Algae are a diverse group of photosynthetic microorganisms, which vary from small, single-celled microbes to complex multicellular forms. Though algae bloom is considered as natural phenomena, but nutrient pollution can increase their frequency, duration and intensity. After getting adequate nutrition, the algae can grow rapidly in warm and slow moving water. The rapid increase in number causes the bloom to turn water noticeably green, but other colours can also be observed. The gelatinous coating of some algae helps it to float in water by allowing cells to stick together. Some algae form thick mats to float on the surface. Lake Erie also has a rich diversity of benthic algae.
Figure 2: Algae …show more content…
The mycrocystin toxin was produced by the blue-green algae in the Lake Erie. Phosphorus load from the Maumee river was the main source of nutrients for the cHAB growth in the lake. Again, the agricultural area of the watershed also contributed for the phosphorus load in the lake. Nitrogen loading also helped in the algae bloom during that period. Remote sensing tool using satellites used for detection of the algae bloom at Lake Erie (shown in Figure 3). NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Lake Erie Experimental HAB Bulletin and associated Experimental HAB tracker helped to model the algae bloom and comparison with the field …show more content…
There has been very limited research conducted on the cyanotoxins and cyanobacteria produced bioactive compounds. The important research areas are- (a) Modeling tools for predicting and preventing harmful algae blooms, which include all environmental and anthropogenic factors to predict and prevent algae blooms, (b) Mitigation and control strategies for algae bloom after identifying chemical, physical control processes, mitigation processes and economic feasibility, (c) HAB toxin is an emerging research topic, which includes identifying and studying less common mycrocystin producers and studying harmful toxins, e.g. saxitoxin, anatoxin-a, cylindrospermopsin, nodularin. Identifying and evaluating the fate and effects of harmful algae bloom on animal and human health, along with the freshwater ecosystem is very