Management of blue-green algae blooms in Sodus Bay, New York

Advisor: Dr. Joseph Atkinson (Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering)
Other Mentors: none
Primary Activities: Field work, modeling

Project Summary: Blue-green algae blooms have occurred with greater frequency around the Great Lakes in recent years, after a prolonged period of relatively few problems following the implementation of phosphorus controls in the latter part of the 20th century. The specific cause of these blooms appears to be linked with excess nutrient loading, whether by agricultural runoff or from other sources. Whatever the cause, algae blooms can seriously impair both the economic and ecological health of systems in which they occur. A good example of this problem was a large blue-green bloom event during the 2010 Labor Day weekend in Sodus Bay, New York, which was estimated to have an economic impact in the hundreds of thousands of dollars range. In this project we are developing and applying a hydrodynamic model to simulate circulation in the bay, and coupling it with an ecological model to predict the occurrence and distribution of algae in the system, so that improved management options can be developed to help prevent reoccurrences of these blooms in the future. Participating REU students will have a chance to learn modeling skills, contribute to model application and interpretation, and will also help collect data to inform model development.

Skills/Courses Recommended: Basic knowledge of hydrology and water quality; some modeling experience helpful; statistics (optional)
Anticipated Conference Presentation(s): Great Lake Research Consortium