Why toxic algae blooms are on the rise across California — and expected to get worse. (2022, June 14). San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved August 11, 2022, from https://www.sfchronicle.com/climate/article/Reports-of-harmful-algal-blooms-are-rising-17233948.php

This article focuses on how the rising temperatures across California are impacting the growth of algae blooms in lakes, rivers and reservoirs. Not only does the hot weather negatively affect the water quality, the agricultural runoff is the main problem, according to the article. Sealife is dying because the algae blooms are absorbing the oxygen in the water. The article shares that there are limited effective options in addressing the algae blooms. Prevention is key in solving this issue.

 

This issue connects to environmental science because it is affecting humans and animals alike in a negative manner. Humans have caused this major spike in algae blooms from the use of fertilizers/pesticides, the chemicals runoff into bodies of water. Another casuse of this problem is climate change as it worsens, the conditions of the water will do the same. The algae blooms are affecting the environment surrounding them. For example the smell is so strong that it can cause headaches and respiratory problems. I know that waiting for the blooms to go away one their own is the most realistic solution. I wonder how long it will take for the blooms to leave by themselves. As of now there is no rules that make “water body managers” report “harmful algal blooms.” I think that if there was a mandate in place people would become more aware of this issue and more awareness would be spread.