a lgal b looms the effects on fish team 8 : olivia bruce, emily clifford, yanting huang, aaron...
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ALGAL BLOOMSThe Effects on Fish
Team 8: Olivia Bruce , Emily Clifford, Yanting Huang, Aaron Vincent, Shakil Kanji , Jeanne Ho
TABLE OF CONTENTS Algae Algal blooms Harmful Algae Blooms (HABs) Conditions for blooms How gills work
Model Effects on fish
Model Effects on humans and surrounding environment Toxins Canadian Examples International Examples Related Issues Solutions Interesting Facts Moral and Ethical Implications Resources Reflection
ALGAE
Fresh-water algae (phytoplankton): vary in shape and color are found in a large range of habitats, such as
ponds, lakes, reservoirs, and streams. are a natural and essential part of the
ecosystem . are the base of the aquatic food chain.
The following algae are examples of algae that can cause harmful algal blooms: Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) Pfiesteria piscicida living in estuaries Harmful marine algae occurring in oceans like
Karenia brevis
ALGAL BLOOMS
Under certain conditions, several species of true algae and cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) are capable of causing: excessive accumulations of foams and scum discoloration of the water
Algal "bloom" : When the algae population in a lake or a river
increase explosively. Lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers are
most susceptible to blooms. In oceans, occurs most frequently in the
Pacific Northwest
ALGAL BLOOMS CONTINUED
Usually float on the surface and can be many inches thick, and mostly occur near the shoreline.
Blooms can look like foam, scum, or mats on the surface of water bodies. Can be blue, bright green, brown, or red May look like floating paint
Some blooms do not affect appearance Blooms can be suspended at various depths in
the water Depends on factors such as light, phosphorus
and nitrogen
HARMFUL ALGAE BLOOMS (HABS) All algae blooms are not harmful
Researchers agree that between 30% to 50% of algae blooms are harmless
Non-toxic algae blooms could occur, and these are harmless
Harmful Algae Blooms (HABs) are those that negatively impact fish and other organisms producing: Toxic effects in humans and other organisms Physical problems in fish and shellfish Odours and discolouration of water and fish habitats
Their occurrence are completely natural in some cases, as a result of the movement of certain ocean currents.
In other cases, they appear to be linked to increased nutrient supply from human activities
CONDITIONS FOR BLOOMS
High nutrient levels Especially an excess of phosphates and nitrates May be the result of pollution
Waste breaks down, releasing nutrients into water Creates an excess of nutrients normally found in that
ecosystem Fertilizer runoff, septic tank overflows, etc.
High air and water temperatures Better for growth Blooms more common in more places due to
general temperature increase in global waters (Global Warming)
Most often occur in late summer to early fall
HOW GILLS WORK
Water comes in through the mouth, and goes through the gills constant stream
Gill rakers filter the water Oxygen is absorbed through the thin
membranes of the gill fillaments into the blood
HOW GILLS WORK - VIDEO
Public - Windows Live
Watch video “AG 1”
EFFECTS ON FISH Examples of fish that have been known to carry
toxins: blackfin snapper, hogfish, barracuda, king mackeral etc.
Depletes oxygen from the water Suffocates fish
Releases toxins when algae dies May be lethal
If not, may present neurological symptoms, or will present in higher trophic levels
Causes salt regulation to break down Algae accumulates in gills
Irritates gills Mucus forms This, in turn, may affect consumers of these fish,
resulting in bioaccumulation of toxins Mucus forms on gills Mechanical damage, such as disruption in
epithelial gill tissues in fish, resulting in asphyxiation
EFFECTS ON FISH - VIDEO
Public - Windows Live
Watch video “AG 2”
EFFECTS ON HUMANS AND SURRONDING ENVIRONMENT Fish kills = loss of food/money Not aesthetically appealing
Effect on property sales/development in surrounding regions
Effect tourism rates Effect on water supply
Cannot be used for drinking, or swimming Gives water a bad odour
When algae decomposes, it needs oxygen Reduces oxygen supply for the fish in the lake
Water becomes poisonous and toxic Harmful to surrounding environment (i.e. wildlife and
fish) Recreational use of lake (no swimming, boating
etc) Seafood becomes toxic and can harm humans if
they ingest a “toxic” fish
EFFECTS ON HUMANS CONTINUED Swimming in affected areas could cause eye and skin
irritation and burning as well as other hay fever-like allergic reactions.
