Bob Chambers' Comments on Algal Bloom in Black Point Lake, 2009
The data and map show where I took samples last year (2009); there are also some photos of the bloom.
[Ed. note: The samples were taken in May or early June; precise date to be confirmed with Bob - dp for wrweo.ca]
Note:
1. Phosphate at Lizard Outlet is twice as high as in Black Point.
2. Both the color and the phosphate are very high in the swamp.
3. Color and phosphate increase together. This suggests that the phosphate is coming from algae and other plant matter.
4. The phosphate is very high where the stream from Lizard enters Black Point.
5. The algae bloom starts where the stream from Lizzard inters Black Point and spreads through the cove (see photos).
6. Pat Lane was good enough to identify the algae for me (2003). Here is what she says:
"Based upon the taxonomic keys that I have, I think that the species is Ulothrix sp., quite possibly, Ulothrix cylindricum. This is green alga genus that is common in shallow water and it often forms blooms as mats of green filaments in spring and early summer. Some species occur in soft water lakes as well as those undergoing nutrient enrichment."
This started in 2003. I am not sure why. It was particularly bad last year. This is a textbook example of eutrification due to a influx of phosphate. I am very concerned about the over health of the lake, but I don't know what to do about it. This is something that should be of concern to WRWEO.
Bob Chambers Comments on Algal Bloom in Black Point Lake, 2010
May 3, 2010: An algal bloom is developing on Black Point Lake, just like last year. Some photos:
     
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