What is a Harmful Algal Bloom?

Image provided by: https://earth.esa.int/web/earth-watching/environmental-hazards/content/-/article/algal-blooms-in-lake-erie-north-america-

Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) have been increasing in the Great Lakes due to fertilizer run-off, reappearing each summer with more mass each year. Algal Blooms occur because of nitrogen and phosphorus rich environments. With the many water sheds meeting in Lake Erie much of Ohio’s agricultural run-off pores into the lake containing fertilizers high in nitrogen and phosphorus, that enhance the algal bloom growth.  This run-off occurs when it rains, as snow melts, or as farmers water their crops and many other ways.

HABs are excessive growths of algal in marine and freshwater watersheds.(EPA) Some HABs are non-toxic but will still damage the ecosystem while other HABs secrete toxins.

How Are HABs Harming Ecosystems?

Image by: https://iboess.wikispaces.com/5.4+Eutrophication

Harmful Algal Blooms can be toxic to humans and their pets but can create dead zones in marine and freshwater watersheds. A dead zone is created by HABs due to eutrophication. The excess of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus is known as, eutrophication.(NCBI) This eutrophication creates a hypoxic environment which means oxygen deficient environment.(Elsevier)

This Hypoxic environment is due to over-grown vegetation and algae blooms caused by agricultural run-off. The area becomes oxygen deficient when the algae biomass’ die.(Elsevier) When they die the mass sinks to the floor of the reservoir and begins decomposition. Decomposition requires oxygen which id taken out of the environment.(NCBI) This cycle leads to hypoxic zones.

Oxygen being sucked out of the environment means less oxygen for fish and other organisms resulting in mass die offs known as dead zones. Harmful Algal Blooms cause concerns for watershed health, biodiversity, fisheries, and farming communities.

Why Should We Care?
Many species rely on Lake Erie, providing breeding grounds, pit stops, and year round habitat. Families, economies, and biodiversity depends on the health of Lake Erie. Lake Erie provides crucial habitat that nurtures biodiversity and the survival of many threatened and endangered species.
Fisheries depend on the Lake to be rich in resources. With dead zones increasing fisheries are losing income. These individuals lose money causing problems for families and economies that depend on fisheries. This includes tourist locations near the lake.

How Are Farmers in Ohio Helping to Reduce Agricultural Run-Off?

The EPA has done a study and identified the source of the HABs in Lake Erie, studies showed that the nutrients were coming from hundreds of farms that span from Ft. Wayne, Ind., to Toledo.(K, Matheny) These studies showed that 2017 ranked the highest for eutrophication.(K, Matheny)

Farmers hope to reduce agricultural run-off by adopting organic methods of farming, altering farm machinery, and develop soil conservation methods. Farmers are targeting manure and fertilizer run-off to put a dent in harmful algal bloom growth.(J, McCarty)

Organizations such as Alliance For the Great Lakes help pair farmers with government programs and resources to help reduce harmful algal blooms. Developing educational programs, discounts for certain farming practices, third party certifications, and guidance on farming techniques. More programs could help provide information to more farmers.

References

1.Harmful Algal Blooms. (2017, April 07). Retrieved June 20, 2018, from https://www.epa.gov/nutrientpollution/harmful-algal-blooms

2. Michalak, A. M., Anderson, E. J., Beletsky, D., Boland, S., Bosch, N. S., Bridgeman, T. B., . . . Zagorski, M. A. (2013, April 16). Retrieved June 2, 2018, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3631662/

3. The re-eutrophication of Lake Erie: Harmful algal blooms and hypoxia. (2016, May 18). Retrieved June 20, 2018, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1568988315301141

4. McCarty, J. F. (2017, June 11). How NW Ohio farmers are trying to shrink Lake Erie toxic algal blooms (photos, video). Retrieved June 22, 2018, from https://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2017/06/how_nw_ohio_farmers_are_trying.html

5. Lake Erie Algae Blooms: Polluting Our Drinking Water. (n.d.). Retrieved June 22, 2018, from https://greatlakes.org/campaigns/lake-erie-algae-blooms/

WILD BLUE LUPINES AND THE KARNER BLUE BUTTERFLY

Photo: Image taken at wild Geranium maculatum, of a female Karner Blue Butterfly and illustrated by Steven Russell Smith.

