Algae in Lake Lillinonah

Posted: June 29, 2010

Algae in Lake Lillinonah

Friends of the Lake, in conjunction with Professor Jennifer Klug of Fairfield University, are researching the algae in Lake Lillinonah to determine the types of algae present and to find out what causes their blooms.  Several new initiatives by our water quality committee will yield historical data that will help this research.  To learn more about the types of algae we have and the reasons we are working to reduce the blooms (in addition to being repulsive and smelly), please read the following summary by Professor Klug and visit the Center for Disease Control web link listed below.

Professor Klug:
“Many of the species mentioned in the CDC overview are present for most of the year in Lilli.  When present at low levels, they aren’t really a problem for either humans or the other things that live in the lake.

It is at high concentrations of the species mentioned (as well as some other species not mentioned) that there are problems for both the organisms that live in the lake and potentially human health.  My lab has analyzed samples for the toxin that is most commonly a problem (microcystin).  Most of the time, even during pretty green periods, the levels of microcystin are low.  There are a few samples … that have high enough concentrations to cause concern.  These samples were from very thick surface scum.”

“The World Health Organization has drinking water standards for microcystin (1 microgram/liter or 1 ppb) but no standards for recreation.  Several states (including Vermont) have guidelines that they use to close public beaches.  In Vermont, beaches are closed if microcystin concentration is greater than 6 ppb.  Some of the samples from Lilli are greater than 6 ppb.”

The following link about algae from the CDC’s website was found by Jim Conant:

http://www.cdc.gov/hab/cyanobacteria/facts.htm