Winds could blow toxic gases released by some species of algae onshore, negatively effecting people. The toxic aerosol gas released by the species Karenia brevis
could cause respiratory irritation, such as coughing, sneezing and tearing.
Swallowing contaminated water could also lead to: Liver toxicity (i.e. increased serum levels of liver enzymes) Kidney toxicity Neurotoxicity
Ingesting water contaminated with toxins produced by algae blooms could produce the following reactions: Headaches and Abdominal Pain Nausea, Fever and Vomiting Diarrhoea
EFFECTS ON HUMANS CONTINUED Toxic Effects resulting from contaminated
shellfish/fish/water: Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP)
Toxins like domoic acid produced by algae of genus Pseudo-nitzschia
Can be treated and cured Obtained mainly from molluscan shellfish but can be derived
from certain fish species and sea birds clams, oysters, anchovies, etc.
Result in gastrointestinal and neurological disorders, may result in death (severe cases)
Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) Caused by toxins produced by algae of Genus Alexandirium No known cure, fatal Obtained from bivalved/non-bivalved shellfish
lobster, oysters, etc. Results in neurological disorders and symptoms
Paralysis in respiratory organs may lead to death
EFFECTS ON HUMANS CONTINUED Ciguatera Fish Poisoning (CFP)
Results in neurological, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular symptoms
Can be treated, no known cure Obtained from mainly tropical reef fish
mackerel, parrot fish, tang etc. Diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP)
Obtained from types of shellfish and fish Razorfish, scallops, etc.
Can be treated and cured Results in gastrointestinal symptoms
Neurotoxic Shellfish Poisoning (NSP) Caused by a species of algae called Karenia brevis Can be treated and cured Common gastrointestinal, neurological and asthma-like
respiratory disturbance symptoms Obtained from shellfish, fish, and small sea mammals
scallops, sea turtles, sea birds, etc.
TOXINS The following neurotoxins affect the nervous system in
humans. Anatoxin-a Anatoxin-a(s) Saxitoxin Neosaxitoxin
The following hepatotoxins affect the liver in humans. Microcystins Nodularins Cylindrospermopsin
The following tumour promoters are chemicals that can increase tumour growth in humans. Microcystins Lipopolysaccharides are chemicals that can affect the
gastrointestinal system.