What is the Karner Blue Butterfly?
The Karner blue butterfly is a blue butterfly discovered in Karner, New York over a century ago. This butterfly is smaller than most, reaching a wingspan of about one inch.1,2 Karner blue butterflies will hatch twice a year, once in the Spring and once in the Summer, living as butterflies for only one to two weeks. The Karner blue butterfly depends on the wild blue lupine plant for survival, providing the butterfly with habitat, nesting grounds, and food.3 Wild lupines, along with Karner blue butterflies can be found in depleting ecosystems such as oak savannas and pine barren.2 Due to the depletion of these ecosystems this species has been listed as endangered since December 12th, 1992!1 With the loss of wild blue lupine habitat the Karner blue butterfly dropped from 3 to 5 thousand in the early 1980s to 50!3
Karner Blue Butterflies Need for Wild Blue Lupine
To understand why the wild blue lupine plant is a valuable resource to the Karner blue butterfly species, and a primary source of the butterflies survival, it is important to understand the Karner Blue Butterflies life cycle.

Photo by: Environmental Education for Kids; http://eekwi.org/earth/kcycle.htm

Karner blue butterflies nest their eggs after mating on a lupine plant. This lupine plant will host their caterpillars once hatched and the leaves will provide the caterpillar with food for about three to four weeks. wild blue lupine plants is the only food source for a Karner blue caterpillar. Once the caterpillars are ready they will spend 8 to 11 days in a chrysalis, a silk cone wrapped around the caterpillar, and pupate. Pupate, or pupation, allows the caterpillar to grow wings, and form legs and antennae, this stage also transforms their mouth becoming extended and similar to a straw to enable the butterfly to obtain nectar from plants, this change in mouth is called proboscis. The new butterfly will then hatch from its chrysalis and dry its wings for around 45 minutes and will only have one to two weeks to find a mate and lay it’s own eggs on a blue wild lupine. The life cycle of the Karner blue butterfly is dependent on the wild blue lupine plant. This plant is the only plant that Karner blue butterflies eat and the only nesting grounds they have.3 To save the Karner blue butterflies we need to save their homes and food source, the wild blue lupine plant. After finding the vital nesting grounds of the Karner blue butterflies, wild blue lupine plants, it is important to know where to find blue lupine plants and why they are disappearing.

Why is Wild Blue Lupine Disappearing?

Photo by: Acadia national Park Maine, United States of America. Image of Wild Blue Lupine Plant

Wild blue lupine plants began disappearing because they depend heavily on pine barrens which are found in acidic, sandy, dry, soil. These trees were harvested, some of the species was used for medicine, torches, and fence posts by early colonist, while the white pine tree was used for building material. Eventually the pine barren habitat appeared more suitable for houses, roads, and buildings, leading developers to clear the area of pines.3 Development has created less space for the blue lupine to thrive, leaving the Karner Blue Butterfly with less food, habitat, and nesting ground.

Where Are The Wild Blue Lupine? Where are the Karner Blue Butterflies?

Image by: https://shop.seed-balls.com/products/lupinus-perennis

Historically Karner Blue Butterflies habitat range expanded from Minnesota to Maine. This has changed drastically, only being found in Ohio, New York, Wisconsin, New Hampshire, Ontario Canada, Michigan, and Minnesota. A habitat for the Karner Blue Butterfly must be rich in Wild Blue Lupine. Scientists, in New Hampshire, are currently making attempts to release captive-reared Karner blue butterflies in hopes that they will be able to thrive in the wild and have seen promising results.1,2,3 Ensuring the success of Karner blue butterflies will need cooperation among states to monitor development and various habitats that provide Karner blue butterflies with food and nesting grounds. The main cause of endangerment for Karner blue butterflies is habitat loss.
Development, interbreeding and fire suppression has led to habitat loss for blue lupines. Blue lupine is found as west as Minnesota and Louisiana, reaching North to Maine and even South to Florida.4 To save the blue lupine plant and karner blue butterfly a focus on managing oak savanna and pine barren ecosystems, which are also disappearing quickly, is needed.1

Are They Being Saved?

