Usually, algae and aquatic plants are merely a nuisance, but sometimes a form of cyanobacteria known as blue-green algae can bloom and release toxins that make humans and animals sick.
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All articles filed in algae
A Martha Stewart Guide to Lake Water Quality
Three variables – water clarity, total phosphorus, and chlorophyll – are combined to create a metric known as a trophic state index.
A few years back, Jerry Spetzman began noticing that the color of the algae samples on a white filter corresponded almost perfectly with the lakes’ overall water quality.
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Green days on a summer lake – and that’s not a good thing
Algae blooms in Carver Lake and other urban lakes are usually caused by too much phosphorus flowing into the water from sidewalks, streets, and parking lots.
Help to keep our lakes blue by sweeping dirt and yard waste off of your sidewalk, driveway and curb-line throughout the year and adopting your local storm drain: http://www.adopt-a-drain.org.
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Dead fish and green water?
Explanations for recent phenomena observed in Forest Lake In recent weeks, several people have contacted the Comfort Lake-Forest Lake Watershed District (CLFLWD) to report fish kills and algal growth observed in Forest Lake. Read on to learn what’s behind these recent phenomena. Fish Kill: After conversation with the Minnesota DNR, watershed district staff have concluded…
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State of the Mississippi River
We’ve achieved a 35% reduction in phosphorus concentrations in the metro Mississippi River, mostly due to improvements at wastewater treatment plants, but that improvement is somewhat counteracted by the increase in flow coming from upstream.
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Recipe for Saucy Homegrown Algae
Interested in whipping up a batch of blue-green algae for your next family gathering? Here’s what you’ll need.
Read MoreThe mysterious connection between leaves and algae
Consider the contrast between what happens to fallen leaves in a forest, versus those in a city neighborhood.
Read MoreCreating healthy habitat for fish
If you don’t like the idea of bass a la glyphosate, then sweep up any spilled herbicide, pesticide, or fertilizer, repair engine leaks on your car, and dispose of used engine oil properly.
Read MoreAs the Water Drop Rolls
Elsewhere across the east metro, homeowners wielding shovels and pitchforks laid traps, disguised as ornamental landscaping, to keep nutrients and other pollutants out of local waterways.
Read MoreThe fallest fall ever
Yes, fall is pretty awesome, but just like in all the other seasons, there are fall chores that need to be done in between eating apples and smashing pumpkins.
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