Page 9 - Lifestyles in Palm Beach Gardens- June '24

Lifestyles in Palm Beach Gardens, Page 9
Northern Notes

Algae In The Waterways … lakes, marshes and canals. They are a natural and essential
How You Can Minimize Its part of the ecosystem. In these habitats, phytoplankton are the
base of the aquatic food chain. Small freshwater crustaceans
Growth and other small animals consume phytoplankton, which in
turn is consumed by larger animals.
By Katie Roundtree, Under certain conditions, several species of true algae as
Director of Finance and well as cyanobacteria, are capable of causing various nuisance
Administration, Northern effects in fresh water, such as excessive accumulations of
Palm Beach County foams, scums and discoloration of the water. When algae
Improvement District in a lake or a canal increases explosively, an algal “bloom”
Algae generally refers to a results. Lakes, ponds, marshes and slow-moving canals are
wide variety of different and most susceptible to blooms.
dissimilar photosynthetic Algal blooms are natural occurrences and may occur
organisms, typically regularly (e.g., every summer), depending on weather
microscopic. Algae can and water conditions. The likelihood of a bloom depends
inhabit fresh or salt water on local conditions and characteristics of the particular Be Careful With Fertilizer
and are classified into one body of water. Blooms generally occur where there are
of six divisions, usually known by color, such as green, red, high levels of nutrients present, together with warm, If you want a lush green lawn and healthy plants, you
brown and golden. The misnamed blue-green algae are often sunny, calm conditions. However, human activity often may be tempted to use fertilizer in your yard or garden.
grouped with algae because of the chloroplasts contained can trigger or accelerate algal blooms. Various human However, the use of fertilizer can have negative effects on
within the cells. However, these organisms are actually activities can supplement natural sources of nutrients the environment, especially if you are close to a water source.
photosynthetic bacteria assigned to the group cyanobacteria. such as phosphorus or nitrogen compounds. For example, Fertilizers may encourage the growth of algae when they
Freshwater algae, also called phytoplankton, vary in shape agricultural runoff from fields in rural areas can wash enter the water bodies, which can harm aquatic ecosystems.
and color and are found in many habitats, such as ponds, fertilizers into the water. In urban areas, nutrient sources in It’s best to avoid using fertilizers altogether and instead
stormwater runoff carry pollutants such as lawn fertilizers choose to plant native plants that are well-suited to the
and grass clippings. local environment. These plants will not require special
Algae growth depends on weather patterns, temperature, maintenance and will also contribute to the health of the
and nutrients in the water. While blooms happen naturally, local ecosystem. Additionally, implementing landscaping
an imbalance of phosphorus and nitrogen, in particular, strategies like xeriscaping can help to increase groundwater
can significantly accelerate their growth. Pollutants from filtration before water enters nearby ponds or lakes.
fertilized yards and golf courses, road wash, stormwater If you must use fertilizer, try to find a phosphorus-free
runoff, pet waste, decomposing leaves, grass clippings product and apply it when rain is not forecast. This can help
and other organic materials also contribute to nutrient to reduce nutrient-rich runoff. However, it’s important to
imbalances in the water. note that even natural fertilizers like manure or compost can
Higher temperatures and increased sunlight in summer contribute to the growth of algae, so it’s best to avoid using
months can also encourage algae blooms, as can standing fertilizers whenever possible.
water, which is warmer than circulating water and can act
like an incubator. Algae in a lake does not always indicate Properly Dispose Of Organic Materials
poor water quality, but it can cause problems. The best
way to reduce algae growth is by minimizing the amount Following yard work, leaves, grass and other debris
of nutrients, such as phosphorus, that can feed it and enter should be bagged and removed from the property to prevent
the water. The following are some tips to help maintain a them from accumulating and decaying in the waterbody.
healthy lake. 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.

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