Greta Jimenez
Albemarle Sound, a large estuary on the coast of North Carolina, has been facing the issue of algal blooms since 2015. The algal blooms, caused by high amounts of phosphorus entering the water body, have led to health concerns and advisories against swimming in the affected areas. With a history of trade route significance and indigenous habitation, the sound's water quality is of utmost importance. The NC Department of Environmental Quality regularly monitors the water quality, sampling for Enterococci and providing updates on swimming advisories. While efforts are being made to combat pollution, the recurrence of algal blooms in Albemarle Sound raises concerns about the ecological health of this important water body.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of water body | Large estuary |
| Location | Coast of North Carolina, United States |
| Rivers it is connected to | Chowan, Roanoke, Perquimans, Pasquotank, Little River |
| Water type | Brackish or fresh, turning into saltwater where it meets the ocean |
| Pollution | Algal blooms, high amounts of phosphorus |
| Algal bloom status as of June 2019 | Observed along the eastern and western banks of the Perquimans River, Pasquotank River near Elizabeth City, and the western shore of the Chowan River |
| Action taken | The public was urged to avoid contact with green or blue water in the area and to wash thoroughly if exposed |
| Agencies involved | N.C. Division of Water Resources, N.C. Division of Public Health |
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What You'll Learn
High levels of phosphorus and nitrogen
In response to the issue of high levels of phosphorus and nitrogen, the Albemarle Resource Conservation and Development Council (ARC&D) has been working to reduce nutrient runoff and sediment flowing to creeks, rivers, bays, and sounds. The ARC&D has found that implementing buffer zones, such as riparian buffers, can be an effective way to reduce nitrogen loadings to streams. Research in North Carolina's Neuse basin coastal plain found that buffers with widths of 100 to 165 feet reduced total nitrogen loadings to streams by 85% or more.
The ARC&D has also been monitoring water quality and providing updates on algal blooms in the Albemarle Sound and surrounding areas. In May 2019, an ARC&D Council member reported a 1,600-acre algal bloom in the Little River, which is part of the Albemarle Sound estuary system. Water samples collected by the council member and their team indicated that high amounts of phosphorus were entering the river through its tributaries.
The issue of high levels of phosphorus and nitrogen in the Albemarle Sound is not an isolated incident. The Albemarle Sound is a large estuary located at the confluence of several rivers, including the Chowan and Roanoke. The sound is an important trade route and has a long history of human settlement, including early English colonists and the indigenous Pamlico tribe. The diverse usage of the sound, including agriculture, industry, and recreation, contributes to the complexity of managing water quality and nutrient levels.
Overall, the high levels of phosphorus and nitrogen in the Albemarle Sound are a cause for concern due to their impact on water quality and the ecosystem. The issue has brought together various organizations, including universities, state agencies, non-profit organizations, and volunteer groups, to work towards reducing nutrient runoff and improving water quality in the Albemarle Sound and its surrounding water bodies.
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Public health risks
Albemarle Sound, a large estuary on the coast of North Carolina, has been subject to algal blooms since 2015, which pose a risk to public health. The blooms are caused by high amounts of phosphorus entering the river through its tributaries. While the water in Albemarle Sound is typically brackish or fresh, the presence of algal blooms can cause it to turn green or blue, indicating potential health hazards.
The public has been advised to avoid contact with the water when algal blooms are present, especially in areas with slow water movement, commonly on the east side of rivers. If exposed, individuals are instructed to wash thoroughly with clean water. In the event that a child or pet appears ill after exposure to the water, immediate medical or veterinary care is recommended.
Algal blooms can have detrimental effects on human health. The North Carolina Division of Public Health has provided information on the potential health risks associated with exposure to algal blooms. While the specific health effects are not explicitly mentioned, it is crucial to follow the recommended precautions and seek medical attention if necessary.
The presence of algal blooms in Albemarle Sound highlights the importance of water quality monitoring and management. The North Carolina Division of Water Resources and the Albemarle Resource Conservation and Development Council are actively working to address the issue. Efforts include monitoring the blooms, researching potential causes, and implementing best management practices to reduce nutrient and sediment flow into the waterways.
To ensure the safety of the public, it is essential to follow the guidelines provided by official sources, such as the North Carolina Division of Water Resources and local health agencies. By staying informed and taking appropriate precautions, individuals can protect themselves from potential health risks associated with algal blooms in Albemarle Sound.
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Water quality testing
Visual Inspection and Sampling
Water bodies can be visually inspected for signs of pollution, such as discolouration or the presence of algae. In the case of Albemarle Sound, state officials have warned the public to avoid contact with green or blue water due to algal blooms. Water samples can be collected and analysed to identify specific pollutants. For example, water samples from the Little River indicated high amounts of phosphorus entering through tributaries.
Temperature and Flow Rate Measurement
By selecting two points along a river with similar conditions and measuring the temperature simultaneously, one can determine thermal pollution if the temperature difference exceeds 2 degrees Celsius. Flow rate can be determined by floating a buoyant object, like an orange, downstream and timing its progress.
