Ep. 11 The Coves Bloom Green

The trail behind this Canada goose shows the density of the bloom 

Within the last week or so members of FOTC as well as members of the public have noticed a drastic colour change in the water of the west cove pond. During this period of time the water of the west pond as well as parts of the south pond have turned a startling shade of green which can be attributed to a large bloom of algae.
These large blooms are not uncommon and we see them in many, many different aquatic systems.

As familiar as we are with the occurrence of these algae blooms many of us are not as familiar with how or why exactly they occur. Many, are also unaware of how a large scale blooms similar to that we are seeing in the coves currently can mean for the overall ecosystem. One of the main catalysts that can be attributed to blooms such as the one were seeing in the coves is phosphorus. Phosphorus naturally exists in aquatic systems in balance with the needs and requirements of the environment. However if these levels fall out of this balance it can have real effects that can be detrimental.

This balance of phosphorus in a natural system can be altered by the addition of extra phosphorus from outside sources. Common sources include: detergents, fertilizers and agricultural/urban runoff.

West Cove Flag

When an aquatic system falls out of balance it can lead to the increased growth rate of algae (which can also be referred to as cyanobacteria). This increased growth rate results in what we see in the west cove pond currently: an algae bloom.

The real danger of the increased growth of algae is that it will deplete the dissolved oxygen levels in the water. When a system is low in dissolved oxygen it is said to be in a state of hypoxia. This is a problem as anything living in the water requiring oxygen such as fish or other plants, would no longer be able to survive. The algae bloom can essentially suffocate the aquatic system.

In order to protect our aquatic systems appropriate phosphorus levels were determined and set by scientists that will help prevent large scale algae blooms. To maintain these levels we need to be conscious of our use of phosphorus and products that contain them as well as their disposal.  

Algae blooms can effect more then just the oxygen levels of our aquatic systems. They can impair animal habitats, disrupt light from penetrating into the water preventing aquatic photosynthesis, and interfere with human activities such as swimming, fishing and boating.

So what can we do to make sure we at home can help avoid adding excess phosphorous to our aquatic systems? Environment Canada made these three (3) suggestions:

• Compost your food waste instead of using a kitchen food waste disposal garburator. Keeping food out of wastewater treatment plants helps to reduce nutrient loadings into the lakes.
• Use phosphorus-free and slow release organic fertilizers on your lawn and garden, and use them only when it’s not raining or when rain is not being forecasted.
• Have your septic system inspected regularly and ensure it is properly used and maintained.