How to Prevent Blue-Green Algae in Ohio Lakes

Eutrophication occurs when the levels of plant nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen in a body of water are too high. The excess nutrient concentration can lead to the rapid growth and reproduction of phytoplankton and cyanobacteria like blue-green algae. When blooms of these organisms appear, they can choke off the lake, blocking sunlight from reaching aquatic plants, which are necessary to filter the water and provide dissolved oxygen. This phenomenon is quite common in Northeastern Ohio, in lakes such as the East and West Twin Lakes and Dollar Lake. Although blue-green algae occur naturally in Ohio lakes, human activities from surrounding cities and suburbs causes excessive growth.

Things You'll Need

• Phosphorus test kit
• Nitrogen test kit
• Soil macronutrient test kit
• Herbaceous perennial plants

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Instructions

Identify and Remediate Point Sources

• 1

  Determine the presence of specific, identifiable sources of excess nutrients like phosphorus or nitrogen, such as a factory or a feedlot. Test runoff from these areas as well as tributary streams for high levels of these chemicals to locate sources of high amounts of nutrients.

• 2

  Establish regulations for any point sources identified for the nutrient levels acceptable in runoff, as well as the amount of runoff allowed and the procedures for treating wastes. Contact the Ohio House of Representatives to learn more about past green legislation and opportunities for new laws.

• 3

  Enforce the regulations to ensure that contributions from point sources are minimized to reduce eutrophication and algal blooms.

• 4

  Address the issue of non-point sources within the region if few or no point sources can be identified.

Reduce the Impact of Non-Point Sources

• 5

  Create buffer zones around the lake to protect it from runoff. Place herbaceous perennial plants native to Ohio between the lake and towns, factories or other developments possibly contributing nutrients. These plants will help filter the runoff and remove excess nutrients. Herbaceous plants native to Ohio include the spotted wintergreen, American trout lily, swamp milkweed and the Ohio goldenrod.

• 6

  Reduce fertilizer use. Excessive fertilizer from homes and farms is the leading cause of eutrophication in most Ohio lakes and streams. Use only the minimum amount of fertilizer necessary to prevent the leftover material from running into bodies of water.

• 7

  Educate the public about the issue. If more people are interested and involved, there is a greater chance of success. Encourage neighbors to reduce fertilizer use and wastes, and contact members of the Ohio General Assembly or smaller local governments for more assistance.