Page 14 - Lifestyles in Palm Beach Gardens - August '19

Page 14, Lifestyles in Palm Beach Gardens
Northern Notes
Algae In The Waterways And
How You Can Minimize Its
Growth
By O’Neal Bardin Jr.,
Executive Director, Northern
Palm Beach County
Improvement District
The term “algae” is
generally used to refer to a
wide variety of different and
dissimilar photosynthetic
or ganis ms , generally
microscopic. Depending on
the species, algae can inhabit
fresh or salt water. In modern
taxonomic systems, algae are usually assigned to one of
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six divisions. The misnamed blue-green
algae are often grouped with algae because
of the chloroplasts contained within
the cells. However, these organisms are
actually photosynthetic bacteria assigned
to the group cyanobacteria.
Freshwater algae, also called
phytoplankton, 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 phytoplankton are the base of the
aquatic food chain. Small freshwater
crustaceans and other small animals
consume the phytoplankton and in turn
are consumed by larger animals.
Under certain conditions, several species of true algae on your lake? The most effective thing to do is
algae as well as the cyanobacteria are capable of causing reduce the number of algae-feeding nutrients, especially
various nuisance effects in fresh water, such as excessive phosphorus, that make it into the water. Here are some
accumulations of foams, scums, and discoloration of the tips to keep your lake in tip-top shape.
increase explosively, an algal “bloom” is the result. Lakes, Sure, you want a nice green lawn and healthy plants
Be Careful With Fertilizer
water. When the numbers of algae in a lake or a river
ponds, and slow-moving canals are most susceptible to
– but that fertilizer you spread in your garden also
blooms. encourages algae to bloom. It’s best to avoid fertilizer
altogether if you’re close to a water source – plant
Algal blooms are natural occurrences, and may
occur with regularity (e.g., every summer), depending
native plants instead, which are well-adapted to the
on weather and water conditions. The likelihood of a
bloom depends on local conditions and characteristics environment and don’t require special maintenance.
Implement landscaping strategies, like xeriscaping, that
of the particular body of water. Blooms generally occur increase groundwater filtration before water enters the
where there are high levels of nutrients present, together pond or lake.
with the occurrence of warm, sunny, calm conditions. If you must fertilize, try and find a phosphorus-free
However, human activity often can trigger or accelerate product, and reduce nutrient rich runoff by applying it
algal blooms. Natural sources of nutrients such as when there’s no rain in the forecast.
phosphorus or nitrogen compounds can be supplemented And don’t think natural fertilizer like manure or
by a variety of human activities. For example, in rural compost is any better than a chemical version, anything
areas, agricultural runoff from fields can wash fertilizers that’s going to make your garden plants grow is going
into the water. In urban areas, nutrient sources can cause to make algae grow as well. It’s best to avoid fertilizers
stormwater runoff that carries pollutants such as lawn generally.
fertilizers. Properly Dispose Of Organic Materials
Algae growth depends on weather patterns, temperature, Following yard work, leaves, grass and other debris
and nutrients in the water. While blooms happen naturally, should be bagged and removed from the property
an imbalance of phosphorus and nitrogen, in particular, to prevent them from accumulating and decaying in
can accelerate an algal bloom’s growth significantly. the waterbody. When organic materials are allowed
Pollutants from construction runoff, fertilized yards and to decompose in freshwater resources, they release
golf courses, road wash, stormwater runoff, pet waste, undesirable nutrients that are responsible for fueling
and decomposing leaves, grass clippings, and other nuisance plant and algae growth. Ask your lawn-care
organic materials also contribute to nutrient imbalances company to remove grass clippings and leaves to prevent
in the water. Higher temperatures and increased sunlight decomposition in or around ponds and lakes.
in summer months also can encourage algae blooms, as Pick up and dispose of pet waste, a common source
does standing water, which is warmer than circulating of excess nutrients and bacteria. Don’t throw pet waste
water and can act like an incubator – another significant bags into lakes and canals. They will eventually break
influence. down and release those toxins into the waterway.
Algae doesn’t necessarily mean poor water quality, NPDES tip: Do not burn any trash in your yards, and
but it can be a problem. So, what’s the key to reducing don’t dump any debris into lakes and canals.
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