Presentation Transcript

1. Algal Blooms

   The Effects on Fish Team 8: Olivia Bruce , Emily Clifford, Yanting Huang, Aaron Vincent, Shakil Kanji , Jeanne Ho
2. 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
3. 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
4. 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
5. 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
6. 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
7. 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
8. 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
9. How Gills work - Video Public - Windows Live Watch video “AG 1”
10. 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
11. Effects on Fish - Video Public - Windows Live Watch video “AG 2”
12. 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
13. 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
14. 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
15. 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.
16. 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.
17. Examples of Toxins and their Chemical Structures
18. CANADIAN EXAMPLES
19. 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
20. Eastern Canada ASP/DSP/PSP Toxin Locations (1997)
21. INTERNATIONAL EXAMPLES
22. 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
23. 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
24. 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
25. 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
26. 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
27. 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
28. 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
29. RELATED ISSUEALGAL BLOOMS: GLOBAL Cao 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.
30. 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.
31. RELATED ISSUEALGAL BLOOMS: GLOBAL 2005: Dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN), a primary algal bloom contributor, sources in different river basins across the world.
32. 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
33. 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
34. 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
35. 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
36. 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?
37. 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
38. 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
39. 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 UteroDomoic Acid Toxicity: A Fetal Basis to Adult Disease in the California Sea Lion (Zalophuscalifornianus). 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
40. 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
41. 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
42. 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)
43. 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
44. 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
45. 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
46. 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