Testing for Specific Contaminants
Water quality test kits are available for home use, allowing individuals to test their water for various contaminants. These kits can detect heavy metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic, as well as pesticides, industrial compounds, and bacteria like coliform. More specialised tests, such as the Tap Score PFAS Water Test, can detect per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) used in the manufacture of household goods. These tests provide detailed reports on the levels of contaminants and offer guidance on any necessary remediation.
Monitoring Nutrient Levels
Nitrogen and phosphorus levels are critical factors in the growth of algae. By testing water for nitrates and phosphates, scientists can monitor and control eutrophication, which leads to increased plant growth and decay. This information can help predict and manage algal blooms.
Implementing Best Management Practices
In the case of Albemarle Sound, various organisations are working together to identify the drivers of algal blooms and implement best management practices. This includes reducing the flow of nutrients and sediments into waterways. Research has shown that establishing riparian buffers of a certain width can significantly reduce nitrogen loadings in streams, thereby mitigating pollution levels.
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Causes of algal blooms
Algal blooms are a rapid increase in the density of algae in an aquatic system. While they sometimes occur naturally, human activities can increase their frequency, duration, and intensity. Here are some of the key causes of algal blooms:
Nutrient Pollution
An overabundance of essential plant nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, can cause algal blooms. These nutrients can enter waterways from point sources, such as industrial and wastewater treatment plant discharges, and nonpoint sources, such as septic tanks, stormwater runoff, and nutrient-enriched rainfall.
Climate Change
Climate change can increase the growth and frequency of algal blooms in fresh, salt, and brackish water. Rising temperatures in bodies of water, such as Lake Erie, have contributed to large harmful algal blooms that last into the early winter months.
Slow Water Movement
Algal blooms are more likely to occur during periods of slow water movement, such as in areas with shallow, slow-flowing water or during droughts. This allows nutrients to accumulate and creates favourable conditions for algal growth.
Water Temperature
Warmer water temperatures can promote the growth of algae. This is why algal blooms are more common during the summer and fall seasons, as warmer water temperatures coincide with higher sunlight exposure, creating ideal conditions for algal proliferation.
Changes in Local Ecology
Changes in the local ecology, or how living things interact with the environment and each other, can also impact the growth of algal blooms. For example, an increase in nutrient runoff from farms or residential areas can contribute to excess nutrients in waterways, promoting algal growth.
In the case of Albemarle Sound, algal blooms have been a recurring issue since 2015, with reports of blooms along the Perquimans River, Pasquotank River, and Chowan River. These blooms can have negative ecological impacts and may require public health warnings to avoid contact with affected waters.
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Pollution reduction strategies
The Albemarle Sound, a large estuary on the coast of North Carolina, has been facing the issue of algal blooms since 2015, which has led to concerns about pollution and water quality. While the sound has a significant history as a trade route and is of importance to the indigenous Pamlico people, it is now a site of environmental concern.
Identify and Reduce Nutrient Hotspots
Research has identified that algal blooms are caused by high levels of nutrients, particularly phosphorus, entering the water bodies. By identifying and reducing these nutrient hotspots, the frequency and intensity of algal blooms can be decreased. This involves implementing best management practices in agriculture and other industries to reduce nutrient runoff into creeks, rivers, and sounds.
Increase Buffer Widths
Riparian buffers play a crucial role in reducing nitrogen loadings in water bodies. Research has shown that wider buffers of 100 to 165 feet can reduce nitrogen levels by up to 85%. Therefore, increasing the width of riparian buffers, especially in areas with high water tables and extensive woody vegetation, can significantly improve water quality in Albemarle Sound.
Regular Monitoring and Public Awareness
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality regularly monitors water quality through the Division of Marine Fisheries and provides updates on swimming advisories. Regular monitoring helps identify areas of concern and implement timely actions. Additionally, public awareness campaigns can educate people about the potential risks of exposure to algal blooms and the necessary precautions, such as thoroughly washing themselves and their pets after potential exposure.
Collaboration and Partnerships
Addressing pollution in Albemarle Sound requires collaboration between various organizations. Local and regional non-profits, state and federal agencies, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, towns, counties, local farmers, and universities must work together to effectively combat pollution. By combining resources and expertise, these partnerships can implement sustainable solutions and best practices to reduce pollution and improve water quality in Albemarle Sound.
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Frequently asked questions
The water quality of Albemarle Sound varies. The NC Department of Environmental Quality regularly tests the water for Enterococci, a type of bacteria that indicates faecal contamination. Sites are marked green when the geometric mean is below 35 units of enterococci per 100 ml of water and red when it exceeds 35 units.
The presence of Enterococci bacteria in Albemarle Sound is likely due to faecal contamination, which can come from a variety of sources, including sewage overflows, stormwater runoff, and wildlife.
Swimming in water with high levels of Enterococci bacteria can pose health risks, such as gastrointestinal illnesses, skin infections, and other illnesses. It is recommended to check the latest water quality status before swimming and avoid swimming in areas marked as red.
Efforts are being made to improve water quality in Albemarle Sound. The Albemarle Resource Conservation and Development Council is working to reduce nutrient runoff and sediment flowing into the water bodies by implementing best management practices and increasing buffer widths along riparian areas.
Yes, the water quality of Albemarle Sound can be affected by natural factors such as wind and wave action, which can cause algal blooms to move and spread. Algal blooms can be harmful and can impact the water quality and ecosystem of the sound.
