Algae Blooms In Florida

Florida is currently battling the growing issue of polluted water infesting local lake and beach regions. The problem is increasing at an alarming rate. Scientists, environmentalists, and the citizens of Florida are committed to finding a solution that will rid Florida’s pristine waters of toxic algae blooms. Toxic algae blooms pose a threat to Florida’s fresh water, wildlife, and tourism industry.

Thick, foul smelling algae blooms can grow large enough to blanket a body of water. They are caused by bacteria from chemicals in runoff water that usually spill into the lakes and rivers during periods of heavy rain. A major factor that causes algae blooms is high concentrations of nitrogen in the water (Li et al., 2016). Pollutants, such as

nitrates and phosphorus from fertilizer and septic discharge, enter the waterways via this runoff (Neuhaus, 2016, p. 5B). Florida’s excessively warm climate helps to feed the spread of the toxic algae blooms, which can kill off fish and wildlife, as well as cause skin and respiratory distress in humans (Neuhaus, 2016, p.5B). Sun Sentinel reporter, Andy Reid, states “That's trouble for the environment and the economies of coastal communities dependent on tourism” (Reid, 2016, p.1PN). The nasty stench from algae blooms drives tourists away from Florida.
The most devastating consequence of algae blooms in Florida’s ecosystem is the deadly effects they have on marine life.

Algae blooms can develop slowly and their effects can be long lasting. The toxicity continues to take its toll on marine life, long after the bloom has dispersed (Edwards, 2013). Algae blooms in the water can contaminate the food supply of marine life and humans, posing health hazards to both (Phlips et al., 2012). The blooms limit the amount of light that can penetrate down into the water; thus, cutting down oxygen levels needed to sustain plankton and sea grass (Phlips et al., 2015). The toxins released by the blooms pass through the gills of fish and lead to death by respiratory failure (Flaherty & Landsberg, 2011). Plankton, seagrass, and fish are not the only marine life affected by the toxic blooms. Larger animals, such as the Florida manatee, are harmed by these algae blooms. Manatees succumb to toxic poisoning from the algae blooms by ingesting seagrass that has been polluted with neurotoxins (Edwards, 2013). Also, coastal birds that feed on fish in algae bloom infested waters are exposed to deadly bacteria levels. It is evident how climate change issues are causing Florida temperatures and rainfall to rise, while spreading the harmful effects of algae blooms (Phlips et al., 2012). A solution must be found to rid the water of this extremely harmful

pollution.
As algae blooms grow they adversely affect the operation and wellness of the affected water system (King, 2014). Environmentalists strongly believe that draining toxic algae water out of overflowing lakes and into estuaries that lead into Florida’s oceans must be stopped. One short term alternative is a process called artificial mixing, which boosts the oxygenation level of the bloom infested water (Visser, & Ibelings, & Bormans, & Huisman, 2016). A long term alternative is for the state to reinforce dikes and dams to hold back the polluted runoff to prevent the spread of the algae blooms (Reid, 2016, p.1PN). A final option would be to consider creating man made overflow ponds to the catch the toxic runoff and prevent further spreading (King, 2014). ). Unless the state government can come up with a plan to keep chemically saturated runoff from entering Florida waterways, the toxic algae bloom crisis will continue.