Image by RLR Reintroduction Management

Currently, Wisconsin hosts a state-wide Habitat Conservation Plan, directed for the Karner Blue Butterfly and partnered with 40 non-profits, land owners, and varies stakeholders. This plan aims to provide Karner blue butterflies with a restored habitat and proper management. Including details to improve forestry operations and include butterflies in management plans to ensure wild lupines can thrive.1 New Hampshire has taken steps to reintroduce captive-reared Karner blue butterflies into the wild and have seen promising results.3 Savanna restoration is being sought on federal and state lands by other states, and private land owners are also providing suitable habitats.1 States such as Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and New Hampshire are seeking habitat restoration. With these efforts the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has also developed a Karner Blue Butterfly Recovery Plan. This plan creates a map to helping the Karner blue butterfly reoccupy its historic range. Strategizing habitat restoration and Karner blue population stabilization.1 Ohio’s Recovery Team sought to develop a self-sustaining, captive-breed and release program in 1998. The Toledo Zoo has also reared Karner blue butterflies in hopes of restoration. Located in Ohio is the Kitty Todd Nature Preserve which provides restored Karner blue butterfly habitat. With these combined efforts Ohio was able to release 447 captive-reared butterflies to Oak Openings Preserve Metropark and 575 butterflies to the Milke Road Savanna Wildlife area, 13 years after Ohio lost this species.5
Future efforts hope to focus on bringing back these vital habitats and protecting them over time. Development and Management plans will incorporate conservation efforts to ensure the survival of crucial habitats. Contact nearby parks to ask about the conservation efforts they are taking to aid these habitats and what volunteer opportunities there might be to help. Whether it is monitoring and documenting, or helping restore their habitats, Karner blue butterflies could use help!

References
1. Service, U. F. (2017). Species Profile for Karner Blue butterfly (Lycaeides melissa samuelis).
Retrieved June 10, 2018, from
https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp0/profile/speciesProfile?spcode=I00F
2. Service, U. F. (2018, March 12). Karner Blue Butterfly (Lycaeides melissa samuelis). Retrieved
June 10, 2018, from
https://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/insects/kbb/karnerbl.html
3. Karner Blue Butterfly – Lycaeides melissa samuelis | Wildlife Journal Junior – Wildlife Journal
Junior. (2017). Retrieved June 18, 2018, from http://www.nhptv.org/wild/karner.asp
4. Wild Blue Lupine – Lupinus perennis | Wildlife Journal Junior – Wildlife Journal Junior. (2017).
Retrieved June 19, 2018, from http://www.nhptv.org/wild/karnerbluelupine.asp
5. Ohio DNR Division of Wildlife. (2012). Ohio.gov / search. Retrieved June 19, 1018, from
http://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/species-and-habitats/species-guide-index/butterflies-
skippers/karner-blue

Lying just 12 miles south of Ontario, Canada in Lake Superior is Isle Royale National Park, which is part of Michigan. The 207 square mile forested Isle Royale has been the center for one of the longest predator-prey research studies of all time. The moose and wolf relationship has been being studied sine the 1950’s. Because it is an island the isolated land allows for easy and precise studying with very few outside factors, including human intervention. This study however, may be coming to an end. The wolf population has been dwindling down leaving only two recorded wolves in December of 2016. From reasons such as inbreeding, illnesses, and new wolves unable to populate the island from mainland Canada via ice bridge how they came over in the first place, the population seems domed unless something is done. A plan was proposed in 2016 by the national park service to consider reintroduction verses letting nature takes its course. At the current rate, the moose population is growing exponentially without any check system even hunting is prohibited. Because of this boom in moose the landscape is changing. While moose grow in numbers, flora decreases especially ones fed on by the moose such as aspen. This over grazing is turning a once lush deciduous forest into a spruce savannah. The land isn’t the only thing hurting though, the moose population is showing signs of distress due to overpopulation such as disease and illness. Without wolves to thin out the weak and ill then disease has the chance to spread. At this point the major question is do we step in or simply let mother nature do her thing? Well the question was answered earlier this month with the signing of Release of Record to allow the reintroduction of 20-30 wolves over a course of three to five years. This is a chance for environmental science students and the public alike to watch and learn how a management system helps or hurts a changing ecosystem.

