Page 14 - Waterways - August '19

Page 14, Waterways
Northern Notes

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

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