Phosphorus and nitrogen poison Florida's waters during each rainfall, running off agricultural operations, fertilized landscapes, and septic systems. The poison runoff triggers algae outbreaks, which foul Florida's beaches, lakes, rivers, and springs in increasing quantities each year, threatening public health. This pollution is preventable. Now that we know how the nitrogen and phosphorus in sewage, manure and fertilizer tip Florida's delicate ecological balance, we have a responsibility to do something about it. The images below document the harmful outbreaks.
Toxic algae outbreak on southwest Florida's Caloosahatchee River in June and July 2011. Photo taken at Franklin Lock.
Pollution caused by inadequately treated sewage, manure and fertilizer is creating toxic algae outbreaks.
Photo: Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation
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A large August 2011 algae outbreak on Tampa Bay.
Photo courtesy of Dorian Aerial and Architectural Photographics.
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Fertilizer-laden water from sugar-growing lands in the Florida Everglades causes green slime in 2010.
Photo courtesy of Matt Schwartz, South Florida Wildlands Association.
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Toxic algae outbreak on southwest Florida's Caloosahatchee River in June and July 2011.
Toxic algae can cause respiratory problems, neurological damage, nausea, diarrhea, rashes, and even death.
Photo: Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation
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Toxic algae outbreak on southwest Florida's Caloosahatchee River in June and July 2011.
The outbreaks have fouled drinking water supplies, killed fish, closed popular tourist beaches and devastated the state's tourism-dependent economy.
Photo: Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation
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Warning sign on Caloosahatchee River in June 2011.
Photo: Mike Dove
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A toxic algae outbreak on southwest Florida’s Caloosahatchee River in June 2011 covers the area with green slime.
Photo: John Cassani
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A toxic algae outbreak on southwest Florida’s Caloosahatchee River in June 2011, turned the water a freakish green, killed fish, and released a nauseating stench for weeks.
Photo: Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation
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A toxic algae outbreak on southwest Florida’s Caloosahatchee River in June 2011 fouls waterfront property.
Photo: John Cassani
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Toxic algae outbreak on the Caloosahatchee River in June 2011.
Photo: Mike Dove
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The Caloosahatchee River in southwest Florida turns green in June 2011.
Photo: Mike Dove
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Dead Mojarra/Sand Bream and Jack, west of Franklin Lock, on the Caloosahatchee River. Photo taken on June 13, 2011.
Photo: Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation.
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Julington Creek Marina. 347 ug/l, M. aeruginosa. Photo taken on July 31, 2009.
Photo: Florida Water Coalition.
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Julington Creek Marina. 414 ug/l, M. aeruginosa. Photo taken on August 14, 2009.
Photo: Florida Water Coalition.
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Christopher Point Canal. 800 ug/l, M. aeruginosa. Photo taken on July 31, 2009.
Photo: Florida Water Coalition.
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St. Johns River at Alpine Gardens Park. 18 ug/l, M. aeruginosa. Photo taken on August 14, 2009.
Photo: Florida Water Coalition.
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Doctors Lake. 910 ug/l, M. paniformis. Photo taken on September 17, 2009.
Photo: Florida Water Coalition.
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Doctors Lake. 225 ug/l, M. paniformis. Photo taken on October 1, 2009.
Photo: Florida Water Coalition.
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Anabaena algae bloom in Caloosahatchee River at Franklin Lock, June 17, 2008.
In July 2008, Earthjustice filed a lawsuit challenging a decade-long delay by the state and federal government in setting limits for nutrient pollution. 13 months later, the Obama administration agreed to set legal limits for the nutrient poisoning.
Photo: John Cassani
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Anabaena Algae Bloom in Caloosahatchee River at Franklin Lock showing Olga Water Treatment Plant, June 17, 2008.
The Obama administration's agreement to set legal limits for the nutrient poisoning has nationwide implications. Currently, Florida and most other states have only vague limits regulating nutrient pollution. The EPA will now begin the process of imposing quantifiable—and enforceable—water quality standards to tackle nutrient pollution.
Photo: John Cassani
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Red Tide Warning at Volusia County beach during red tide event in October 2007.
Photo: Daytona Beach News Journal
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Leon County's Lake Munson update. Testing for the toxicity of the blue green algae, October 2007.
Earthjustice's lawsuit was filed on behalf of the Florida Wildlife Federation, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, the Environmental Confederation of Southwest Florida, St. John's Riverkeeper, and the Sierra Club.
Photo: Courtesy of Leon County website
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Bluegreen algae outbreak at Florida’s Caloosahatchee River in August 2005.
Photo: John Cassani / Lee County Hyacinth and Mosquito Control
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Bluegreen algae outbreak at Florida’s Caloosahatchee River in August 2005.
Photo: John Cassani / Lee County Hyacinth and Mosquito Control
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Bluegreen algae outbreak at Florida’s Caloosahatchee River in August 2005.
Photo: John Cassani / Lee County Hyacinth and Mosquito Control
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Bluegreen algae outbreak at Florida’s Caloosahatchee River in July 2006.
Photo: John Cassani / Lee County Hyacinth and Mosquito Control
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Bluegreen algae outbreak at Florida’s Caloosahatchee River in July 2006.
Photo: John Cassani / Lee County Hyacinth and Mosquito Control
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Bluegreen algae outbreak at Florida’s Caloosahatchee River in July 2006.
Photo: John Cassani / Lee County Hyacinth and Mosquito Control
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Bluegreen algae outbreak at Florida’s Caloosahatchee River in June 2006.
Photo: John Cassani / Lee County Hyacinth and Mosquito Control
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Bluegreen algae outbreak at Florida’s Caloosahatchee River in June 2006.
Photo: John Cassani / Lee County Hyacinth and Mosquito Control
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Microcystis bloom. Goodby's Creek at the St. Johns River, Jacksonville, FL. Photo taken September 14, 2005, 6:39pm.
Photo: © Bill Yates / CYPIX 2005
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Arlington Boat Ramp off of University Blvd. in Jacksonville during 2005 St. Johns River Bloom Event.
Nutrients like phosphorous and nitrogen poison Florida's waters during each rainfall, running off agricultural operations, fertilized landscapes, and septic systems. The poison runoff triggers algae outbreaks, which foul Florida's beaches, lakes, rivers, and springs in increasing quantities each year, threatening public health, and closing swimming areas.
Photo: Neil Armingeon / St. Johns Riverkeeper
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Microcystis bloom in Caloosahatchee River at Olga, Florida approximately a mile and a half west of the Franklin Lock, south side of the river, October 14, 2005.
Exposure to these blue-green algae toxins—when people drink the water, touch it, or inhale vapors from it—can cause rashes, skin and eye irritation, allergic reactions, gastrointestinal upset, serious illness, and even death.
Photo: Richard Solveson
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St. Johns River. 156 ug/l, Anabaena circinalis. Photo taken in 2000.
Photo: Florida Water Coalition.
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