water gardens accentuate your yard and provide a wow factor that is achieved by little else. Water features add a unique look to your yard but they also help you relax and unwind so you can enjoy the serenity of your yard.

Contact Garden Ponds Unlimited TODAY! 405-799-7663

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Water Garden Ponds OKC | Water Features | Garden Ponds Unlimited

In other to grow fish, itis necessary to have a suitable fish pond for better fish production. A fish pond issimply an artificial structure/habitat that meets the necessary requirements for growing fish. As youread down, you will learn how fish pond design and construction is carried outfrom start to finish. Before we discussthe steps involved, lets look at the general features of a fish pond.

Although there are many kinds of fish ponds, the following are the main features and structures associated with them in general:

A typical earthen fish pond should be about 300m2. Although ponds can be much larger than this, having several small ponds rather than one large one will allow you harvest fish more often.

A shortcoming to this is that, many but small ponds are more expensive to construct as compared to a few but larger ponds. Small ponds also waste a lot of space in comparison. However, very large ponds take long to fill and drain and are also difficult to manage.

The physical attributes of a pond usually have a direct influence on achievable levels of production and returns. The main physical factors to consider are the land area, water supply and the soil water retention capacity.

Select land area with a gentle slope and layout ponds in a way that will take advantage of existing land contours. A farmer should determine an area large enough for the present plans and any future expansion. Also, ensure that such an area is not prone to flooding.

A good water source will be relatively free of silt, aquatic insects, potential predators, and toxic substances, and it will have high concentration of dissolved oxygen. The quantity and quality of water should be adequate to support production throughout the culture period.

The most common water sources can be spring water, seepage water, rainwater or run-off, tide water (marine ponds), water from bore holes (wells), or water pumped or diverted from a river, lake, or reservoir. Wells and springs are generally preferred for their consistently high quality water.

A simple test can be carried out to determine the suitability of the soil for pond construction:

1. Dampen a handful of soil with water. Use only enough water to dampen the sample (do not saturate it).

2. Squeeze the sample tightly in your hand.

3. Open your hand:

The quality of soil influences both productivity and water quality in a pond. Farmers should consider importing clay soil for compacting the pond bottom, sides and core trench to minimize seepage.

=> Consider the intended culture practices to be carried out: In designing the fish farm, it should be decided as to where and how many nursery, rearing and stocking ponds are to be constructed.

=> It is important to know the exact size, maximum depth, average depth, and water volume of the pond. This information becomes useful in calculating the amount of herbicide needed for weed control and the number of fish fingerlings needed for stocking.

=>The water source must be able to keep the pond full throughout the culture period.

=> Relatively shallow ponds are productive, but the shallow end should be at least 0.5 m deep to avoid invasion by weeds.

=> It is always desirable to place screens on pond inlets and outlets to keep out predators, insects, and unwanted fish, and to retain the cultured fish.

=> Every pond should be drainable.

=> Every pond should have an independent controlled inlet and outlet.

=> Excavation of a core trench should be done where soils are less suitable.

=> Perimeter and feeder roads are required to provide for movement of machines during construction and at harvest.

=> If you plan to drive on the dykes, build them at least 3 meters wide on top, and wider at the base.

=> Soil used to build dykes should always be compacted in layers.

In conclusion, a pond must be able to hold water and sustain favorable conditions for production. One should also be able to undertake the required pond management activities (such as harvesting and feeding) effectively, with relative ease and safety.

Consequently, poorly constructed ponds, give poorer production yields and returns. This is because additional management efforts and associated costs are required to achieve comparable yields. Paying attention to pond design and construction detail is, therefore, the first step to successful pond production.

Please do well to leave a comment if you need more help.

Read more from the original source:
How to Design and Construct a Fish Pond - Agro4africa

Stormwater is a major concern because if not properly handled, it can lead to flooding, erosion, and pollution of neighboring water bodies. Therefore, it is important to manage stormwater using the right tools and techniques.

Retention ponds are one of the most popular ways that help in managing stormwater. They are man-made, shallow bodies of water that are built to hold stormwater runoff in order to avoid flooding.

A well-designed retention pond will reduce the negative environmental effects of stormwater runoff. In addition, it will provide additional benefits such as water storage and wildlife habitat.

In this post, we will cover everything you need to know about retention ponds, from basic design principles to available structures and costs.

