Question

What are the primary causes for these algae blooms? In particular, what is the role of temperature? What are the downsides and dangers of algal blooms? Is it possible to predict the next episode of algal bloom? Do you think the algal bloom problem would be best addressed by federal government policy (e.g. Clear Water Act), by the city government, better water treatment in nearby communities, or better access to reliable environmental intelligence? Why?

Answer 1

The primary causes of algal blooms are the surface runoff caused by the rainwater from the areas such as farmland where the soil is enriched with nitrogen and phosphorous. Increase in temperature further enhances the algal growth because higher temperature prevents water from mixing with the cooler water present at the bottom and therefore, the algal growth increases from good sunlight and forms a thick dark green layer on the surface of the water body.

Algal blooms are detrimental to aquatic life as the thick layer that gets formed on water prevents the mixing of atmospheric oxygen which results in a gradual decline of the dissolved oxygen in water and leads to death of living organisms in water.It is possible to predict the algal blooms through satellite images and if remedial measures are taken at the right time this could prevent their growth.

Yes,Federal agencies can properly address this problem through continuous monitoring of the water bodies.This has been done with lake Erie where federal agencies with the states have devised an action plan to limit the excessive phosphorus in the lake water.