EXAMPLES OF TOXINS AND THEIR CHEMICAL STRUCTURES
CANADIAN EXAMPLES
ALBERTA
Due to increased summer temperatures, green-blue algal blooms development in Alberta lakes
Caution notices released throughout the summer by Alberta Health Services
Pigeon Lake 2009 Lac La Nonne 2009
EASTERN CANADA ASP/DSP/PSP TOXIN LOCATIONS (1997)
INTERNATIONAL EXAMPLES
EFFECTS ON OTHER MARINE ANIMALS:CALIFORNIA CASE STUDY(JUNE 2008)
Investigation of algal toxin effects on fetal brain development of sea lions was conducted by John Ramsdell of NOAA's Centre for Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research in Charleston, SC, along with Tanja Zabka, a veterinary pathologist at the Marine Mammal Centre
Exposure to increased levels of domoic acid (natural chemical released by toxic algal blooms) result in behavioural abnormalities in California Sea Lions Increase of epileptic seizures Newly found chronic disease
RELATED ISSUEFISH KILL: THE NEUSE RIVER 2009
Massive fish kill in the Neuse River, North Carolina during August-October 2009
Millions of fish killed Approximately 90%+ were Menhaden Other species include flounder, shrimp, blue crab
FISH KILL: THE NEUSE RIVER 2009 CONTINUED
Factors contributing to massive kill: Increase in precipitation
Run-off flowed into the river carrying sewage, fertilizer, waste from pets
Increase in algal bloom activity Increased temperature during the summer Calm weather conditions reduced salt and fresh
water mixing Creates layers in the water Difficult for oxygen to pass
Dense populations of Menhaden Gather during late summer before heading to the sea
RELATED ISSUEALGAL BLOOMS IN LAKE VICTORIA
Summer 2009, Lake Victoria of Ggaba, Uganda
Depletion of tilapia fish due to algal blooms Increase of pollution, precipitation and
frequent warm weather contribute to algal bloom growth
ALGAL BLOOMS IN LAKE VICTORIA CON’T
Effects of Algal Blooms: Local fishermen/residents
Reduced amount of fish to consume and/or sell Water no longer of household use Reduced income for fishermen Less money for educational fees necessary needs Algal blooms themselves may be harmful and contain toxins
Reduced amount of tourism due to unappealing terrain Economic income of area is reduced: no tourism results in less
profits for local businesses Water rationing in the Kampala region
Algal blooms clogged water treatment plants Unbalanced natural ecosystem
Reduced amount of fish and other surrounding species Natural filters such as swamps are overwhelmed
ALGAL BLOOMS IN LAKE VICTORIA CON’T
Factors contributing to algal bloom growth: Increase in precipitation this season Frequent warm weather Over fertilization due to run-off water:
Unregulated dumping Industrial waste create high levels of ammonia which suffocate fish Lack of treatment and cleaning of industrial effluents (treated
sewage discharged into the lake) Urban farming by local farmers
Chemicals carried to the lake by rainfall streams Local use of charcoal
Contributes high levels of carbon to the lake
ALGAL BLOOMS IN LAKE VICTORIA CONTINUED Solutions:
Fish breeding sites added to the lake to aid fish population
Law reforms to prohibit dumping especially near swamp regions
Maintenance stations for vehicles (where chemicals and fuel may be harmful to the lake) are restricted near the lake
Natural and abundant vegetation planted around the lake to reduce over fertilization and erosion
Aquatic weed control project launched to filter the lake
RELATED ISSUEALGAL BLOOMS: GLOBALCao Lake in Anhui Province, China
Above; wildlife covered in algal sludge, top right; algal blooms skim the top of the Cao Lake surface, right; algal bloom stench is near unbearable.
RELATED ISSUEALGAL BLOOMS: GLOBAL
Coastline of Korpo, Finland
Top & right; depending on seasonal characteristics such as temperature and wind, the appearance of the algal blooms varies.
RELATED ISSUEALGAL BLOOMS: GLOBAL
2005: Dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN), a primary algal bloom contributor, sources in different river basins across the world.