A retention pond is a man-made pond created by digging out or building an earthen dam to hold back stormwater runoff collected from a drainage area. It is designed to prevent flooding, prevent erosion, and improve water quality.

A retention pond collects stormwater during a storm and slowly releases it back into the natural environment. Therefore, it should be built on a slope that directs water into the pond to achieve this goal.

A retention ponds bottom is typically lined with an impermeable material that prevents water from seeping out. This allows the pond to retain and slowly release the water rather than letting it run off quickly.

A well-designed retention pond will offer a high level of stormwater treatment, which will improve the water quality before it is released back into the environment.

Because stormwater runoff can carry significant amounts of sediment and chemicals into these ponds during heavy storms.

Retention ponds are popular in residential areas because they can be constructed quickly and with little excavation. Theyre also very attractive to look at, and if well-designed, they can even become the propertys focal point.

Existing natural water bodies are not suitable as retention ponds. Because they will only add to the flooding problem in the surrounding area.

A retention pond works by storing stormwater and slowly releasing it back into the environment. It is often used as a way to treat polluted runoff from urban areas, which helps improve overall water quality downstream.

In order for a retention pond to function properly, its surroundings must have enough slope to direct stormwater into its basin. If the surrounding land is not properly sloped, stormwater may have difficulty entering the retention pond.

When water enters a retention pond, it flows over an outfall structure, which regulates how fast and in which direction it flows downstream. During heavy rains, there may be an excess of runoff entering these ponds, causing them to overflow and release water more quickly than usual.

To avoid this, a well-designed spillway should be installed to help manage the flow of stormwater runoff downstream. When the ponds water level reaches a certain level, it will spill over the designated path and flow downstream.

Retention ponds can be built in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on the landscape. However, they should always be built with the local environment in mind to avoid harming wildlife habitat or water quality.

Although retention ponds appear to be a single structure, they are actually a collection of smaller zones. Each zone serves a specific purpose and should be managed in accordance with the overall goals of the retention pond system.

All retention ponds should be built to handle the maximum amount of stormwater runoff from a given storm event.

The amount of water that a retention pond can store is determined by its storage capacity and infiltration rate. Therefore, it is important to build it with the appropriate size so that it will not overflow during heavy rainstorms.

Here is a list of different zones in a typical retention pond:

A sediment forebay is a settling basin at the start of a retention pond system. It works by slowing stormwater runoff and preventing sediment from entering the retention ponds main body.

Sediment forebays should be large enough to allow for adequate settling time before the water enters other parts of the pond. This aids in the removal of debris and sediments from water, thereby reducing pollution.

The main basin of the retention pond is the main body of water that captures stormwater runoff. This is where the majority of filtration processes occur which reduces pollutants in stormwater runoff.

Main basins can be designed to achieve a variety of water quality retention goals. However, they should always have enough space to store stormwater runoff and slowly release it downstream while maintaining nearby water levels.

Infiltration basins are located at the end of retention ponds before the water flows downstream. The purpose of this zone is to allow for additional filtration processes so that the water quality entering surrounding areas remains high.

It should have a large storage area that allows it to hold back stormwater runoff during heavy rainstorms while releasing at an acceptable rate until the next rainfall event occurs.

The outfall structure governs how water flows from the main basin into the retention pond systems downstream sections. It is designed to release stormwater runoff at a slow and controlled rate during rainstorms.

Outfall structures are made up of two parts: the control structure (weir) and the outlet pipe. Depending on the design requirements for each retention pond system, the outflow structure should include both of these elements.

The spillway is a controlled release path that is used to manage the flow of stormwater runoff downstream during major rainstorms.

If too much water enters the retention pond system, it can spill over along this designated path and continue to flow downstream until the excess volume of water exits the system.

Retention ponds are an important part of the local communitys stormwater management solution. They help to reduce the amount of pollution entering into waterways by slowing down and filtering water before it enters downstream parts of the system.

Understanding each zone type can help you to better design a retention pond that will maintain optimal levels in surrounding areas while protecting wildlife habitats and improving water quality throughout your community.

Retention ponds can benefit the environment and the surrounding community in a variety of ways. Some of these benefits are immediate and can be seen right away, while others are long-term and will help to improve the surrounding environment over time.

Here are some of the primary benefits of retention ponds.

Retention ponds help reduce flooding by slowing runoff. This is critical during heavy rain events when stormwater runoff increases dramatically, causing waterways to overflow and potentially damaging surrounding areas.

