PB PERS Algal Blooms Dr. Louda

Talked with Dr. Bill Louda, Research Professor Environmental Biogeochemistry Group Dept of Chemistry & Biochemistry & Environmental Sciences Program, Florida Atlantic University. We talked about the algal bloom in Lake Okeechobee, in the Treasure Coast and the Red Tide in the Gulf. All of these are naturally occurring but, become massive due to all the extra nutrients in the water, nitrate and phosphorous. They are getting into Lake Okeechobee from the septic tanks, over fertilizing lawns, agriculture and cattle industries North of the lake. Ways to help include, redirecting the water flow into Lake Okeechobee to allow marshes to absorb nutrients, converting septic to municipal utilities, reducing the amount of fertilizer used on the lawn and electing officials who support environmental protection. For more info listeners can email [email protected]