Lake Erie Algae Explosion

ALGAE INCREASES TOXICITY

Massive fish loss

Due to disease/infections

Decreased amount of dissolved oxygen in the water

Unusable water supply

Can't use for cooking

Undrinkable

Too toxic to bathe in

A rapid increase in the population of algae in an aquatic system.

Green-blue algae is also referred to as cyanobacteria

A bacteria known as "Microcystis" is responsible for the blooms

VIDEO REPRESENTATION

Pollute large bodies of water

Increases toxicity of water

Increase water temperature by absorbing sunlight

Increased evaporation/precipitation due to
increased temperatures

Provides habitat suitable for algae to thrive

Reduces the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water

They block sunlight for
plankton below

Dead algae decay reduces
dissolved oxygen as well

Nitrogen and phosphorus (nutrient pollution) in the soil (from fertilizers) travel to large bodies of water provides nutrients for algae

Because the water is toxic, after it evaporates, it falls as acid
rain, corroding the rocks and minerals on land

When the water evaporates, it carrie toxins into the
atmosphere

Airborne nutrient pollution caused by burning of
fossil fuels promotes algal growth

Warmer temperatures caused by climate change in the atmosphere enhance the growth of the algal blooms

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The layer of algae blocks any sunlight that plant species like plankton need for photosynthesis

In deep water, the decaying algae and lack of oxygen create a dead zone for many types of fish and wildlife and makes it nearly impossible for survival

Toxins found in algae can kill species of fish, and even birds surrounding the effected area

Predators of animals that are infected
with the toxins are vulnerable to these
toxins and diseases as well

Toxins continue to infiltrate the different branches
of the food chain

Postive Effects

Companies that sell water bottles, will benefit

They will get more profit, and it will make their
economy stronger

Negative Effects

This explosion affects human body

The blue-green algae is taking over and is being revealed in many of our bodies of waters and is increasing in percentages

Causes neurological problems like seizures and paralysis

The cyanobacteria called Microcystis destroyed aquatic life

Left us with little fish to consume

fewer jobs for fishers

Water sources; we are restricted to using water from Lake Erie

now had to use bottled water for drinking, cooking and bathing purposes

This incident made getting water less convenient, compared to having tap water and being able to open the tap and see fresh water flowing out

A problem for the farmers

they were getting blamed for farming too intensely, they have been “getting more land than we did historically”, stated Benoy.

Increased amounts provided

Nitrogen

Phosphorus

Increased temperatures preferable for algae

Most often temperatures above 25°C

Thrive in calm, still waters

Shallow waters are preferred

When exposed to long periods of high light intensity,
algal growth increases

Minimal winds preferred for
greater algal growth

Low turbidity occurs when sediments in the
water settle out of the water

Low turbidity means more light
can pass through water
(good for algae)