However, in order to function properly, retention ponds must be appropriately sized for the catchment area and critical storm depth.

Retention ponds should be designed to reduce runoff for events as large as the drainage areas 1 in a 30-year storm (possibly larger), with excess stormwater discharged within 24 to 72 hours of the event.

Stormwater runoff has the potential to contaminate nearby waterways. Because water picks up harmful pollutants as it runs through lawns, streets, and parking lots.

Retention ponds filter the water runoff that enters them on a continuous basis. This keeps pollutants and other contaminants out of downstream waterways, where they can degrade water quality over time.

These pollutants include oil, grease, and heavy metals such as lead and mercury. A retention pond can trap these contaminants in the water to some extent before they are released back into the environment.

Because contaminants accumulate in retention ponds, it is critical to monitor water quality by sampling the water at least once every three months. This will allow us to identify any problems that may arise with our pond.

Retention ponds help to conserve biodiversity by providing habitat for animals native to the area. Because the water in retention ponds provides a safe haven for fish, birds, insects, reptiles, and amphibians.

Frogs, turtles, salamanders, minnows, and crayfish are among the species that live in or near the pond, while others feed on insects found along its banks.

Retention ponds also help gradually recharge groundwater levels by recharging the groundwater aquifer with rainwater.

Erosion is a natural process in which the earths surface is worn away by water and wind. Erosion can be caused by fast-moving water or wind carrying sediment, sand, and debris.

Retention ponds are intended to slow the speed of surface runoff so that it does not cause as much disturbance on land surfaces, thereby preventing erosion in surrounding areas.

This reduces soil loss during high-intensity rainfall events while also trapping sediment, debris, and other particles in the process.

Retention ponds large surface area allows them to absorb sunlight, which can help reduce the peak temperature of the surrounding environment during the summer.

High temperatures can be harmful to animals and plants, which cannot survive in such extreme conditions for long. As a result, lowering the temperature helps to prevent overheating problems from developing over time.

Retention ponds provide both green space and open water. Depending on the quantity and distribution of vegetation, they can help to create cool islands in metropolitan areas (as a result of evapotranspiration, water supply, shading).

Retention ponds prevent pollution by trapping sediment, debris, and other particles that are being carried along in the water before they can reach nearby waterways. Although retention ponds cannot remove all pollutants from the water, they can reduce contaminants by trapping them.

Good design and adequate maintenance are likely to improve the ability to achieve high efficacy in pollutant removal.

A retention ponds capacity to remove pollutants from runoff will improve with time if it receives adequate maintenance and care. Because a pond is a living environment, it will eventually become more effective as plants and animals grow.

Retention ponds provide an excellent defense against landslides because they prevent the rapid flow of water over a large area.

When rainfall occurs rapidly, water can flow downhill to a nearby body of water which causes erosion. This reduces the stability of land surfaces and increases the risk of landslides occurring over time.

Retention ponds reduce this risk by slowing down surface runoff so it does not cause as much disturbance to slopes or hills surrounding them.

Plants and trees help to remove CO from the atmosphere through photosynthesis, which absorbs C02. Though ponds do not directly absorb or retain carbon dioxide, they can increase habitat for plants that are able to effectively capture this greenhouse gas.

Retention ponds provide a place where aquatic vegetation can grow while also providing an additional source of food for many organisms which increases biodiversity. This can help to increase the ability of vegetation in and around a pond to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions over time.

Ponds can help to store water for later use. They assist the landscapes ability to retain water in the event of a flood and, by slowing down runoff, make this water accessible for other uses (such as water to sustain aquatic and riparian ecology in and around the pond), though they are unlikely to be big enough to store water for significant human usage.

Natural vegetation and aquatic plants provide biomass production. Though retention ponds cannot produce a significant amount of biomass on their own, they can help to increase the total amount produced by an ecosystem over time as more organisms grow in and around them.

Produced biomass can attract wildlife and help with small-scale bioenergy production.

A wetland is an ecosystem that contains both terrestrial and aquatic plants. A retention pond can be designed to mimic some features of a natural wetland by including various types of wetlands vegetation as part of its design.

Wetlands vegetation helps to purify water by removing pollutants and trapping sediment, which improves the overall quality of runoff. They can also improve biodiversity in an area while providing a habitat for many organisms that cannot survive in open areas without major changes.

Climate change is an important issue facing many countries around the world. Freshwater ecosystems are at risk from many changes to the environment.