SOLUTIONS
Chemicals can be used to get rid of algae blooms However, these chemicals still have a negative
effect on the wildlife Direct moving of the algal blooms by
towing/skimming the water surface algal blooms may reproduce faster than removal
process Introducing invasive species to dispose of
algal blooms Bacteria, parasites, viruses
SOLUTIONS
Reduce amount of nutrient in lakes to limit amount of algal blooms: Reduce sewage: replacing septic tanks to avoid
seepage into bodies of water Reduce agricultural/industrial/residential waste:
limit use of fertilizers, alternate disposal methods Controlling agricultural, urban, and stormwater
runoff: increase use permeable paving materials, alternate disposal methods
Increase vegetation growth in surrounding terrain: nutrients absorbed
SOLUTION: WATER TREATMENT PLANTS
Solutions and treatment methods that involve using chemicals like copper sulphate should not be used
Water Treatment Plants can also be used to monitor and remove threats caused by HABs. Algae cells can be removed by adding chemicals
(like aluminum sulphate or alum) that bind them together Cells clump together, become heavier and fall to the
bottom of the tank, which then can be filtered out Harmful toxins can then be removed by using
certain oxidation procedures or activated charcoal
INTERESTING FACTS
The Harmful Algal Bloom Pfiesteria piscicida literally translates to “fish-killer”(piscicida)
HABs are often referred to as “red tides” in marine coastal areas
Third-generation biofuel or algaeoluem is derived from algae
Algal blooms can be present in drinking water supplies Researchers use ultrasound waves that can get
as hot as 3700°C in order to break the molecules to kill the algae
Moral and Ethical Implications Although algal blooms can be economically
and environmentally harmful, it can be considered unethical to kill algal blooms since they are living organisms
Fish are always being killed for food for humans but is it fair to kill fish as well because we do not take care of our environment? There is already a problem with over fishing in
the oceans which is decreasing the fish population
Some algal blooms are a result of human pollution and are unnatural Is it just for humans to then use harmful
chemicals to fix their own problem?
RESOURCES Anderson, Don, compiler. 2008. Harmful Algae [Internet]. NOAA/CSCOR/COP. [cited
2009 Dec 21]. Available from: http://www.whoi.edu/redtide/page.do?pid=9257 Canadian Inspection Agency. 2006. Causes of Foodborne Illnesses [Internet]. [cited
2009 Dec 26]. Available from: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/concen/causee.shtml
Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. 2006. Domoic Acid Information and History [Internet]. [cited 2009 Dec 23]. Available from: http://www.cimwi.org/stranded_domoic.html
CTV Edmonton. 2009. Algae health advisory issued for Lake Isle [Internet]. [cited 2009 Dec 26]. Available from: http://edmonton.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20090813/edm_algae_090813/20090813/?hub=EdmontonHome
Blue-Green Algae (Cyanobacteria) and their Toxins [Internet]. [updated 2008 Jul 01]. Health Canada: Environmental and Workplace Health. [cited 2009 Dec 28]Available from: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/pubs/water-eau/cyanobacter-eng.php
RESOURCES CONTINUED Energy Matters. 2008. Harmful Algal Blooms: Causes and Solutions [Internet]. [cited
2009 Dec 26]. Available from: http://indianhillmediaworks.typepad.com/energy_matters/2008/12/harmful-algal-blooms-causes-and-solutions.html
Fournier, Raphael RH. Green Peace China. Photos [Internet]. [cited 2009 Dec 28]. Available from: http://www.greenpeace.org/china/en/photosvideos/photos/blue-green-algal-bloom-in-cao
Government of Alberta. Algal blooms [Internet]. [cited December 6, 2009]. Available from: http://www3.gov.ab.ca/env/WATER/swq/ brochures/algalblooms.html
Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission. Harmful Algal bloom programme [Internet]. [cited November 28, 2009]. Available from: http://www.ioc-unesco.org/hab/index.php?option=com_ content&task=view&id=5&Itemid=16
Kampala International University. 2008. Double efforts to save Lake Victoria [Internet]. [cited 2009 Dec 26 2009]. Available from: http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/14/625322
RESOURCES CONTINUED National, Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service [Internet].
Investigating the oceans : algal blooms. Available from: http://www.science-house.org/nesdis/algae/background.html
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources. 2001. Environmental Sciences Section [Internet]. Raleigh, NC 27699-1621 919.743.8400 [cited 2009 Dec 26]. Available from : http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/documents/NeuseFishKillsSummerFall2009.pdf
Parker, Steve. Fish. Toronto: Stoddart Publishing Co.; 1990. Ramsdell et al. In Utero Domoic Acid Toxicity: A Fetal Basis to Adult Disease in the
California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus). Marine Drugs, 2008; 6 (2): 262 [cited 2009 Dec 26] Available from: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080609103232.htm
Remtulla, Noreen. 2009. Alberta Health Services. Take precautions during blue-green algae blooms [internet]. [cited 2009 Dec 26]. Available from: http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/510.asp
Sawa, Pius. Inter Press Service. 2009. Water-Uganda: Reducing Run-off To Protect Lake Victoria [Internet]. [cited 2009 Dec 26]. Available from: http://www.globalissues.org/news/2009/10/24/3245
RESOURCES CONTINUED Tango, Peter, compiler. 2009. Microcystis Blooms [Internet]. [cited 2009 Dec 26].
