Dead Zones and Algae Blooms

Dead Zones: The Underwater Desert

Dead zones, or hypoxic zones, are areas in the water bodies such as oceans and lakes with very low oxygen levels, and due to the low oxygen levels, it's hard for the aquatic creatures to survive. These zones are primarily caused by nutrient pollution, often by agriculture runoffs containing phosphorus and nitrogen. When these nutrients enter the aquatic environment, they cause overgrowth of algae, resulting in algal blooms.

Algal Blooms

Algal blooms are rapid increases in the number of algae populations due to excess nutrients. The overgrowth of algae consumes oxygen and blocks sunlight from underwater plants. There are two types of algal blooms. While HABs represent algal blooms that produce toxins potentially harmful to other aquatic organisms and human beings, non-toxic blooms can still cause devastating effects on ecosystems because they shade aquatic plants and use up oxygen when they decay. Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are mainly the result of a type of algae called cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae.

"Harmful algal blooms cause thick, green muck that impacts clear water, recreation, businesses and property values."

-EPA (United Stated Environmental Protection Agency)

Impact

When algae die and decompose, they take up oxygen and create hypoxic conditions that lead to dead zones. In other words, when the algae eventually die, the oxygen in the water is consumed. The lack of oxygen means that it's impossible for the aquatic creatures to survive. This can disrupt food chains, reduce biodiversity, and negatively impact fisheries, tourism, and water quality.

Mitigation Strategies

1. Upgrade Waste Management: Enhance wastewater treatment to remove the nutrients.

2. Reduce Nutrient Pollution: Improve agricultural practices and establish buffer zones.

3. Monitor and Research: Continuously monitor water bodies and research mitigation strategies.

In conclusion, algal blooms and dead zones represent serious environmental problems that need to be managed and mitigated with concerted efforts. We can act to save our aquatic ecosystems and ensure the health and vitality of our water supplies for future generations by being aware of their causes and effects.