In particular, coastal wetlands that serve as natural buffers against flooding and storm surges could be lost due to rising sea levels or increased surface runoff in wetland areas leading to saltwater intrusion into freshwater systems.

Retention ponds contribute to adaptation to higher storm intensity storm occurrences projected as a result of climate change by helping to decrease urban runoff and flooding.

Furthermore, if additional vegetation, particularly woody vegetation, is introduced, it may boost carbon sequestration and help to moderate urban temperatures.

Ponds are great places to go fishing, boating, kayaking, or canoeing in order to spend time outside and enjoy the beauty of nature. They may also provide space for animals that require both land and water habitats.

They may even include pathways that allow people to walk or bike around them. This provides more opportunities for the community to engage with nature in a positive way.

Ponds can help to increase property value because they add an interesting outdoor feature that can be used for recreation and enjoyment. They also add natural beauty to the surrounding landscape which may help increase a sense of peace or well-being in people who live nearby.

Therefore, if you are thinking of selling your property, building a retention pond could help attract more buyers that may be interested in the unique outdoor feature.

Although retention ponds are useful for many reasons, they do have some disadvantages that you should consider before building one on your property or in the surrounding community.

Here are some things to think about:

Retention ponds need to be maintained regularly because the water tends to become stagnant over time.

The stagnation creates an environment that is more likely to support harmful bacteria and other pathogens rather than the desirable algae and vegetation that is present in healthy ponds.

This can be done by regularly removing any excess plant growth, adding additional aeration devices to improve circulation and oxygen levels, and removing any dead animals that may have accumulated around the pond.

Retention ponds can create a drowning hazard, especially for young children and pets.

Therefore, it is important to take precautions when building a retention pond in an area where there are likely to be children or animals.

A retention pond can provide a habitat for mosquitoes if it is not properly maintained. This happens when the water becomes stagnant and the mosquitoes find it as a suitable breeding ground.

In order to prevent this from becoming an issue, you should take measures such as adding additional aeration devices and removing any excess plant growth so that the water is not allowed to become stagnant over time.

If you plan on having a retention pond in your yard, it is important to take measures like working with a pest control service to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in the area.

Although a well-maintained retention pond can provide a habitat for fish and other aquatic life, stagnant water is not ideal for the health of the organisms.

This is especially a bigger concern for smaller ponds that are not capable of sustaining a certain type of water quality and nutrient balance that is necessary for the survival of these species.

In order to keep your pond healthy and prevent fish from dying, you should regularly add aeration devices that will improve circulation and oxygen levels in the water. You can also remove dead animals or plants on a regular basis if they begin to accumulate around the area.

Retention ponds are built to retain water, but they also need access to drain if they are to be effective. This is why its important for the pond to have a drainage system in place that will help prevent standing water or overflow.

A drainage system that is poorly designed and maintained can lead to the pond overflowing and causing flooding in nearby areas, which can be both messy and dangerous.

A retention pond can make a significant impact on the environment especially if it is in an undeveloped area.

Construction of retention ponds almost always requires the clearing of natural vegetation and/or generating pollution, losing healthy soil, and disturbing the natural ecosystem.

If you are building a retention pond in an area that was previously undeveloped, it is important to take these factors into consideration before starting construction on one.

A well-maintained retention pond is an attractive asset that contributes greatly to the environment. To keep your pond healthy and looking great, here are some tips on how to maintain it:

All ponds accumulate trash, whether its from natural causes or through human interference. In order to keep your pond clean, you should make sure to regularly inspect it for visible trash and remove it as soon as possible.

As mentioned earlier, retention ponds can be low-oxygen environments that are not conducive to the survival of fish and other aquatic life. To keep your pond healthy, you should install aeration devices in order to improve circulation and oxygen levels throughout the water column.

One of the most important factors in maintaining a healthy pond is its drainage system.

If its not properly designed and maintained, there can be standing water or overflow which will cause significant problems for surrounding areas. You should regularly inspect this area to make sure that everything is working as intended and fix any issues immediately.

If your drainage system is damaged or poorly maintained, then water can accumulate and become stagnant instead of draining properly.

This lets mosquitoes breed in the area which causes a public health concern for everyone living nearby. To make sure your drainage system is in good working order, have a professional inspect it regularly.

The water quality of your pond should be tested regularly to make sure it does not have high levels of nitrogen or phosphates, which are toxic to fish and other aquatic life.

