Control of level of algae in the great lakes region

Control of level of algae in the great lakes region

1. Background

In the 1960s, there emerged an issue concerning water quality within the great lakes region. Particularly, Lake Erie was perceived as a dying lake since the rapid growth of algae in the area. The fast growth of algae is known as cultural eutrophication, and it is brought about by the excessive input of phosphorus in the water. By the late 1960s, both the countries which resided close to the great lakes area, namely Canada as well as the United States, came into a consensus regarding the limitation of phosphorous inputs in large water bodies such as Lake Erie. The key was to stop and control too much growth of algae within water bodies. The two nations also decided that the control of phosphorus deposits in the lake required a coordinated approach to tackle the issue. This call for action was the main focus stipulated by the “Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement” held at the beginning of 1972. Due to the combined efforts to limit the levels of phosphorus in the lakes, the phosphorous levels gradually declined in the lakes during the 1970s and 1980s. The task force was successful for a while until when the levels of phosphorous started increasing again during the mid 1990s when rapid algae growth started appearing, and phosphorous remained the main factor that is influencing algal growth in the great lakes region.

1. Analysis

The issue about restoring phosphorous balance in the Great lakes region is vital because when the phosphorous balance is lost, a particular genre of green-blue algae-like microcystins, among others, disperse harmful toxins, which are not only detrimental to the animals but also the animals. Phosphorous in excess serves as a breeding ground for floating mats, which are often linked to algae that are usually very unattractive and spoil the environment`s appearance. Excess phosphorous also leads to the creation of green slimes and threads that typically produce a terrible odor. Furthermore, when algae die, they sink in the water and reduce the levels of oxygen in the water, and this, in turn, affects lifelike aquatic fish and other marine organisms. Another harmful effect of high phosphorus concentration in water is that in areas where high photosynthesis takes place, algae deplete all the dissolved inorganic carbon in the atmosphere during the day, and as a consequence, the atmospheres pH rises greatly. The heightened level of pH is detrimental to the organism, which depends on tracing dissolved chemicals to destroy their chemosensory to survive. An example of such an insect is the snail. When these organisms’ sensory functions are impaired, they can no longer function, and they ultimately die. All these factors are clear indications that the high level of phosphorus in lakes is an issue that should be tackled firmly. The problem of phosphorous management, although complicated, is still possible. It is complicated because the ecosystem is ever-changing, and this makes it hard to find a sustainable solution that can be relevant for a long time. The ever-changing ecosystem can be attributed to the rapid climate change experienced around the world. Climate change is caused by the emission of CFC gasses, improper waste disposal, deforestation, and human encroachment in water catchment areas. Evidence of climate change can be observed in the melting of glaciers and the rapid rate of global warming. Eutrophication can also be attributed to the frequent change in the ecosystem, and eutrophication is to be blamed for the constant changes in the aquatic structure in the great lakes region. This is because, during the period whereby phosphorus levels rise in the water, small zooplanktons usually tend to dominate other communities of planktons that are responsible for the aquatic balance. Past studies have indicated that the balance of planktons in a water body is vital to the stability of a marine ecosystem. All the factors listed above render the nutrient approaches that were deployed during the 1970s useless because the ecosystem is no longer the same. To keep up with the ever-evolving Great lakes ecosystem, the nutrient management system should also adapt to the ecosystem. New nutrient management tactics can achieve adaptation by investing heavily in research and the use of cyclical adaptive management models that will allow for a better understanding of ecosystem patterns and trends.

III. Summary and recommendations.

The widespread and the extent of the degradation of the quality of water within the regions of great lakes are majorly attributed to the availability of excessive phosphorus in the water body. The increase in levels of phosphorous in water is called eutrophication. Eutrophication has posed a threat to the aquatic life in the great lakes region for a long time and continues to do so. Although Canada and the United States came together to pass legislation in 1972 to combat eutrophication, it continues to pose a threat due to the nature of the ever-evolving ecosystem. I firmly believe in the levels of phosphorus concentration. In water, bodies can be controlled by limiting the number of people who settle near water bodies. A study by Smith and Schindler in 2009 provided a prediction that a change in climate, as well as a growth in the human population, is highly attributed to the rampant degradation of water quality and quantity in numerous lakes. Therefore, municipal councils or and other regulatory committees should try and restrict human activities near the great lakes region to conserve and preserve the already poor quality of water in the area. Although it is hard to pass such legislation since water bodies are natural resources that should be available to the public, it is a necessary evil to pass such legislation to attain water quality and quantity in the great lakes region. I also believe that investing more in research centers for scientists will enable them to come up with innovative solutions to combat the issue of the ever-rising phosphorous levels in the great lakes region. Besides, the collective coordination between the policymakers and citizens is also vital to enable them to work together as a team to help protect the environment by reducing activities that may lead up to climate change and controlling the human activities around the lake that negatively impact the ecosystem of the great lakes. I believe that a combination of all these factors will make it possible for the Great lakes region to control the level of phosphorus in water bodies. The element will, in turn, stop the scourge of eutrophication that is diminishing the value and capacity of water within the region. The control of eutrophication will also preserve the environment by allowing more organisms to thrive and promoting the beautification of the environment by getting rid of the ugly and odorous algae.