Toxic Algae Bloom in Lake Erie: What should be done?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the severe toxic algae bloom in Lake Erie, attributed primarily to phosphorus pollution from agricultural runoff, sewage, and industrial sources. Historical context reveals that while blooms were prevalent in the 1950s and 60s, regulatory measures in the 1970s reduced phosphorus levels, leading to a temporary decline in blooms. However, a significant resurgence occurred in 2011, likely exacerbated by environmental factors such as invasive mussels and increased rainfall. The conversation highlights the ongoing challenges and complexities of managing water quality in Lake Erie.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of phosphorus pollution and its sources
  • Knowledge of the ecological impact of invasive species, specifically zebra mussels
  • Familiarity with historical water quality regulations and their effects
  • Awareness of agricultural practices, particularly no-till farming and sewage sludge application
NEXT STEPS
  • Research effective phosphorus management strategies in agricultural practices
  • Explore the ecological role of invasive species in freshwater ecosystems
  • Investigate the impact of climate change on freshwater algae blooms
  • Learn about current regulations and policies aimed at improving water quality in the Great Lakes
USEFUL FOR

Environmental scientists, policymakers, agricultural professionals, and anyone involved in freshwater ecosystem management will benefit from this discussion on the toxic algae bloom in Lake Erie.

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How do we fix this?​


lakeerie_amo_2011282.jpg


The green scum shown in this image is the worst algae bloom Lake Erie has experienced in decades. Such blooms were common in the lake’s shallow western basin in the 1950s and 60s. Phosphorus from farms, sewage, and industry fertilized the waters so that huge algae blooms developed year after year. The blooms subsided a bit starting in the 1970s, when regulations and improvements in agriculture and sewage treatment limited the amount of phosphorus that reached the lake. But in 2011, a giant bloom spread across the western basin once again. The reasons for the bloom are complex, but may be related to a rainy spring and invasive mussels.

http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=76127
 
Earth sciences news on Phys.org
Decomposing Barley Straw...

http://www.apms.org/japm/vol31/v31p203.pdf
 
Wait...

There's life?

In Lake Erie?

This is bigger than the Mars rocks!
 
DaveC426913 said:
Wait...

There's life?

In Lake Erie?

This is bigger than the Mars rocks!

Agreed!

I was born and raised in Milwaukee, along the shores of Lake Michigan, and Lake Erie has long been the shame of the Great Lakes.

Anyways, here's a nice song (and notice that it contains the lines: "and farther below Lake Ontario takes in what Lake Erie can send her":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9A4HRzHz5Y&feature=fvst
 
Lake Erie is an example of an invasice species producing a positive result. The zebra mussel invasion effecitvley filtered water so much that the lake became clear and cleaner and fish populations are doing very well. The algal blooms cited here have been attributed phosphate pollution resulting from to winter application of sewage sludge on no-till corn fields. Spring snow melt carries phisphate into the lake.
 

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