Nutrient pollution and the resulting algal blooms affect more than just plants and animals living in the water. They can also have negative effects on the way people live and work. Decaying algae may give off bad smells, which make recreation activities like swimming and boating unpleasant, and sometimes even unsafe. Homes located at the waterfront may lose value. Low oxygen levels may decrease the amount of fish that can be caught, and algal blooms can be expensive to clean up and treat.
Some algal blooms are toxic. Harmful algal blooms (HABs) occur when there is too much toxin-producing cyanobacteria. These types of blooms can lead to major fish kills and are harmful to other wildlife as well. In addition, people, pets, and livestock can get sick from the toxins by swimming, drinking, or eating fish and shellfish from contaminated waters.
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NARRATOR: All around the world, a tiny organism is causing a big problem. These life forms are called cyanobacteria, and they are growing in abundance. While normal amounts are an important part of of the food web, under the right conditions, these organisms can wreak havoc on ecosystems … It often starts when excess nutrients flow into a body of water. This, combined with warm waters and lots of sunshine, create just right conditions for an algal bloom. These blooms can release harmful toxins into the water that - when touched or consumed - can cause sickness and even death. As our climate continues to warm, these toxic blooms may become more and more common. The good news? We can use satellites to measure water color that can indicate if a bloom is present. This helps water managers know where they should test for harmful toxins. NASA and our partners are developing tools so that anyone can access this data to check the status of their local lakes and reservoirs. Clean freshwater is important for recreation and health. NASA helps track that water from space so that we can continue to enjoy this vital resource.
Why are some lakes green and slimy while other lakes are not? Support your answer with evidence and reasoning.