Algal Blooms in the Murray-Darling Basin
River Murray have two common types of Blue-green algae that grow in it’s waters. They are the Anabaena and the Microcystis. These types of algae can reproduce very quickly in it’s prime conditions, in still water with low turbulence, a place where there is lots of sunlight, warm water conditions and water with high levels of nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen. These organisms can cause risks to human health and the health of wildlife, livestock and animals.
How does this affect the functions of the environment?
Toxins can be produced by certain types of blue-green algae. When there is a population of algae, there will be more toxin produced which causes the water to become intoxicated and unable to be safely used. Intoxicated and unclean water damages the source of the Murray-Darling. The river is used for countless things from recreational activities to farming.
The Murray River is a source of entertainment as people use the river to enjoy swimming and water activities. Once the water is intoxicated with algae, if human skin comes in contact with the algae and it’s toxins or is consumed, it can be harmful to human health.
The Murray Darling is also a source of water for wildlife and livestock. Intoxicated water can cause death to the animals who consume the contaminated liquid. This is not ethical and ruins the ecosystem in this area as living organisms in the water can be affected as well.
The water from the river is also a source of irrigation. Water from the Murray is used to water crops in NSW, SA and VIC. An estimated annual amount of 3,780 GL is diverted from the river to irrigate a total of 470,000 ha. Crops watered with contaminated water from the algae waste becomes unsafe to eat.
what are the impacts of algal blooms?
Algal blooms have an effect on the environment and the economic society. It disturbs the ecosystem by depriving oxygen from the water and producing toxins in the water. The lack of a massive source of water will make finding water to irrigate crops harder which may result in a lower output of crops.The number of wildlife can also decrease as there will be a lack in safe, clean and drinkable water and when drunk can cause death to them.
What are the management strategies addressing algal blooms?
Scientists have been researching and understanding algal blooms to manage these phenomenons better and more effectively. Organisations such as the CSIRO have had a long-standing program of building up understanding and knowledge of these events of algal blooms and events leading up to it. They have come up with ways to manage the algae either by physical control, biological control and/or nutrient control. This can reduce the growth of algal blooms and prevent it from happening as often.
If blue-green algae is suspected, the government as warned citizens on its websites to stay away from direct contact with the water and contact the appropriate council or water authority.