Consider Using Floating Solar To Reduce Blue-Green Algal Blooms Now In 3 Central Florida Lakes
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Recall our post on June 3, 2021, Health Alert For toxin from Blue-Green Algal Bloom, Cyanobacteria, In Palm Beach County, now three lakes in Central Florida are experiencing blooms of harmful blue-green algae: Dead River, Lake Howell, and Lake Rowena, in the video published on June 16, 2021, “Blue-green algae blooms popping up across Central Florida“, below:
Blue-green algal blooms is commonly found in Florida’s freshwater environment, usually in late summer or in fall, due to stagnant water in those areas. Even though some county environment officials may feel it is easier to leave the algal bloom or cyanobacteria alone, perhaps consideration for the use of floating solar along the shore (to help reduce the temperature that encourages growth of algal blooms) would help to reduce the growth of blue-green algal blooms and subsequently toxin cyanobacteria, while generating power to be used by local residents.
Until better solutions come along, residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions:
- Do not drink, swim, wade, or use personal watercraft where there is visible bloom.
- Wash your skin and clothing with soap and water if you have contact with algae.
- Keep pets away from the area. Waters where there are algae blooms are not safe for animal.
So, I’ve embarked on my journey in finding out more about these Blue-Green Algae:
- There are much health benefits in blue-green algae, according to one of the U.S. National Library of Medicine National Institute of Health research articles, titled Health Benefits of Blue-Green Algae: Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, its abstract is indicated that, in italics, below:
Blue-green algae (BGA) are among the most primitive life forms on earth and have been consumed as food or medicine by humans for centuries. BGA contain various bioactive components, such as phycocyanin, carotenoids, γ-linolenic acid, fibers, and plant sterols, which can promote optimal health in humans. Studies have demonstrated that several BGA species or their active components have plasma total cholesterol and triglyceride-lowering properties due to their modulation of intestinal cholesterol absorption and hepatic lipogenic gene expression. BGA can also reduce inflammation by inhibiting the nuclear factor κ B activity, consequently reducing the production of proinflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, BGA inhibit lipid peroxidation and have free radical scavenging activity, which can be beneficial for the protection against oxidative stress. The aforementioned effects of BGA can contribute to the prevention of metabolic and inflammatory diseases. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge of the health-promoting functions of BGA against cardiovascular disease and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, which are major health threats in the developed countries.
- In webmd.com, under Overview of the topic of Blue-Green Algae, in italics, below:
Blue-green algae refers to several species of bacteria that produce blue-green colored pigments. They grow in salt water and some large fresh water lakes. They have been used for food for several centuries in Mexico and some African countries. They have been sold as a supplement in the US since the late 1970s.
Blue-green algae products are used for treating high blood pressure. They are also used as a protein supplement and for high levels of cholesterol or other fats (lipids) in the blood (hyperlipidemia), diabetes, obesity, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Some blue-green algae products are grown under controlled conditions. Others are grown in a natural setting, where they are more likely to be contaminated by bacteria, liver poisons (microcystins) produced by certain bacteria, and heavy metals. Choose only products that have been tested and found to be free of these contaminants.
How does it work?
Blue-green algae have a high protein, iron, and other mineral content which is absorbed when taken orally. Blue-green algae are being researched for their potential effects on the immune system, swelling (inflammation), and viral infections.
At Department of Health of New York government web site, under FAQ of Harmful Blue-Green Algae, in italics, below:
What are harmful blue-green algae?
Blue-green algae, technically known as cyanobacteria, are microscopic organisms that are naturally present in lakes and streams. Under certain conditions, blue-green algae can become abundant in warm, shallow, undisturbed, nutrient-rich surface waters that receive a lot of sunlight. When this occurs, blue-green algae can form blooms that discolor the water, or produce floating mats or scums on the water’s surface. It might be a harmful blue-green algae bloom if the water is blue-green, green, yellow, white, brown, purple, or red, has a paint-like appearance, or if there is scum on the water surface. Photo gallery of blue-green algae blooms.
What are the potential health effects of blue-green algae and blue-green algal toxins?
Some blue-green algae can produce toxins, some do not. However, exposure to any blue-green algae blooms can cause health effects in people and animals when water with blooms is touched, swallowed, or when airborne droplets are inhaled. Exposure to high levels of blue-green algae and their toxins can cause diarrhea, nausea or vomiting; skin, eye or throat irritation; and allergic reactions or breathing difficulties.
For FAQ about Freshwater Algal Blooms by Florida Department of Environmental Protection, please click HERE.
At this point, I would like to share one of our previous posts, OUC’s Floating Solar As Part of the March Toward 100% Renewable Energy, and reiterate, in italics, below:
This innovative floating technology (floating solar) was the perfect solution! The cooling properties of water helped the solar panels to last longer and to perform more efficiently. Increased shade created by solar array over the pond (water body) would reduce evaporation and algal growth.
In summary, if you see any wildly grown blue-green algae, do not automatically assume that it is safe to eat without testing it first, even if it may be highly nutritious, for some species of blue-green algae may be toxic once it’s been exposed to certain environmental factors (such as nitrogen, phosphorous, or metal, with increased temperature). Blue-green algae purchased from stores tend to have been grown from controlled environment, and therefore, would be safe to be consumed. Finally, consider using floating solar along the shoreline of these lakes with blue-green algal blooms to help reduce evaporation, temperature, and algal growth while generating power for local residents.
Gathered, written, and posted by Windermere Sun-Susan Sun Nunamaker
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