The document discusses algal blooms caused by excess phosphorus in Lake Champlain. It notes that phosphorus enters the water from sources like fertilizer runoff, sewage, and animal waste. This causes eutrophication which harms water quality and food webs. Algal blooms can produce toxins and have led to beach closures. Solutions proposed include improving nutrient management on farms and using algae and other byproducts as resources rather than waste.

1. Algae “Equally green waters not equally productive” Presented by Bo Trull, BGP Engineering Firm

2. Introduction Algae, the problem which is polluting our Lake Champlain Keeping a balanced ecosystem is vital, we must keep our nutrient cycle as undisturbed as possible while cleaning or restoring our waters. Continue to improve our efforts for a clean environment.

3. Cause of Excess Phosphorus: Algal bloom-An algal bloom or marine bloom or water bloom is a rapid increase in the population of algae in an aquatic system. Algal blooms may occur in freshwater as well as marine environments. Lack of oxygen in water Reduced iron in water Excessive nutrients cause eutrophication, reduced water quality and alters food webs

4. A digital image showing how the input of iron into marine ecosystems can affect phytoplankton growth in the oceans. (Credit: Image courtesy of Oregon State University)

6. Commercial synthetic fertilizers

7. Mining of certain deposits of calcium phosphate called apatite

8. Animal wastes or manure lost as run-off during the spring thaw

9. Large feed lots of animals, may result in excessive run-off of phosphate and nitrate into streams

11. In Lake Champlain caution is taken due to the blue-green algae can sometimes produce neurotoxins that can be dangerous if ingested in large enough quantities.

12. Eating certain fish, including lake trout and walleye are cautioned because of mercury, PCBs and other toxins. These can bioaccumulate in fish and animals over time. High concentrations of these contaminants can cause birth defects, cancer or other illnesses.

13. Closed Public beaches due to waterborne pathogens, which are disease-causing bacteria, viruses and parasites, and due to the foul smell the algae can cause.

15. Large corporations such as Exxon Mobil are researching biofuels from photosynthetic algae as the next generation for renewable fuels. Photosynthetic algae may become an economically viable, low emissions transportation fuel.Growing algae consume carbon dioxide which provides greenhouse gas mitigation benefits.Algae have the potential to yield greater volumes of biofuel per acre of production than other biofuel sources.

17. Find solutions to use manure, algae and other byproducts as resources rather than wastes.

19. PROTECTING THE OCEANS: HOW CAN YOU HELP? http://www.thegreenguide.com/travel-transportation/oceans-quiz