As one of the largest of the five Great Lakes, Lake Michigan is the ninth-largest freshwater lake in the world, almost entirely situated in the United States. Covering an area of approximately 22,400 square miles, it spans four states: Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana.
For years, Lake Michigan has been facing serious issues with regard to its algae growth. Algae have been identified as one of the major problems for the water quality and a threat to this critical ecosystem.
The growth of algae has become an issue mainly due to increased levels of phosphorus and nitrogen entering the lake. Nutrients such as these are essential for plant growth, and they naturally occur in Lake Michigan’s water. Up until recently, those levels were kept in check by the relative production of phytoplankton.
However, due to human activity, the balance between nitrogen and phosphorus has shifted in favor of the latter, creating an abundance of food for the algae. For example, increased levels of wastewater runoff contain nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen, as well as suspended solids, which cause the overgrowth of algae.
In addition, the warming temperature of the lake has further increased the proliferation of algae. Warmer water encourages the growth of phytoplankton, the natural food source for zooplankton, the dominant predators of algae. Warmer water also enables the growth of the invasive zebra mussels, which have further destabilized the balance between sediment and phytoplankton.
The presence of algae also affects water clarity, resulting in decreased visibility, which also harms a lake’s health. Declining water clarity limits the extent to which sunlight can penetrate the water, impeding essential photosynthesis, killing off beneficial plant species, and harming fish populations.
The growth of algae can also affect recreational use of the lake, negatively impacting tourism, aquatic recreational activities, and commercial fishing. Furthermore, excessive algae growth contributes to the growth of harmful bacteria and other toxins that can lead to illnesses in humans, including gastrointestinal diseases and skin infections.
Prevention
In order to prevent excessive algae growth in Lake Michigan, it is essential to reduce the amount of nutrients that enter the lake from both natural and human sources. This can be done through improved agricultural practices, such as reducing fertilizer use and increasing soil erosion control.
In addition, it is important to reduce the amount of wastewater entering the lake through improved septic systems and to reduce runoff from streets and parking lots by using permeable surfaces and planting vegetation. Finally, it is important to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide entering the lake as this can lead to increased algae growth.
Impact of Climate Change
Climate change has also been identified as a potential contributor to the excessive growth of algae in Lake Michigan. Warmer water temperatures can cause algae to be much more abundant in the lake. In addition, increased levels of precipitation can lead to increased runoff and increased nutrients entering the lake. Finally, increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere can exacerbate the growth of algae as higher levels of CO2 lead to increased photosynthesis.
Scientists are currently studying the effects of climate change on the lake and are looking for ways to mitigate its impacts. Some of the efforts include improving water-flow systems to reduce low-oxygen levels in the lake and the development of more effective treatment systems for reducing phosphorus levels.
Impact on Aquatic Life
Excessive algae growth in Lake Michigan can also have a negative impact on the aquatic life of the lake. Algae can block sunlight and interfere with the process of photosynthesis. This can lead to the death of fish, plants, and other aquatic organisms, as well as reduce biodiversity in the lake. In addition, algae can also create an environment where harmful bacteria can thrive, leading to additional health risks for aquatic life.
Finally, the growth of algae can reduce the amount of oxygen for fish to breathe, leading to mass fish kills. Generally, these fish kills occur when the algae die and decompose, using up the oxygen in the water. This can lead to massive fish death in a very short period of time, resulting in the loss of entire populations.
Impact on People
The presence of excessive levels of algae in Lake Michigan can also have a significant impact on the people who rely on the lake for their livelihoods. Tourism, recreational activities, and the fishing industry are all dependent on a healthy lake and can suffer greatly when the health of the lake is compromised. In addition, the presence of harmful bacteria and toxins can lead to illnesses in humans, such as gastrointestinal diseases and skin infections.
Furthermore, the aesthetic quality of the lake can suffer greatly due to algae growth, resulting in a decrease in the beauty that draws people to Lake Michigan in the first place. Finally, the taste and odor of the lake can be affected by the presence of algae, further deterring people from wanting to use the lake.
Government Intervention
In response to the excessive growth of algae in Lake Michigan, government agencies have stepped in to regulate and manage the lake. These efforts have included the development of management plans for regulating nutrient levels and enforcing regulations for reducing runoff and wastewater entering the lake. Additionally, governments have invested in monitoring systems to track changes in water quality and assessing the health of the lake over time.
Furthermore, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) requirements for phosphorus and nitrogen in the lake, which aim to reduce the amount of pollutants entering the lake. In addition, the EPA has implemented an abatement plan that includes best management practices such as reducing fertilizer applications, increasing erosion control, and providing more effective treatment of wastewater before it enters the lake.
Conclusion
Lake Michigan is facing a serious challenge with its algae growth, which can lead to a decrease in the lake’s health and a negative impact on human and environmental health. Reduction of nutrient and carbon levels is essential to restoring Lake Michigan’s health and preventing future algae blooms. Government agencies have stepped in to regulate and manage the lake, as well as implement a TMDL to reduce levels of pollution. Finally, public awareness and engagement is also important to help stop the spread of algae and maintain a healthy lake environment.