Available from: http://www.eco-check.org/forecast/chesapeake/2009/indicators/microcystis/#_Methodology
The International Standard for the Trade in Live Reef Food Fish. 2007. Requirement 2.5-Harmful Algal Blooms [Internet]. [cited 2009 Dec 21]. Available from: http://www.livefoodfishtrade.org/
Water Encyclopedia Science and Issues . 2010. Algal Blooms in Fresh Water. [Internet]. [cited 2009 Dec 22]. Available from: http://www.waterencyclopedia.com/A-Bi/Algal-Blooms-in-Fresh-Water.html
Wilson, Drew C. Havelock News. Millions Dead, but why? [Internet]. [cited 2009 Dec 26]. Available from: http://www.havenews.com/articles/soon-6019-knew-aug.html
Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) [Internet]. [updated 2008 Jul 01]. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [cited 2009 Dec 28]. Available from: http://www.cdc.gov/hab/default.htm
Reflection: Choice of Topic
All interested in building a model along with compiling research
Going to show how a fish worked (moving muscles, fins etc.)
Needed to relate this to an international issue Some of us had learned about algal blooms in
biology class Decided to build a model to show how algal
blooms affect the fish, and indirectly, humans
Once discovered that the blooms have the largest impact on a fish’s gills, we decided to only build a cross section of the gills along with the mouth
Reflection: Research Process
Once we found an example of an area affected by algal blooms (first example found was Alberta), we divided up the research topics into: Algal blooms (Background information) How gills work (Basic information on fish) Effects of blooms on fish and humans National and International examples Solutions to the issue
Used a book with helpful diagrams and various internet resources (see resource slide)
Reflection: Model
We all decided to make a model for our project as a visual aid in understanding the effects of algal blooms
Using a diagram of the inside of a fish as our guide, we gathered all our materials by looking through recycling bins and arts & crafts stores
Some of the materials used were pipe cleaners, construction paper, modeling clay, paper mache, newspapers, glue, etc.
Once the model was completed, one video was made describing the different parts and functions
In addition, a second video of our fish model was made to describe what happens to the fish when it is affected by algal blooms
Reflection: Power Point
Once everyone had completed the research process, we all compiled our research notes together
With everyone’s research, a couple of us started to make the Power Point with the key information on fish and algal blooms
Afterwards, the rest of the group did more in depth research and found more examples to support our research
Each member of the group further added to the Power Point each time new research was conducted to produce this final result
Reflection: Group Dynamics Together, we came up with a topic and project idea
quite easily, as we were all interested in fish and algal blooms
To incorporate everyone’s strengths, we not only decided to do a research project, but we created the model
Held group meetings about every Wednesday after school for about 15 minutes to discuss progress and group ideas
Communicated on ANGEL to discuss research and share useful resources
Used email effectively to send the power point presentation back and forth to add information, revise others’ ideas and to edit the final presentation
Set deadlines for ourselves to complete certain aspects of our research
Frequently checked ANGEL to read each others posts and to check for project guideline updates
Reflection: Areas of Weakness
We could have finished our research earlier (i.e. by the end of November) to maximize time for the creation of the model and power point
Used ANGEL more frequently during the research process and complete more discussion posts over the entire four months
Keep all of the posts in one thread to avoid confusion on ANGEL
Every group member should have attended the meetings after school to increase team work