Resources; https://www.nps.gov/isro/learn/news/press-release-national-park-service-releases-record-of-decision-to-introduce-wolves-at-isle-royale-national-park.htm

http://www.isleroyalewolf.org/

Whenever you’re looking for a cool place to camp for free, you can use a tool that I am immensely in love with: freecampsites.net. This website has cheapened and enhanced quite a few trips for me. I recently went to Ohiopyle State Park with my girlfriend, so we decided to use my favorite tool. Luckily for us, we ended up at Forbes State Forest. Our campsite was set in a heavily wooded area deep in the forest, and we were immediately enchanted. The entire drive there had been serene. Unbeknownst to us, however, the forest told an amazing story, one of death, growth, and prosperity: primary succession.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website, Forbes State Forest is an Appalachian oak forest that is actively managed for ecological and economic reasons. Harvesting the timber in certain areas of the forest ensures a variety of environments for the forest’s creatures, ensuring biodiversity and promoting forest health. The video below shows just how quickly a forest can recover when properly managed:

Forbes State Forest also has a number of other objectives with the forest, listed here. Being a park ranger at Glacier Ridge Metro Park, I see on a firsthand basis just how much work it is to maintain these environments and allow them to prosper. It is encouraging to see such good work being done around the U.S., and it was pretty inspiring to stumble upon it by chance.

References:

http://freecampsites.net/

https://freecampsites.net/#!74068&query=sitedetails

http://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateForests/FindAForest/Forbes/Pages/default.aspx

http://www.docs.dcnr.pa.gov/cs/groups/public/documents/document/dcnr_20033449.pdf

Ways to Support Ohio Wildlife

Donations, conservation license plates and checkoff contributions are ways that you can contribute to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources so that they can work towards bringing and keeping native Ohio wildlife species to their natural range.

Online Donations, Estate Planning, & Memorial Donations

Visit the Online Customer Center to support Ohio’s wildlife by donating to the following funds:

• The Habitat Fund (to purchase land for wildlife)
• The Endangered Species and Wildlife Diversity Fund (for the protection and management of Ohio’s endangered and other wildlife species)
• The Wetland Habitat Fund (supports the restoration of Ohio’s wetlands)
• The Wildlife Fund (supports the Division of Wildlife’s conservation programs)

Another way to contribute is by purchasing The Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp for $15. Included with the stamp is a window cling, and commemorative card; the proceeds from the stamp go into the Endangered Species and Wildlife Diversity Fund.

The ODNR

Ohio Department of Natural Resources is in charge of wildlife, state parks, nature preserves, conserves, water/watercrafts, forestry, mineral resources, geology, coastal, oil and gas resources and real estate resources in the state of Ohio.  ODNR is used by many of us in the state or at least has benefit all of us in one of the divisions they are in charge of.

They oversee state camp grounds, public (state) parks, hunting, fishing, boating and many other recreational events across the Ohio.

Brief History of Ohio Wildlife

https://vimeo.com/34539572

In 1829, Ohio creates their first law to protect wildlife as they see wildlife as valuable resource; it is now illegal to killed muskrats from May 1-Oct 15. Ohio enacts it’s first protection for fish in 1857; as well as it’s first non-game protection law for songbirds.

In 1873, the Ohio Fish Commission is created and later becomes the Commission of fish and game in 1886. This is the first time they appoint wardens and by 1888 every county has warden and the state has a chief warden.

London, Ohio becomes the first fish hatchery site in the state in 1896. And in 1902, the Fish and Commission is now responsible for all the lakes and public parks in Ohio.

In 1913, the first residential hunting license is required after uncontrolled hunting has lead to extinct wildlife or low populations throughout the state. The Roosevelt Game Preserve becomes the first wildlife area in Ohio purchased with licensing dollars. And in 1925, the first residential fishing license is now require to fish in Ohio waters.

