Page 15 - Abacoa Community News - August '19

Abacoa, Page 15
Northern Notes

Algae In The Waterways And warm, sunny, calm conditions.
How You Can Minimize Its However, human activity often
can trigger or accelerate algal
Growth blooms. Natural sources of
nutrients such as phosphorus
By O’Neal Bardin Jr., or nitrogen compounds can be
Executive Director, supplemented by a variety of
Northern Palm Beach human activities. For example,
County Improvement in rural areas, agricultural
District runoff from fields can wash
The term “algae” is fertilizers into the water. In
generally used to refer to a urban areas, nutrient sources
wide variety of different and can cause stormwater runoff that
dissimilar photosynthetic carries pollutants such as lawn
organisms, generally fertilizers.
microscopic. Depending on Algae growth depends on
the species, algae can inhabit weather patterns, temperature,
fresh or salt water. In modern and nutrients in the water. While
taxonomic systems, algae are usually assigned to one of six blooms happen naturally, an
divisions. The misnamed blue-green algae are often grouped imbalance of phosphorus and
with algae because of the chloroplasts contained within the nitrogen, in particular, can accelerate an algal bloom’s growth enters the pond or lake.
cells. However, these organisms are actually photosynthetic significantly. Pollutants from construction runoff, fertilized If you must fertilize, try and find a phosphorus-free
bacteria assigned to the group cyanobacteria. yards and golf courses, road wash, stormwater runoff, pet product, and reduce nutrient rich runoff by applying it when
Freshwater algae, also called phytoplankton, vary in shape waste, and decomposing leaves, grass clippings, and other there’s no rain in the forecast.
and color, and are found in a large range of habitats, such organic materials also contribute to nutrient imbalances in And don’t think natural fertilizer like manure or compost
as ponds, lakes, reservoirs, and streams. They are a natural the water. Higher temperatures and increased sunlight in is any better than a chemical version, anything that’s going to
and essential part of the ecosystem. In these habitats, the summer months also can encourage algae blooms, as does make your garden plants grow is going to make algae grow
phytoplankton are the base of the aquatic food chain. Small standing water, which is warmer than circulating water and as well. It’s best to avoid fertilizers generally.
freshwater crustaceans and other small animals consume the can act like an incubator – another significant influence. Properly Dispose Of Organic Materials
phytoplankton and in turn are consumed by larger animals. Algae doesn’t necessarily mean poor water quality, but it Following yard work, leaves, grass and other debris
Under certain conditions, several species of true can be a problem. So, what’s the key to reducing algae on your should be bagged and removed from the property to prevent
algae as well as the cyanobacteria are capable of causing lake? The most effective thing to do is reduce the number of them from accumulating and decaying in the waterbody.
various nuisance effects in fresh water, such as excessive algae-feeding nutrients, especially phosphorus, that make it When organic materials are allowed to decompose in
accumulations of foams, scums, and discoloration of the into the water. Here are some tips to keep your lake in tip-top freshwater resources, they release undesirable nutrients that
water. When the numbers of algae in a lake or a river increase shape. are responsible for fueling nuisance plant and algae growth.
explosively, an algal “bloom” is the result. Lakes, ponds, and Be Careful With Fertilizer Ask your lawn-care company to remove grass clippings and
slow-moving canals are most susceptible to blooms. Sure, you want a nice green lawn and healthy plants – leaves to prevent decomposition in or around ponds and lakes.
Algal blooms are natural occurrences, and may occur but that fertilizer you spread in your garden also encourages Pick up and dispose of pet waste, a common source of
with regularity (e.g., every summer), depending on weather algae to bloom. It’s best to avoid fertilizer altogether if excess nutrients and bacteria. Don’t throw pet waste bags
and water conditions. The likelihood of a bloom depends you’re close to a water source – plant native plants instead, into lakes and canals. They will eventually break down and
on local conditions and characteristics of the particular which are well-adapted to the environment and don’t require release those toxins into the waterway.
body of water. Blooms generally occur where there are high special maintenance. Implement landscaping strategies, like NPDES tip: Do not burn any trash in your yards, and
levels of nutrients present, together with the occurrence of xeriscaping, that increase groundwater filtration before water don’t dump any debris into lakes and canals.
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