Monitoring Health of Lakes: A Community Science Project

Too much of a good thing is usually bad. This is also true for essential nutrients for life. When nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus from leftover fertilisers are drained into local water bodies like lakes, it causes a feeding frenzy for algae. The algae then grow very quickly which is known as an algal bloom. After the bloom, the algae eventually die and the decomposition of dead algae consumes oxygen from water. The lack of oxygen ultimately creates dead zones in lakes and other surface water bodies. We collaborate with local science clubs and high schools to monitor the nutrient balance in lakes and its impact on the health and wellbeing of local communities.