Greta Jimenez
Green algae, or cyanobacteria, have been a problem for bodies of water for centuries, with Spanish explorers recording blooms along Florida's coast in the 1500s. Algal blooms are a rapid increase in the density of algae in an aquatic system, often caused by an overabundance of nitrogen and phosphorus in the water. These excess nutrients can come from sources such as agricultural and urban runoff, sewage discharges, and detergents containing phosphorus. When the conditions are right, with warm, calm weather and the right sunlight intensity, algal blooms can occur, turning the water a noticeable green colour and causing a range of issues for the environment, human health, and local economies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is it? | Blue-green algae are not algae but types of bacteria called cyanobacteria. |
| How does it occur? | Blue-green algae thrive in warm, nutrient-rich water. When conditions are right, they can grow quickly, forming blooms. |
| Causes | Nutrient pollution, especially an overabundance of nitrogen and phosphorus. |
| Sources of pollution | Agricultural and urban runoff, sewage discharges, detergents containing phosphorus, commercial fertilizers, stormwater runoff, septic tanks, livestock waste. |
| Impact | Ugly, foul-smelling, and sometimes toxic, algal blooms impact clear water, recreation, businesses, and property values. They can also cause health issues in humans and animals. |
| Prevention | Reducing the amount of nutrients getting into water bodies, improving wastewater treatment, stormwater management, and reducing the use of chemical fertilizers. |
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What You'll Learn
Green algae as a pollution indicator
Green algae have been a pollution problem for centuries, with historical records of blooms along Florida's coast dating back to the 1500s. However, reports of freshwater harmful algal blooms have increased significantly in the past 40 years, indicating a worsening of the issue.
Algal blooms, including those of green algae, are often associated with nutrient-related pollution, particularly an excess of nitrogen and phosphorus in water bodies. These nutrients can enter waterways through agricultural and urban runoff, sewage discharges, and detergents containing phosphorus. When these nutrient levels increase in a water body, combined with the right temperature, sunlight, and low flow conditions, it can trigger an algal bloom.
Green algae, specifically, can be an indicator of organic pollution. They are often found in high densities in sewage stabilization ponds, thriving in waters rich in nitrogen and phosphorus. Laboratory microscopic analysis of water samples helps determine the diversity and density of algal species and can provide early warnings of deteriorating water conditions.
The presence of green algae and other indicators, such as diatoms, are categorized using indices like the Palmer genus indices. These indices reflect different trophic conditions and are valuable tools for assessing water quality and eutrophic (nutrient-rich) conditions.
Controlling the intensity and frequency of algal blooms involves reducing the nutrients entering water bodies. This can be achieved by minimizing the use of chemical fertilizers, improving wastewater treatment, and reducing stormwater runoff from urban and agricultural areas. By addressing these pollution sources, we can mitigate the impact of green algae on aquatic ecosystems, drinking water supplies, and recreational water quality.
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Eutrophic lakes and algal blooms
Eutrophication is a process in which nutrients accumulate in a body of water, leading to increased growth of organisms, particularly algae, and depletion of oxygen in the water. This process is exacerbated by human activities such as agricultural, urban, and industrial practices, which introduce excess nutrients into water bodies through runoff and wastewater. The excess nutrients act as fertiliser, promoting the growth of algae and leading to algal blooms.
Eutrophic lakes are those that have undergone eutrophication and are characterised by high nutrient levels, particularly phosphorus and nitrogen, and increased algal growth. These lakes experience a range of issues due to the excessive algae. Firstly, algal blooms can directly impact water quality, creating an unpleasant appearance, odour, and taste. This not only affects the aesthetic value of the lake but also poses risks to human health, as the toxins produced by the algae can contaminate drinking water sources.
Secondly, eutrophication leads to the creation of "'dead zones'" within the lake. As the algae grow and reproduce, they block sunlight from reaching underwater plants, leading to their eventual death. When the algae die, they are consumed by bacteria, which use up the oxygen in the water, resulting in oxygen depletion. This lack of oxygen makes it impossible for aquatic life, such as fish and shellfish, to survive, leading to fish kills and a further decrease in biodiversity.
The economic impacts of eutrophic lakes are also significant. Commercial fisheries and shellfisheries located near eutrophic lakes have suffered losses due to the decline in fish populations and the degradation of habitats essential for fishing. Additionally, the presence of algal blooms and dead zones can affect recreational activities, such as swimming, and impact businesses and property values in the surrounding areas.
Addressing eutrophication and algal blooms in lakes requires a focus on reducing nutrient pollution. This can be achieved by minimising the amount of phosphorus and nitrogen entering the lake from sources such as lawn fertiliser, agricultural runoff, and wastewater. While it is challenging to control all factors contributing to eutrophication, implementing measures to reduce nutrient inputs can help minimise the frequency and intensity of algal blooms and mitigate their environmental, economic, and public health consequences.
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Algae and water taste/odour
Algal blooms are not only unsightly, but they can also be dangerous, impacting public health, aquatic ecosystems, and local economies. They are often foul-smelling and sometimes toxic, and have been known to cause the death of fish and other aquatic life.
Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, are not algae at all but are types of bacteria. They are usually present in bodies of water and thrive in warm, nutrient-rich water. Certain varieties of blue-green algae produce toxins that are harmful to humans and animals. These algal blooms can cause thick, green muck that impacts clear water, recreation, businesses, and property values.
