Read more about Algal Blooms

 

The occurrence of Harmful Algal Blooms is on the rise. These blooms occur when excess nutrients, mainly nitrogen and phosphorus enter the waterways. Many human activities such as the use of fertilizers in farms and lawns, sewage and runoff from industrial buildings contribute to excess nutrient pollution.

 

An excess of algae in the water leads to many issues. Algae needs oxygen to survive. When there is too much of it, the algae uses a lot of oxygen, resulting in a severely decreased amount of dissolved oxygen in the oceans. Since there is less oxygen, other plants and animals who depend on it will not be able to survive. The excess algal growth also blocks sunlight and in turn negatively affects the growth of other plants and animals. That will lead to "dead zones" that have no life.

 

Many local lakes in Kansas and Missouri, like the Pomme de Terre Lake or the Marion Reservoir, were reported to have toxic levels of blue-green algae. There are also reports of pets dying because they swam in contaminated lakes. Cyanobacteria, a particular kind of algae, can also lead to other issues. This alga can produce harmful toxins, such as microcystins, nodularin, or anatoxin that are dangerous to people, pets, and wildlife. Human or animal exposure to or ingestion of these toxins can cause skin rashes, liver toxicity, nervous system problems  and even death.

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Algal blooms are becoming increasingly frequent in freshwater ecosystems such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and reservoirs.

                          

Phosphorus is found in various household products including soap, detergent, and fertilizers. Improperly treated wastewater can release phosphorus into waterways. Algal blooms are one of the main effects of phosphorus pollution. Fertilizers, manure, and sewage are the primary anthropogenic sources of phosphorus pollution.  With frequent use it goes down the cycle and washes into rivers, lakes, and oceans.

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Extra Reading:​

1. “Harmful Algal Blooms and Your Health.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022, https://www.cdc.gov/harmful-algal-blooms/about/index.html

2. Ho, Jeff C., et al. “Widespread global increase in intense lake phytoplankton blooms since the 1980s.” Nature, vol. 574, no. 7780, 14 Oct. 2019, pp. 667–670, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-019-1648-7.