Martinez, A. (2018, November 5). South Florida Company Addressing Algal Blooms With Plastic Beads. Retrieved November 18, 2018, from http://www.wlrn.org/post/south-florida-company-addressing-algal-blooms-plastic-beads
A company from South Florida has been attempting to solve the algal bloom issue with microscopic beads. The strategy is that the plastic beads will absorb the phosphorus in the water so that the algae cannot absorb it and grow from it. This prevents the algae from growing to the same scale that it does now. Phosphorus is a catalyst for the growth of algae, and having a lack of it causes there to be less algae in the area.
This is relevant to environmental science because we have a new method of preventing the spread of algae blooms. This method can also be used to reduce phosphorus in other areas like groundwater and ponds to prevent excessive growth in plants. Since the algae will grow less fast there will be less of them in lakes and large water bodies.
This sounds like an awesome project going on in Florida! Finding ways to reverse the damage done to our environment by humans is crucial for restoration. I wonder how expensive/how effective these beads are? Also do they have any negative environmental impacts?
I would be concerned about the effects of creatures ingesting these beads and if it would negatively impact the environment. Are there other potential negative effects of these beads such as increasing phosphorus concentration in other areas?