However, there are some clear signs that should let you know if your pond is not doing well simply by looking at it.

If your pond is green, brown, or has a blue-green tint to the water then you should have it tested right away to make sure its safe for your aquatic life. If you can see algae, scum, or foam on the surface of your pond then it is most likely due to excess nutrients, and you should have it tested right away.

Although retention ponds provide a habitat for aquatic life, it may not be possible to achieve it immediately after the pond is created. To accelerate the process, you should plan ahead and provide the right habitat for your aquatic life.

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Retention Ponds: [Everything You Need to Know About]

Ponds used for holding koi

Koi ponds are ponds used for holding koi carp, usually as part of a garden. Koi ponds can be designed specifically to promote health and growth of the Nishikigoi or Japanese Ornamental Carp. Koi ponds or lakes are a traditional feature of Japanese gardens, but many hobbyists use special ponds in small locations, with no attempt to suggest a natural landscape feature.

The architecture of the koi pond can have a great effect on the health and well being of the koi. The practice of keeping koi often revolves around "finishing" a koi at the right time. The concept of finishing means that the fish has reached its highest potential. Koi clubs hold shows where koi keepers bring their fish for judging.[1]

Koi pond with extensive filtration

Pond with liner installed, note vertical walls and bottom drains

Pond windows are increasingly installed in contemporary koi ponds.

The skimmer allows water to be drawn from the surface of the pond. It collects leaves, pollen, twigs, uneaten food and all other kinds of floating debris. The skimmer usually has a clean out basket that can be quickly emptied on a regular basis to allow the skimmer to run properly. Most floating skimmers will also have a foam that sits underneath the basket to filter out the finer particles. Also, depending on the skimmer, fish and other live critters may get stuck in the skimmer so it is a good idea to check the skimmer on a regular basis. If there is a self fill valve in the pond, try to install it out in the pond area and not in the skimmer. If the skimmer becomes clogged with debris and the water level drops in the skimmer, the fill valve may over fill the pond.

Bottom drains are not required in water gardens but are very beneficial for Koi Ponds. When used in a pond that does or does not have rocks on the bottom, a bottom drain allows the heavy solids to be carried to the mechanical filter. In addition, many bottom drains are equipped with air diffusers, adding much needed oxygen to a pond. And depending on the size of the pond, larger ponds will work more efficient with a bottom drain especially if there are jets in place pushing all debris toward the drain. Also, if there is a place where an external pump can be installed, you can have the water pumped out to a drainage area quicker and more efficiently.

Mechanical filtration can be accomplished in many different ways. The job of this filter is to trap solids, preventing them from clogging the Biological filter. The mechanical filter should be backwashed or cleaned out often. Types of mechanical filters include Vortex, brushes, matting, sand and gravel, sieve screen, and settlement chamber. If a BOG is installed into the pond, plants can be planted in it to filter the water even more.

Biological filters convert the nitrogenous wastes from the fish. This cycle is called the nitrogen cycle. A biofilter can be constructed in many different ways. It is important for the koi keeper to understand how the filter is to be cleaned before they install one. Proper and regular cleaning of the mechanical and biological filters is critical for the health and quality of the koi. Bio-filters are sometimes divided into sub groups such as aerated or non-aerated. Types of bio-filters include:[2]

For natural Eco System ponds, beneficial bacteria must be put into the pond to assist in the natural balance of the bond. When this is accomplished, and the pond is a sustainable ecosystem pond, try not to changed out the water to often because you could be upsetting the natural balance of the pond. When the pond becomes balanced, it will sustain itself.

An ultraviolet light is used to make algae flocculate (form into clumps), so that they can be removed by mechanical filtration. The UV sterilizer will also kill free-floating bacteria in the pond water. And in some cases, the UV light can kill some types of pathogens in the water[3] that can infect the fish and possibly kill them.

Water pumps move water through the filter system and back to the pond in a recirculating manner. The important thing to understand about pumps is that they be sized to the pond and the filter system. When the total back pressure in the system is considered, a pump should be circulating the total volume of water at least once per hour for proper water quality. An air pump can be used to increase dissolved oxygen. In a heavily stocked koi pond, an air pump is a necessity. Along with the water pumps, there must be jets placed in areas where there is little to no water flow to keep stagnant water from forming and possibly assisting in preventing mosquito larva from breeding.

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Koi pond - Wikipedia