Scientists at Cornell University led by Professor Charles Greene have found a way to render certain types of Algae bloom into biofuels and protein. The process, called Industrial Cultivation of Marine Microalgae, involves drying algae and extracting lipids from it, which could be processed into biofuel. The remaining material would be high enough in protein to replace soy as a nutrient for farm animals or aquaculture. One distinct benefit of this process is that it does not need arable land to farm like other protein sources do. The team believes that it would take roughly 800,000 square miles of land to produce enough fuel to completely replace fossil fuels. Although this is a lot of space, Greene argues that it would be worth it as producing the biofuel on this scale would also produce food in the form of protein rich algae material. The process is not cost effective, however, because the technology is still in its infancy and thus is very expensive. Greene estimates that a single 2500 acre facility would cost between 400 and 500 million dollars. This process is not likely to replace other fuel or food sources, but it could act as a good supplement to them.

This is relevant to environmental science because it shows how a phenomenon which is often considered to be detrimental to the environment can be harnessed to help the environment. This also illustrates how difficult finding alternative energy sources is, because this plan has significant drawbacks (that the article downplays) that would keep it from ever being implemented on a large scale.

Source: http://bigthink.com/sean-curry/the-underwater-gift-that-might-save-us-all

An algae bloom has broken out in Tasmania’s Preservation Bay. Unlike other blooms, this growth is bioluminescent, giving the water in the bay an eerie blue glow. The algae, known as Noctiluca Scintillans, emits light when it is disturbed. It is not toxic, although it can cause skin irritation according to researchers. Although it poses no threat to beachgoers, officials are worried that the algae could disrupt the marine ecosystem. N. Scintillians competes for space with other microorganisms like diatoms, however, unlike native species fish and other organisms will not eat them. The blooms could potentially outcompete the organisms at the base of the local food chain, disrupting the entire ecosystem. For now, researchers are keeping an eye on the bloom but they will not consider taking action unless there is evidence that fish populations in the area are being adversely affected.

This story is relevant to environmental science because it is a good example of how an ecosystem can potentially be disrupted by change but also how it can in be resilient in some cases. Because the algae hasn’t showed any signs of damaging the ecosystem yet, I don’t think they should be removed. As long as they’re harmless there’s no point in cleaning them up, but authorities should stay alert in case they do start harming the bay.

Source: http://www.livescience.com/58296-bioluminescent-algae-glows-blue-in-tasmania.html

A recent report from the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium has predicted that the annual algae bloom in the Gulf of Mexico will be a third larger than it normally is. The bloom or the Gulf Dead Zone, as it is known, has been forming in the gulf during the summer since the 1970s. The bloom is fed by fertilizers in farm runoff that travels down the Mississippi from as far north as Montana into the gulf. The report found that although the EPA was determined to keep this year’s bloom within 2000 square miles, the dead zone might spread over as much as 6800 square miles. The summer dead zone has a profound effect on the southern coast of the U.S. and the eastern coast of Mexico because it kills off fish and other wildlife and ruins the aesthetic value of the area. This is especially devastating for Mexican and American fishing industries, because it effectively halts operations during the summer months.

This relates to environmental science because it is a perfect case study for how farm runoff effects ocean habitats. This also brings up some ethical questions, because Mexico contributes very little to the dead zone and yet still suffers the consequences of it. I think the EPA needs more authority to limit fertilizer runoff into the ocean. If the algae bloom keeps growing year after year there may be even worse consequences.

Source: http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2016/06/gulf-mexico-braces-monsterous-dead-zone

The Arabian Sea is currently experiencing an algae bloom which stretches from the sultanate of Oman on the eastern Arabian Peninsula to the Northwest coast of India. Although algae blooms are not uncommon due to the climate of the region, an outbreak of algae of this scale is unprecedented. Blooms are normally small and scattered, but this one has coalesced into a single mass visible from space which is estimated to be about the size of Mexico. Scientists blame warmer regional temperatures which have caused more powerful monsoon winds to move through the region. This in turn has stirred up the water, which has raised levels of dissolved oxygen and nutrients, both of which promote algae growth. A bloom of this magnitude is especially dangerous in this region because Oman derives 90 percent of its water from coastal desalinization plants which can become clogged if algae enters their systems. The algae is also disrupting local villages that rely on fishing for food and income.

This relates to environmental science because it is a good example of how environmental changes can have a butterfly effect which leads to damaging consequences for others. This algae bloom really shows how interconnected the environment is. I think that Oman should receive foreign aid to help clean up this ecological disaster. They are a rich nation, but they should not have to bear this external cost on their own, especially because they did not cause it. That being said, it’s hard to find anyone who is solely responsible because the cause of the disaster is global warming in general.

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/massive-algae-bloom-turns-arabian-sea-green-2017-3

California I experiencing an Algae bloom crisis. Not only are the numbers of blooms increasing, but the occurrence of toxic blue-green blooms is becoming much more common. Lakes and waterfronts throughout the state have been forced to close down due to worryingly high levels of the toxin microcystin, which can cause irritation and vomiting. Despite the rise of blue-green algae blooms, there are no reports of drinking water becoming contaminated, because drinking water is drawn from below where algae sits in a reservoir. Many residents are disappointed with the conditions, which experts link to California’s prolonged drought. The drought has cause lower water levels in large bodies of water, which makes them more likely to heat up when exposed to sunlight, as they are during the summer. This creates an ideal environment for algae to proliferate. The problem is also caused by fertilizer runoff from farms and golf courses, which feeds the algae extra nutrients.

