Brown, J. (2022, August 3). Algae blooms, warming waters cause biggest changes to Tahoe in 50 years, report says. SF Gate. Retrieved August 11, 2022, from https://www.sfgate.com/renotahoe/article/algae-blooms-threaten-lake-tahoe-17345685.php

Lake Tahoe’s algae growth is increasing. The article shares this in a recent report. Climate change and microscopic shifts, like the increase in algal growth, as well as the wildfire smoke impact are three topics of focus and are all reasons for the changes the lake is experiencing. Climate change is warming up the lake, the weather is hotter than it has ever been. With less rain and snow the lake water decreases in volume. This is concerning. Algae blooms are more present now in Lake Tahoe because of climate change.

 This article really relates to environmental science because one of the main sources of this issue is climate change. As temperatures rise the problem grows. This article was surprising to me because I have always viewed Lake Tahoe as a place with “crystal clear” water. Now this reputation seems to be changing as algae blooms become more common in Lake Tahoe as well as other bodies of water all over the US. Along with algae blooms increasing, researchers are also now noticing less zooplankton and Mysis shrimp in Lake tahoe. The researchers are trying to learn more about if these things are connected to the algae bloom growth given they are happening all in one year. Scientists are studying all of these impactful environmental science issues and how humans are at the center of the cause. 

Callahan, M. (2022, August 2). Clear Lake residents near massive blue-green algae blooms offered access to treated drinking water. The Press Democrat. Retrieved August 11, 2022, from https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/news/clear-lake-residents-near-massive-blue-green-algae-blooms-offered-access-to/

In this article the writer expresses the concern for Residents that live near Clear Lake, an algae bloom infested water. The article shows that the algae blooms are cyanobacteria, which means the water may be unsafe to drink. “Depending on the type, cyanotoxins can cause everything from skin irritation to stomach upset to respiratory or neurological symptoms.” The water is also toxic to the aquatic life in the lake. While this has been a problem in Clear Lake for many years we are now learning more about the dangers, causes and environmental impact. The article shared that the lake itself is a problem but because residents get their drinking water from this water the communication about the hazard is also really important and they have had concerns about residents being properly informed. Therefore some residents could still be drinking the water which is unsafe. 

This article makes me think about the impact the blue-green algae blooms have not only on the water they are growing in but also the community. Clear Lake is not only a lake but also a water source for the community and many people are now having to buy bottled water or use refilling stations with filtered water to ensure their water is safe to drink and use. The main cause of the water blooms is the runoff that includes fertilizers. This and the warmer climate, with less rain are creating, unfortunately, the perfect environment for algae blooms. The article didn’t share what they are doing to improve the situation. I think we should focus on the root of the problem, fertilizers and global warming.

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.

As dangerous algal blooms grow, agencies need to pick up the pace. (2022, July 12). The Washington Post. Retrieved August 11, 2022, from https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/07/12/algal-blooms-epa-noaa-working-group/

This article lays out the harmful effects of algal blooms across the United States and “has been documented in all 50 states, in marine environments as well as in fresh water sources.” Places like Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River are having outbreaks in algae blooms. The beaches are showing signs of green algal due to the increase of pollution caused by fertilizer runoff. This is harmful to all living things that interact with the water. Toxins released by algal blooms create poisonous drinking water. Though Congress has tasked the NOAA, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency with solving this problem, the process is moving too slow.

This article is related to environmental science because while algae blooms are the result of a natural process, the fast paced outbreaks are occurring due to human actions. For example, when farmers are using pesticides and fertilizers on their fields and it rains, the runoff water which carries the fertilizer enters into our lakes and rivers and causes algae blooms to grow. The blooms are also becoming more toxic because of climate change. The GOA is coming up with strategies to help this issue, though I wonder how long this planning process will take. I imagine that this plan will be expensive in order for it to make a difference in the pace at which the algae blooms develop. I think that there needs to be more laws and money put towards the issue in order to make a significant change. 

Brown, J. (2022, August 3). Algae blooms, warming waters cause biggest changes to Tahoe in 50 years, report says. SF Gate. Retrieved August 11, 2022, from https://www.sfgate.com/renotahoe/article/algae-blooms-threaten-lake-tahoe-17345685.php

Lake Tahoe’s algae growth is increasing. The article shares this in a recent report. Climate change and microscopic shifts, like the increase in algal growth, as well as the wildfire smoke impact are three topics of focus and are all reasons for the changes the lake is experiencing. Climate change is warming up the lake, the weather is hotter than it has ever been. With less rain and snow the lake water decreases in volume. This is concerning. Algae blooms are more present now in Lake Tahoe because of climate change.