Algae and cyanobacteria produce compounds that can be detected by our noses and taste buds at very low levels. These compounds are what give the water a bad taste and smell. There are over 200 different types of taste and odour compounds associated with algal groups, with MIB (Methylisoborneol) and Geosmin being the two most common. These compounds are described as having a dirty, fishy smell and taste. Other common odours caused by algal compounds include musty, earthy, salty, and rotten egg.
The taste and odour issues caused by algae are not just limited to drinking water. They can also affect water used for recreation, such as swimming and boating. It is important to monitor the presence of harmful algae in these bodies of water, as human and animal contact with water containing algal toxins can lead to illness. Symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, eye irritation, cough, sore throat, and headache.
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Green algae and nutrient pollution
Green algae, or blue-green algae, are not algae but types of bacteria called cyanobacteria. They are a vital group of bacteria and plants in aquatic ecosystems and are an important component of biological monitoring programs for evaluating water quality. They are suited to water quality assessment because of their nutrient needs, rapid reproduction rate, and very short life cycle.
Algal blooms are a rapid increase in the density of algae in an aquatic system. They can be dramatic and are a result of excess nutrients from fertilizer, wastewater, and stormwater runoff, coinciding with lots of sunlight, warm temperatures, and shallow, slow-flowing water. Algal blooms sometimes occur naturally, but their frequency, duration, and intensity are increased by nutrient pollution. Nutrient pollution significantly impacts drinking water supplies, aquatic life, and recreational water quality by supporting excessive algae growth. Nutrients reach water bodies through agricultural and urban runoff, sewage discharges, and detergents containing phosphorus.
Excess nitrogen and phosphorus can cause algae blooms. The overgrowth of algae consumes oxygen and blocks sunlight from underwater plants. When the algae eventually die, the oxygen in the water is consumed, making it impossible for aquatic life to survive. This creates dead zones, areas of water bodies where aquatic life cannot survive because of low oxygen levels. Dead zones are generally caused by significant nutrient pollution and are a problem for bays, lakes, and coastal waters since they receive excess nutrients from upstream sources.
To reduce the occurrence and intensity of harmful algal blooms, the St. Johns River Water Management District has focused its work on reducing nutrient pollution entering water bodies. The district, in partnership with other agencies, local governments, and water utilities, has designed and constructed dozens of tailor-made projects to restore degraded water bodies. Projects for nutrient reduction have included re-directing wastewater discharges from water bodies, stormwater collection and retention improvements, sanitary sewer collection improvements, and repairing or removing malfunctioning septic tanks.
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Green algae and human health
Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, are microscopic organisms that are naturally present in lakes and streams. They are not true algae but are types of bacteria with traits of both bacteria and algae. Under certain conditions, blue-green algae can proliferate rapidly in warm, shallow, nutrient-rich surface waters that receive ample sunlight. This process, known as a bloom, can discolour the water or produce floating mats or scums on the surface.
Blue-green algae blooms can have adverse effects on human health. The toxins produced by certain varieties of blue-green algae are linked to illnesses in humans. Exposure to these toxins can occur through direct skin contact, inhalation of airborne water droplets, or ingestion of contaminated water or fish. The health effects of exposure to blue-green algae toxins can include skin irritation, respiratory issues such as coughing and sore throat, allergic reactions, and gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea, and nausea. In more severe cases, ingestion of water with high levels of blue-green algal toxins has been associated with liver and nervous system effects in humans, as well as an increased risk of liver cancer, although further research is needed to establish a direct link.
It is important to note that common recreational water purification techniques, such as camping filters, tablets, and boiling, are ineffective in removing blue-green algae toxins from water. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid direct contact with water affected by blue-green algae blooms. If exposure occurs, individuals should remove any affected clothing and thoroughly wash themselves with clean water. Additionally, pets and livestock are highly susceptible to harmful algae due to their smaller size and tendency to swallow water while swimming.
To mitigate the health risks associated with blue-green algae, it is essential to control the intensity and frequency of blooms. This can be achieved by reducing the amount of nutrients, specifically phosphorus and nitrogen, entering water bodies from human activities. By minimising nutrient pollution, we can reduce the occurrence of harmful algal blooms and protect both human health and aquatic ecosystems.
In summary, blue-green algae blooms pose a significant threat to human health, and their impact can range from mild skin irritation to more severe health issues. By understanding the risks and taking preventive measures, we can minimise the harmful effects of blue-green algae on humans and the environment.
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Frequently asked questions
Green algae have been a pollution problem for centuries. Historical records from Spanish explorers in the 1500s mention blooms along Florida's coast.
Green algae pollution is caused by an overabundance of nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, in aquatic ecosystems. These nutrients can come from natural sources, such as runoff from urban and rural areas, as well as human activities like industrial discharges, wastewater treatment plants, and agricultural practices.
Green algae pollution, or algal blooms, can have detrimental effects on the environment, public health, and local economies. The decomposition of algae consumes oxygen, creating "dead zones" where aquatic life cannot survive. Algal blooms can also impact water quality, making it unsuitable for drinking and recreation, and supporting aquatic ecosystems. Additionally, exposure to algal toxins can cause health issues in humans and animals, including vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, and eye irritation.