The newly created Ohio Department of Natural Resources changes the Department of Conservation to Department of Wildlife in 1949…

In 1973, the Ohio Endangered Species law is passed. Ohio has seen a lot of growing populations of wildlife as well as some species returning to the area once the ODNR had been established…

Conservation and preserves in Ohio

Conservation protects many acres of land and waterways across the state of Ohio. They protect habitats from natural and human threats such as climate change, pollution to water ways, diseases, natural disasters, fire and the like. Not only do they keep the environment beautiful, but safe for wildlife as well…

Preserves in Ohio are managed to control certain populations of species that not only affect the wildlife but habitat. In a continuing effort to control deer populations, specifically those affecting native plant communities, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) will coordinate special deer hunts at six state nature preserves across the state (State Nature Preserves).

Recreation in Ohio

You are able to camp, boat, hike, picnic, bike and many other recreational adventures you can do in the state parks of Ohio. Many of these activities are free to the public, but there are costs for the parks to provide you with this great experience. So, on your next visit or at the support Ohio website you can make an donate to ensure that these wildlife areas are here for future generations to enjoy…

http://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/about-contacts/support-ohios-wildlife

References

http://www.ohiodnr.gov/

http://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/about-contacts/support-ohios-wildlife

wildlife Ohio history timeline.ppt – Ohio EPA Home

The Magee Marsh Wildlife Area (MMWA), a wetland on Lake Erie, is widely recognized as a hub for anyone interested in birding; sparking the interest of anyone from avid bird watchers to bird researchers, MMWA is a crucial habitat for migratory birds as they travel across North America during their migration seasons.

Ohio Department of Natural Resources

Described on the Magee Marsh Wildlife Area’s website as a “warbler mecca,” the wetland acts as a refuge to about 30 different species of warblers during their prime migratory periods. Species of birds stop over MMWA from late February to early June to eat insects from the wetland to power the remainder of their journey, some coming as far south as Brazil, and some heading much further than the lower 48, traveling all the way to Alaska and Canada.

National Audobon Society

With so many birds relying on the ecosystem as a resting place, researchers recognized the importance of understanding the migratory patterns of all these different species; the more information they can collect on the different birds, the more equipped the habitat can be to serve those bird populations. Researchers from the Black Swamp Bird Observatory began what is now the United States’ most expansive bird-banding expedition in 1978. Today, hundreds of thousands of birds have been tagged. The bands, which are attached to the birds’ legs, each have a code that allows them to be tracked and entered into an extensive database. In addition to tagging, researchers collect data on the birds’ gender, wingspan, body composition, and much more in order to best serve the populations. Here is a link to the observatory’s past banding data: Navarre Marsh Annual Banding and Check List Data.

National Audobon Society

It has become clear over the years that MMWA is a necessity to dozens of bird species; given the existing risks of migration, migratory birds require consistent, reliable stopover habitats. Migration is responsible for as much as 80% of bird deaths, making places like MMWA all the more important for protection and refuge.

Magee Marsh

Bird Photography at Magee Marsh

The Black Swamp Bird Observatory has made tremendous leaps toward conservation of the Magee Marsh habitat and subsequent conservation of the birds that so heavily rely on its existence in the future. From extensive education and community outreach programs to conservation goals, the organization is reaching out to the public to encourage protection. Some of their initiatives include youth education, specifically instilling a love of nature and birds in children with activities like bird walks and introductions to bird watching. Another effort by the Black Swamp Bird Observatory, and one that we would certainly recognize, is encouraging the purchase of conservation stamps, or what we would know as Duck Stamps. The Duck Stamp Act was legislation passed to ensure protection of habitats that are crucial to species like these migratory birds that pass through MMWA. The Black Swam Bird Observatory also has many other conservation projects, including fishing line cleanup, volunteer teams, and so much more. Check out more information on their programs here: Easy Ways for YOU to Support Conservation.

Slow Birding: Blogspot

At the root of it all, the Magee Marsh Wildlife Area acts as a home, be it temporary, for thousands of birds annually. Just as any other home and habitat, it is one that requires maintenance and consistent effort to stay healthy and viable. The hope of the many bird watchers and researchers that frequent the area each year is that the Magee Marsh Wildlife Area will be protected for generations to come, so that the beauty and importance of the birds passing through may persist long into the future.

