HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS (HABs)

Today's K-W Record carries the following story titled "Scientists on high alert as massive algal bloom threatens Lake Erie". The bad news is that this is nothing new. Similarly the cause is very well known yet conveniently ignored. Agriculture is a large and strong target to go after. The simple cause is too much phosphorus running off our farm fields and getting into Lake Erie where it promotes the rampant growth of algae. Sure we can blame climate change as well. Warmer temperatures in the lake increase algal growth combined with heavier rainstorms sends more phosphorus laden soils via creeks and rivers into Lake Erie.

These algal blooms can be toxic . The blue-green algae is known as cyanobacteria which produces a toxin called microcystin. Microcystin can be both harmful to humans, pets and livestock or even fatal. It has been found in various municipal water systems including Toledo in 2014. Although this story doesn't say it, I am. Gutless politicians don't want to pass laws that the agriculture industry will claim discriminate against them. Tough. Besides corn, soybean and other crops being over fertilized or fertilized too soon before heavy rains there are also problems with livestock grazing either in floodplains or walking into rivers and creeks directly. Their manure only exacerbates the problems of nutrient loading to our Great Lakes although Lake Erie is most vulnerable. Voluntary measures by farmers to date have not been adequate. Much more is needed.