Page 13 - Jupiter Spotlight- June '24

Jupiter Spotlight, Page 13
Northern Notes

Algae In The Waterways … with algae because of the chloroplasts contained within the cells. marshes and canals. They are a natural and essential part of
How You Can Minimize Its However, these organisms are actually photosynthetic bacteria the ecosystem. In these habitats, phytoplankton are the base
of the aquatic food chain. Small freshwater crustaceans and
assigned to the group cyanobacteria.
Growth Freshwater algae, also called phytoplankton, vary in shape other small animals consume phytoplankton, which in turn is
and color and are found in many habitats, such as ponds, lakes, consumed by larger animals.
By Katie Roundtree, Under certain conditions, several species of true algae as well
Director of Finance and as cyanobacteria, are capable of causing various nuisance effects
Administration, Northern in fresh water, such as excessive accumulations of foams, scums
Palm Beach County and discoloration of the water. When algae in a lake or a canal
Improvement District increases explosively, an algal “bloom” results. Lakes, ponds,
Algae generally refers to marshes and slow-moving canals are most susceptible to blooms.
a wide variety of different Algal blooms are natural occurrences and may occur
and dissimilar photosynthetic regularly (e.g., every summer), depending on weather and
organisms, typically water conditions. The likelihood of a bloom depends on local
microscopic. Algae can conditions and characteristics of the particular body of water.
inhabit fresh or salt water and Blooms generally occur where there are high levels of nutrients
are classified into one of six present, together with warm, sunny, calm conditions. However,
divisions, usually known by color, such as green, red, brown human activity often can trigger or accelerate algal blooms.
and golden. The misnamed blue-green algae are often grouped Various human activities can supplement natural sources of
nutrients such as phosphorus or nitrogen compounds. For
example, agricultural runoff from fields in rural areas can
wash fertilizers into the water. In urban areas, nutrient sources
in stormwater runoff carry pollutants such as lawn fertilizers
and grass clippings.
Algae growth depends on weather patterns, temperature,
and nutrients in the water. While blooms happen naturally,
an imbalance of phosphorus and nitrogen, in particular, can
significantly accelerate their growth. Pollutants from fertilized
yards and golf courses, road wash, stormwater runoff, pet waste,
decomposing leaves, grass clippings and other organic materials
also contribute to nutrient imbalances in the water.
Higher temperatures and increased sunlight in summer
months can also encourage algae blooms, as can standing
water, which is warmer than circulating water and can act like
an incubator. Algae in a lake does not always indicate poor
water quality, but it can cause problems. The best way to reduce
algae growth is by minimizing the amount of nutrients, such as
phosphorus, that can feed it and enter the water. The following
are some tips to help maintain a healthy lake.

Be Careful With Fertilizer

If you want a lush green lawn and healthy plants, you may
be tempted to use fertilizer in your yard or garden. However, the
use of fertilizer can have negative effects on the environment,
especially if you are close to a water source. Fertilizers may
encourage the growth of algae when they enter the water bodies,
which can harm aquatic ecosystems.
It’s best to avoid using fertilizers altogether and instead
choose to plant native plants that are well-suited to the local
environment. These plants will not require special maintenance
and will also contribute to the health of the local ecosystem.
Additionally, implementing landscaping strategies like
xeriscaping can help to increase groundwater filtration before
water enters nearby ponds or lakes.
If you must use fertilizer, try to find a phosphorus-free
product and apply it when rain is not forecast. This can help to
reduce nutrient-rich runoff. However, it’s important to note that
even natural fertilizers like manure or compost can contribute
to the growth of algae, so it’s best to avoid using fertilizers
whenever possible.

Properly Dispose Of Organic Materials

Following yard work, leaves, grass and other debris should
be bagged and removed from the property to prevent them from
accumulating and decaying in the waterbody. When organic
materials are allowed to decompose in freshwater resources,
they release undesirable nutrients that fuel nuisance plant and
algae growth. Ask your lawn-care company to remove grass
clippings and leaves to prevent decomposition in or around
ponds and lakes. Do not mow, rake or blow grass clippings into
the nearby waterbodies.
Pick up and dispose of pet waste, a common source of excess
nutrients and bacteria. Don’t throw pet waste bags into lakes and
canals. They will eventually break down and release those toxins
into the waterway.
NPDES tip: Please avoid burning any trash in your yards
or dumping debris into lakes and canals. By doing this, you can
help preserve our natural resources and protect the health of our
lakes and marshes, as well as our communities.