What's the problem?
Research suggests that algae blooms can double in mass in 20 minutes. Since Cyanobacteria rapidly multiply and create Cyanobacterial blooms, they become an invasive species. This is dangerous because they disrupt natural communities and ecological processes. The rise of CO2 emissions increases the global temperatures which are contributing to these blooms since they occur in warmer waters. Some of the other most common causes are still water, high sunlight levels, and an influx of phosphorus and nitrogen-rich compounds found in agricultural runoff.
Economic impacts
A huge economic detriment from the algae blooms is the effect on tourism. For example, the value of the tourism and the rental industry in Lake Hopatcong, NJ, plummeted in 2019 and 2020 as the lake was shut down after the water was determined to be unsafe due to high concentrations of cyanobacteria. The drinking water was also ruled as poisonous. This is just one of the many examples of how the harmful algae blooms effect the economy.
Environmental impacts
There are many environmental impacts to harmful algae blooms. For starters, it reduces the ability of aquatic life to find food and can cause entire populations to leave an area or die. Additionally, harmful toxins can be created which will move up the food chain as animals consume each other and kill large populations. Even if they don't create toxins, they can still clog fish gills, meaning that they can't breathe.
Social impacts
When humans come in contact with the algae, it can have detrimental effects on them. The drinking water becoming contaminated will cause symptoms like stomach pain, vomiting, or diarrhea. Exposure to some algal and cyanobacterial toxins can also harm your liver and kidneys.
Ethical considerations
Using technology in bodies of water with other live animals could pose potential ethical issues.
