Home / Environment / Sediment Sleuths Uncover Lake Algae Secrets to Protect Communities
Sediment Sleuths Uncover Lake Algae Secrets to Protect Communities
1 Oct
Summary
- Researchers studying lake sediment to track industrialization's impact on blue-green algae
- Analyzing chironomids and diatoms to determine historical phosphorus levels
- Findings could inform policies to prevent and manage toxic algae blooms
In 2025, researchers from Laurentian University are taking a deep dive into the past to help communities manage the growing threat of blue-green algae blooms. Masters student Mackenzie Hobbs has been collecting sediment from northeastern Ontario lakes to study how industrialization has impacted algae levels over the past two centuries.
By examining the sediment, Hobbs and her supervisor, Professor Liz Favot, are uncovering valuable clues about the lakes' historical phosphorus levels. They are looking at the presence of chironomids, or fly larvae, which indicate dissolved oxygen content, as well as diatoms, a type of microalgae that thrives in nutrient-rich waters. This data will reveal how much phosphorus was present in the lakes before development and industry added excess nutrients.
The researchers hope their findings will empower cities and towns to address the root causes of blue-green algae blooms, which can produce toxins harmful to humans and animals. Favot notes that some lakes with low nutrient levels still experience these blooms due to climate change, making them more difficult to manage. However, the sediment analysis could inform land use planning policies near critical water sources, such as Apsey Lake, which provides drinking water for the town of Espanola.
As blue-green algae blooms become more frequent, the Laurentian University team's work to uncover the past could be the key to protecting communities' futures.