 This article really relates to environmental science because one of the main sources of this issue is climate change. As temperatures rise the problem grows. This article was surprising to me because I have always viewed Lake Tahoe as a place with “crystal clear” water. Now this reputation seems to be changing as algae blooms become more common in Lake Tahoe as well as other bodies of water all over the US. Along with algae blooms increasing, researchers are also now noticing less zooplankton and Mysis shrimp in Lake tahoe. The researchers are trying to learn more about if these things are connected to the algae bloom growth given they are happening all in one year. Scientists are studying all of these impactful environmental science issues and how humans are at the center of the cause. 

Callahan, M. (2022, August 2). Clear Lake residents near massive blue-green algae blooms offered access to treated drinking water. The Press Democrat. Retrieved August 11, 2022, from https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/news/clear-lake-residents-near-massive-blue-green-algae-blooms-offered-access-to/

In this article the writer expresses the concern for Residents that live near Clear Lake, an algae bloom infested water. The article shows that the algae blooms are cyanobacteria, which means the water may be unsafe to drink. “Depending on the type, cyanotoxins can cause everything from skin irritation to stomach upset to respiratory or neurological symptoms.” The water is also toxic to the aquatic life in the lake. While this has been a problem in Clear Lake for many years we are now learning more about the dangers, causes and environmental impact. The article shared that the lake itself is a problem but because residents get their drinking water from this water the communication about the hazard is also really important and they have had concerns about residents being properly informed. Therefore some residents could still be drinking the water which is unsafe. 

This article makes me think about the impact the blue-green algae blooms have not only on the water they are growing in but also the community. Clear Lake is not only a lake but also a water source for the community and many people are now having to buy bottled water or use refilling stations with filtered water to ensure their water is safe to drink and use. The main cause of the water blooms is the runoff that includes fertilizers. This and the warmer climate, with less rain are creating, unfortunately, the perfect environment for algae blooms. The article didn’t share what they are doing to improve the situation. I think we should focus on the root of the problem, fertilizers and global warming.

Langton, M. (2022, July 25). Algae wreaks havoc on summer plans. The Sun Gazzette. Retrieved August 11, 2022, from https://thesungazette.com/article/news/2022/07/25/algae-wreaks-havoc-on-summer-plans/

The focus of this article is on Tulare county and the Three Rivers area. Toxic algae blooms are growing to be more of a problem in this area. The drought this year is causing a more major outbreak. The Three Rivers Community Service District is alerting people in the area with signs located near the toxic algae blooms. They are doing this because the impact of going into the infected water can lead to serious health issues for humans and animals. 

This is connected to environmental science because the drought is a major part of the worsening conditions of many bodies of water, as discussed in this article. Drought can affect the environment in many ways making our earth more unhealthy. I think that considering the severe symptoms (ex. death) stronger actions should be taken. Though there is nothing much we can do to reverse this issue, there are preventative measures that can be taken. For example in the article it states that “the state is coming in and working on testing.” I wonder how these tests are run and what determines algae to be toxic. 

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. 

As dangerous algal blooms grow, agencies need to pick up the pace. (2022, July 12). The Washington Post. Retrieved August 11, 2022, from https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/07/12/algal-blooms-epa-noaa-working-group/

This article lays out the harmful effects of algal blooms across the United States and “has been documented in all 50 states, in marine environments as well as in fresh water sources.” Places like Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River are having outbreaks in algae blooms. The beaches are showing signs of green algal due to the increase of pollution caused by fertilizer runoff. This is harmful to all living things that interact with the water. Toxins released by algal blooms create poisonous drinking water. Though Congress has tasked the NOAA, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency with solving this problem, the process is moving too slow.

This article is related to environmental science because while algae blooms are the result of a natural process, the fast paced outbreaks are occurring due to human actions. For example, when farmers are using pesticides and fertilizers on their fields and it rains, the runoff water which carries the fertilizer enters into our lakes and rivers and causes algae blooms to grow. The blooms are also becoming more toxic because of climate change. The GOA is coming up with strategies to help this issue, though I wonder how long this planning process will take. I imagine that this plan will be expensive in order for it to make a difference in the pace at which the algae blooms develop. I think that there needs to be more laws and money put towards the issue in order to make a significant change.