Tackling Harmful Algae

Blooms
January 18, 2022

By Regina Stracqualursi

The environmental issues facing our world a�ect each and every
one of us — from climate change to pollution, deforestation to
natural resource shortages. While these issues all have a direct
impact on our future, many of them are complex by nature and
di�icult to understand and address.

Harmful algae blooms (HABs) are a growing problem globally.

Classified as a major environmental problem in all 50 states in
America, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
these overgrowths of algae can be very toxic, resulting in
negative consequences for people, ecosystems, and economies.

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute are working to

both combat HABs as well as help the public understand them.

With support from the National Science Foundation, Professors

Shayla Sawyer and Rick Relyea are building and testing a
prototype that will be able to monitor water quality for an
increase in algal nutrients, such as nitrogen, which can cause
HABs.

This work will allow Sawyer and Relyea to understand the

relationship between nitrogen levels in fresh water and the
severity of HABs. “This prototype can potentially play a key role
in the future of aquatic environments,” Sawyer said.

In terms of public education, a mobile and tablet game called

Algae Bloom Dynamics is using augmented reality (AR) to raise
awareness about HABs and the negative impact they have. The
game allows players to grow their own lake-island aquatic
ecosystem, prompting them to learn how to identify sources of
HABs and how to fix them.

The game was created by Eco Resilience Games, an

interdisciplinary team of students and faculty at Rensselaer led
by Associate Professor Kathleen Ruiz. The group creates games
that allow people to understand the vital importance of di�erent
ecosystems and the need to work together globally for a
sustainable, eco-resilient future. “Weʼre using advanced game
technology to create a virtual world that inspires us to preserve
our actual world,” said Ruiz.

The free game can be downloaded in the Apple iOS App Store or
on Google Play.