1.

What is the influence of runoff and nutrients inputs (nitrogen and phosphorus) into the lake
on the primary productivity? Discuss this influence as a function of the surrounding land uses
(urban or agriculture or natural occurring forests).

Ans. Nutrients stimulate and encourage algae growth. The enrichment of water is considered a
significant cause for eutrophication. Phosphorus and nitrogen are the major nutrients that contribute to
eutrophication of water bodies.

The most important sources of phosphorus and nitrogen entering water are from land. In landscape,
rushing and surface degradation from fertilised fields and lawns, river banks, river channels, clearance of
land (deforestation), industrial waste, and wastewater effluent from urban areas reaching the water in
different forms (solid, liquid, gas) are the main sources of nitrogen and phosphorus in water. These are
the external sources of nitrogen and phosphorus, and both these nutrients promote algal growth.

In addition to external sources of nitrogen and phosphorus, the lakes / reservoir sediments have the
internal sources of these nutrients as well. Phosphorus is present in sediments of water and if the
concentration of dissolved oxygen in water is poor (anoxic), phosphate is released by the sediments into
the water. This phenomenon also promotes algae formation.

2. Being in a temperate region, there will be seasonal variations in terms of temperature, wind
and light. What is the influence on these parameters on the primary productivity of the lake?
Consider discussing the stratification of the limnetic zone (epi-, meta- and hypo-limnion) and
the occurrence of the primary production.

Ans. In a temperate region, there are seasonal variations in terms of temperature, wind and light that
influence the primary productivity of the lake. In spring, early blue-green blooms typically occur as the
temperature of the water is higher, and light is increased. In these warm months of the year, growth is
maintained. The temperature of water above 25 ° C is ideal for the growth of Cyanobacteria. Blue-green
algae have a comparative advantage at these temperatures over other forms of algae with a lower
optimum rising temperature (12-15 ° C).Blue-green algal blooms do not usually persist in temperate
areas in the winter because of low water levels. In tropical areas higher water temperatures will cause
blue-green blooms of the algal to survive all year long.

The impact of light is also significant on the growth of algae. When long stretches of high light intensity
are exposed, blue-green algae colonies are reduced but they have optimum growth when exposed to
high light intensities intermittently. These conditions are met beneath the surface of the water where
light fluctuates. Blue-green algae have greater growth rates than any other type of algae, even in low
light or turbid water. Cyanobacteria have a competitive advantage over other algal species for this
capacity to respond to variable light conditions.

The speed of wind also impacts the growth of algae because it affects the water stability. The majority of
blue-green algae favour clear water temperatures with low flow, longer pauses, low winds and
minimum turbulence; other conditions of mixing and turbid habitats are preferred.
Drought, water for drainage, use of human beings and supplies and the control of weirs and barns on
our river systems all lead to diminished water supply. Water advances slower, which promotes algae
development.

In bodies of water, thermal stratification is another product of stable conditions. The top layer of the
water column is colder and the bottom layer hotter. As all layers avoid combining, the upper layer is
more stable, and in summer, roaring blue-green algae are supported. (No wind-reducing mixing,
convection cells). When the water body is stratified, the water below always has reduced oxygen
(anoxia), which can contribute to increased sediment nutrient release. Nutrient pulses in the cooler
lower layer will fuel the growth of the algal in the top layer.

3. Explain why these episodes of harmful algal blooms are likely to occur during the spring or
summer seasons?

Ans. During warm summer season or the season when water temperatures are comparatively warmer
like spring, harmful algae normally bloom. Climate-based warmer water could in many ways favour
harmful algae; some of the reasons are listed below:

i. Harmful blue-green algae are more likely to bloom in warm water.

ii. Warmer temperatures hinder mixing of water and it allows the harmful algae to grow thicker
and grow more quickly as compared to the cold water.
iii. Warmer waters make transportation possible for small organisms and allow algae to move and
come to the water surface.
iv. When on the surface of water, algal blooms capture the sunshine, warm water and help more
blooms to grow. Because warmer seasons make the temperature of water to rise, it helps
harmful algal blooms to grow.

References

EPA, “Climate Change and Harmful Algal Blooms”. Retrieved from

https://www.epa.gov/nutrientpollution/climate-change-and-harmful-algal-
blooms#:~:text=Harmful%20algae%20usually%20bloom%20during,temperatures%20are%20war
mer%20than%20usual.&text=Warmer%20water%20is%20easier%20for,warmer%20and%20pro
moting%20more%20blooms.

“What causes algal blooms?” retrieved from https://cees.iupui.edu/research/algal-

toxicology/bloomfactors