If you are interested in helping to conserve areas like the Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, consider purchasing Duck Stamps; 98 cents out of every dollar collected goes to conservation! More information can be found here: http://www.bsbo.org/conservation-stamps.html

Sources:

http://wksu.org/post/magee-marsh-ohios-mecca-migratory-birds#stream/0

http://www.bsbo.org/timing-of-spring-migration.html

http://www.bsbo.org/easy-ways-for-you-to-support-conservation.html

http://www.mageemarsh.org/

https://www.fws.gov/birds/get-involved/duck-stamp/history-of-the-federal-duck-stamp.php

Oak trees are very commonly seen around Ohio being one of the oldest trees. However Oak wilt is slowly decreasing the oak tree population. The fungus enters the tress blocking the vessels which blocks the flow of water and nutrients. All species of oak trees are susceptible to the disease, some kinds can tolerate it better than others.

Wilting of the trees can be monitored and in some cases prevented. The oak trees can be diagnosed early into the disease and by not causing human harm such as pruning them during the wrong months can lead to open abrasions allowing for the oak tree to get the wilting disease.
Progressive training is required to accurately diagnose and treat trees. Red oaks are most susceptible to the disease. One visual symptom is an oily green look in the trees canopy which rapidly turns tan or red in color. Another is heavy shedding of foliage with individual leave showing symptoms, this is a less common way of expressing the disease.
The disease is transmitted from tree to tree by contact of roots. Oak wilt is diagnosed in laboratory settings by isolating the fungus from diseased tissues. A negative sample does not mean the oak tree tested does not have the disease; not all root samples that are tested are infected in that specific location.
Management practices of the disease can be taken. Avoid pruning or wounding the trees between February- June. Good sanitary practices including sterilizing all equipment. Chip, burn, burry or cover with plastic any debris.

References
“Oak Wilt Fact and Fears–Symptoms, Diagnosis, Management, Prevention, and Treatment.” Arborilogical Services Inc, www.arborilogical.com/how-tos/oak-wilt-fact-and-fears-symptoms-diagnosis-management-prevention-and-treatment/.
Images
https://branchtree.com/oak-wilt/

Water is one of our most valuable resources. Without it, life would not exist. However, simply having water around does not mean everything is fine. Many waterways in Ohio are considered polluted but the Ohio River continues to be one of the most polluted rivers, greatly affecting the surrounding wildlife. Toxins such as mercury is released by industrial plants into waterways. The toxins then spread their harmful touch throughout the food chain. Many plant and aquatic wildlife species are affected by absorbing these toxins into their systems. These toxins are then transferred into anything that feeds on them and continues upward through the food chain. Even if not eaten, the organisms cannot process the toxins quickly enough and it is rereleased into the waterways, sometimes in an even more dangerous form. One of the main reasons mercury pollution is thought to be so bad is because of the harmful effects it has on developing fetuses and its potential to cause types of cancer. Besides causing issues with wildlife through the food chain, species simply drinking from the contaminated water can also be affected.

Fig. 1 – Mercury Cycle

Many agencies such as the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency are committed to reducing the amount of toxic waste being introduced into the environmental systems. Some possible solutions to this pollution include the creation of more water treatment centers but these are costly and require long periods of time to implement. The Ohio EPA has done extensive work and from 2002, clean water has increased from 62.5% to 87.5% in Ohio. Slowly but surely, Ohio’s waterways are being decontaminated.
References:
Fig 1 http://www.frackcheckwv.net/2016/10/23/the-ohio-river-needs-attention-for-the-future/

https://www.tristatehomepage.com/news/epa-reports-ohio-river-most-contaminated-body-of-water-in-the-country/149752570

http://epa.ohio.gov/News/Online-News-Room/News-Releases/ArticleId/1300/ohio-epa-issues-latest-water-quality-report-2018

What You Need to Know About ‘Legacy Pollution’ in the Ohio River

For further information on how water quality is affected and how it affects our lives check out:
http://epa.ohio.gov/News/Online-News-Room/News-Releases/ArticleId/1300/ohio-epa-issues-latest-water-quality-report-2018

Farming is essential to the food supply and economy within Ohio. However, agricultural practices are reaping negative effects on aquatic ecosystems with an excess of phosphorus pollution. Agricultural practices such as; feeding operations, grazing, plowing and fertilizer are responsible for 85% of the phosphorus pollution found within Lake Erie.

