Algal blooms in Lake Erie pose significant ecological and health risks.
Early Algal Blooms in Lake Erie
Image captured by Landsat 9 satellite showing vibrant blue-green algae blooms in western Lake Erie on August 13 (Photo: NASA).
Algal blooms have become a common phenomenon in Lake Erie, located in the northern part of Ohio and the southern part of Michigan, USA. However, this year, a bloom of blue-green algae formed early in Lake Erie starting June 24.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), this is the earliest bloom recorded since the agency began monitoring the lake in 2022. This event followed a period of record rainfall across the region in April, followed by a severe heatwave.
It is evident that climate change has directly impacted the blooming process of algae.
Specifically, the heavy rainfall increased nutrient loads such as nitrogen and phosphorus flowing into the lake, warming the water, enhancing stratification, and accelerating the blooming process.
Moreover, fossil fuel plants in the vicinity of the lake have also exacerbated the situation.
By August 13, NASA’s Landsat 9 satellite captured images of algae covering approximately 830 square kilometers, which increased to 1,700 square kilometers by August 22.
This alarming bloom condition continued into early September and may persist until the end of October.
Toxicity and Environmental Impact
Scientists indicate that fossil fuel plants are contributing to the increase of algal blooms (Photo: Reuters).
The blooming of phytoplankton directly affects the lake’s ecosystem, the health of residents reliant on water sources, local economies, and even city water supplies.
This is because the algal bloom produces a type of toxin-containing microcystin, which can cause liver damage, paralysis, dizziness, and vomiting.
Researchers believe that microcystin can kill a dog swimming in contaminated waters and can cause skin irritation and respiratory/digestive difficulties in humans.
Additionally, when the algae die, their remains sink to the bottom of the lake, decompose, and absorb oxygen from the water, creating “dead zones.” These are areas where most aquatic life cannot survive and will perish in large numbers if they cannot escape the area in time.
NOAA and its research partners have warned about the harmful algal bloom (HAB) situation in the western part of the lake, as this phenomenon creates foamy layers on the water’s surface.
The agency notes that the toxins from the algae can concentrate significantly in the foam, advising residents, tourists, and pets to stay away from foamy waters.
