Algal Bloom
By Emma Williams
define the problem Algal Bloom
list the cause of the problem of algal bloom
Nutrients encourage the growth of blue–green algae. The process of nutrient enrichment in a waterway is called sophistication. The main nutrients contributing to sophistication are phosphorus and nitrogen.
Runoff and erosion from fertilized agricultural areas, erosion from river banks, river beds, land clearing (deforestation), and sewage effluent are the major sources of phosphorus and nitrogen entering water ways.
Phosphate attaches to sediments. When water is low in dissolved oxygen (anorexic), sediments release phosphate into the water column. This encourages the growth of algae.
what effect is algal bloom making on the enviroment
Harmful algae usually bloom during the warm summer season or when water temperatures are warmer than usual. Warmer water due to climate change might favor harmful algae in a number of ways:
- Toxic blue-green algae prefer warmer water.
- Warmer temperatures prevent water from mixing, allowing algae to grow thicker and faster.
- Warmer water is easier for small organisms to move through and allows algae to float to the surface faster.
- Algal blooms absorb sunlight, making water even warmer and promoting more blooms.
what effect is algal bloom having on the wildlife
Harmful algal blooms are overgrowth of algae in water. Some produce dangerous toxins in fresh or marine water but even nontoxic blooms hurt the environment and local economies.
What are the effects of harmful algal blooms?
Harmful algal blooms can:
- Produce extremely dangerous toxins that can sicken or kill people and animals
- Create dead zones in the water
- Raise treatment costs for drinking water
- Hurt industries that depend on clean water
state the effect the alagal bloom is having on humans
The term "algae" is generally used to refer to a wide variety of different and dissimilar photosynthetic organisms, generally microscopic. Depending on the species, algae can inhabit fresh or salt water.
In modern taxonomic systems, algae are usually assigned to one of six divisions (equivalent to phyla; see box on page 22). The misnamed are often grouped with algae because of the chloroplasts contained within the cells. However, these organisms are actually photosynthetic bacteria assigned to the group antibacterial.
Fresh-water algae, also called plankton, vary in shape and color, and are found in a large range of habitats, such as ponds, lakes, reservoirs, and streams. They are a natural and essential part of the ecosystem . In these habitats, the plankton are the base of the aquatic food chain . Small fresh-water and other small animals consume the plankton and in turn are consumed by larger animals.