This image shows agricultural runoff in action. The waters flowing from these fields contain minerals like phosphorus and nitrogen.

The biggest risk associated with the Lake Erie ecosystem and phosphorus pollution is the formation of deadly algal blooms. Algal blooms are known to create dead zones (areas in the water in which there is no oxygen present) because algae consumes all the oxygen in the water, releasing carbon dioxide. Due to the lack of oxygen, very few fish and wildlife species can survive in dead zones. Algae also prevents light from reaching vegetation at the bottom of the lake, blocking photosynthesis and consequently damaging food sources and nursing grounds for aquatic species.

The photo above illustrates the extent of algae contamination in all of the Great Lakes. It is clear within the photo that Lake Erie has significantly more algae than the surrounding lakes, emphasizing the need for control of phosphorus pollution and in turn, agricultural runoff.

In order to limit the amount of agricultural runoff and number of algae blooms, farming practices must be adjusted. A few techniques that are known to cause less phosphorus pollution are crop rotation, no till agriculture and nutrient/fertilizer management practices. Although new agricultural practices can help, the best way to prevent further growth of algal blooms is through greater education on the risks and causes of blooms.

This diagram shows how phosphorus can be transferred from farmlands to ponds and into waterways.

References:

Algal Blooms 101

Agricultural Runoff, Tox Town

Algal Blooms in the Great Lakes, The University of British Columbia (Picture 2)

Damaging Consequences of Agricultural Runoff, Greentumble

Agricultural Runoff Picture 2

Agricultural Runoff Diagram (Picture 3)

Planning a fun day of water activities on the Ohio River this summer? You might want to rethink this water frolic because according to an EPA report, the Ohio River is the single most polluted body of water in the United States. Ohio seems to have a bad reputation of bad river water quality, with Cleveland being pegged as a national joke decades ago when the Cuyahoga River caught fire multiple times due to pollution. The question stands, what causes the pollution in the Ohio River to make it so much worse than any other body of water in this great nation?

Areas along the Ohio River have gone through a large period of industrialization over the past century, so it comes as no surprise that the main culprit to this pollution are chemicals in connection to industry. Actually, one factory has a major effect on the issue of pollution in the Ohio River. A.K. Steel located in Rockport, Indiana, is responsible for “over 70 percent of the Ohio River’s toxic chemicals, according to the a report by the Toxic Release Inventory” (Cory). Other companies that dump mercury into the river do so by first diluting it in tanks of water, then release it into the Ohio River. This solution doesn’t make much sense because in the end, the pollutants are still being added to the river, just not as concentrated as before being diluted. As pointed out, the major issues that face the Ohio River are point source pollution from industrial dumping. Through policy and regulation this could be decreased substantially. In the meantime, however, Cincinnati Water Works has implemented a new filtration system that is supposed to filter out all of these chemicals. “This facility is specially designed in order to remove the industrial type contaminants that the gasolines, the herbicides, pesticides, and things like that. If they get into the Ohio River and they get into the water, we can remove them here with our system” (Schack). Let’s hope that this filtration system will help combat the problem of pollution on the Ohio River. Maybe reschedule that fun day on the water for next summer.

Resources:

• Cory, Caroline. “Environmental Protection Agency Calls Ohio River the Most Polluted in Country.” The News Record, The News Record, 24 Nov. 2015, www.newsrecord.org/news/environmental-protection-agency-calls-ohio-river-the-most-polluted-in/article_5d6a04a6-9304-11e5-bf5c-c70efe02bafb.html.
• “Ohio River Pollution Control Standards Are in Jeopardy: Comment by February 24.” Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition, Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition, 20 Feb. 2018, ohvec.org/ohio-river-pollution-control-standards-jeopardy-comment-february-24/.
• Schack, Jennifer. “Report: Ohio River Most Polluted Body of Water in U.S. for 7th Year in Row.” WLWT, WLWT, 5 Oct. 2017, www.wlwt.com/article/report-ohio-river-most-polluted-body-of-water-in-u-s-for-7th-year-in-row/3551807.