This relates to environmental science because it shows that many factors can contribute to a population increase. In this case, the heat, the drought, and the fertilizer runoff all have an effect of the population of algae. I think that the California government needs to work on finding solutions to the algae problem that plagues the state. Algae blooms ill eventually go away, but given that California is experiencing algae blooms on such a large scale, it seems like the government should be trying to do something to help.

California state health officials have given clearance for the crab fishing season to begin in November. The season was closed early last year after officials found toxic algae blooms growing off the coast in March. Consumers were forced to buy alternatives from Oregon and Washington, but this season California crab will be available again. Although consumers can find California crab at their local markets again, officials warn that they should not eat the crab’s internal organs, where residual toxins could still be concentrated. In addition, the department warns against eating broths or stews that have been used to cook a whole crab, as the toxins from the organs could make their way into the dish. Regardless, crab fishing will begin on November 15^th, as planned.

This relates to environmental science because it shows how changes in the environment can have an effect of the economy as well. This is a good example of how a negative change in an environment can hurt businesses that rely on certain ecosystems. I think it’s good that the health officials are allowing the fishing to begin on time this year, because the danger is much smaller now and many businesses rely on crab season to continue operating.

The Associated Press has found that blue-green algae is present in more than forty bodies of water. The California State Department of Water Resources attributes the rise to a prolonged warm season caused by California’s drought. They also stated that decreased water flow as a result of the drought was exacerbating the issue. The department has reported blooms in lakes, rivers, and even reservoirs, however, no drinking water has yet been contaminated. Although there is generally algae present in any substantial body of water, the growth of toxic blooms can be linked to the heat because according to Beverley Anderson-Abbs, “Cyanobacteria tend to outcompete other algae when water temperatures get above about 20 degrees C (68 F), and they outcompete most other organisms and persist for long periods of time”. As a result, the warmer weather caused by shifting climate patterns in California is causing more toxic algae blooms.

This relates to environmental science because it shows how much can change when a climate shifts. Further, it shows that even minor changes to an environment like a longer summer can have a transformative effect on the ecosystem. I think it’s unfortunate that California’s drought has so many extra consequences that come along with it. Hopefully, future summers are more mild so that the algae will not have as much of a chance to bloom as it has this year.

The California State Department of Water Resources has reported that because of “warm temperature, calm conditions, and plenty of sunlight” a blue-green algae bloom is growing in Pyramid Lake and parts of Lake Shasta. Although conditions can change from day to day, the department warns that visitors should avoid entering the water and should exercise caution when using boats on the lake because of the possibility of stirring up the algae and releasing toxins into the air. Authorities warn that exposure to high concentrations of the algae can result in skin rashes, eye irritation, and gastrointestinal issues. They have also advised against eating fish or shellfish from the lake. Although the department is unsure, they predict that the bloom will persist all summer.

This is important, because it shows how environmental factors like change in weather can contribute to a shift in the success of certain populations. In this case, the algae are benefitting from the warmer climate caused by a particularly hot, dry summer. I think that California’s lakes and rivers will continue to experience toxic algae blooms of this magnitude as long as we are in a drought.

Monterey is experiencing a bloom of akashiwo sanguinea phytoplankton which is a threat to local wildlife. Although there is generally some algae in Monterey’s water, UC Santa Cruz researchers found that the population has increased to four times its normal size. According to a California Fish and Wildlife official, the algae “[has] been pretty sporadic”, but its presence still poses a threat to seabirds. Although the algae is non-toxic, it produces a thick foam when it dies which can cause birds to have trouble swimming and diving because it breaks down the waterproof coating on their feathers. The birds are then forced to swim to shore, where they lack access to food and nesting areas. Thus if the algae bloom keeps growing Monterey’s bird populations could be in danger.

This relates to what we’re studying in APES because it shows how overpopulation in one species can effect an entire ecosystem. The exponential growth of the algae bloom is causing problems for the whole ecosystem. I think that the city of Monterey should be ready to step in and help the birds as soon as the situation begins to affect them. If the city is prepared to take action, they can quickly help the birds, which will mean that they won’t die on the beach.

Fox News. (2016). Toxic algae bloom closes Utah lake, sickens more than 100 people. Retrieved

from: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2016/07/23/toxic-algae-bloom-closes-utah-lake-sickens-more-than-100-people.html

Roughly 130 people have reported some form of sickness, be it nausea, vomiting, or rashes, from an algae bloom growing in Utah Lake. A species known as Blue-Green algae has spread of 150 square miles of the lake, which is the largest freshwater body west of the Mississippi River. Though the lake is not a source of drinking water, it is a popular place for swimming and fishing and its outlet river, the Jordan, supplies irrigation water to farmers. As such, farms in the region have been left without water for their crops, which can damage harvests, especially during summer.

This relates to environmental science because it shows how a successful species can spread and impact multiple ecosystems. I think that it is unfortunate that the farmers are without water, especially because Utah farmers grow a lot of crops that require more water than the environment holds. However, there really is no solution as it seems that in cases of algal blooms the only thing to do is wait them out. Perhaps the farmers can find an alternative source of water if the bloom continues, but this will put even more undue strain on an ecosystem that is already unequipped to supply farmers with the amount of water they need.