Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Physical and Environmental Geography Commons™
Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Articles 1 - 1 of 1
Full-Text Articles in Physical and Environmental Geography
Landscape And Climate Drivers Of Harmful Algal Blooms In Iowa, Aaron Padilla
Landscape And Climate Drivers Of Harmful Algal Blooms In Iowa, Aaron Padilla
Dissertations and Theses @ UNI
Insuring the safety of our water for consumption and recreation is a crucial but extremely difficult and resource intensive activity of environmental protection agencies. One of the ways our water is at risk is through the increased frequency, and intensity of harmful algal blooms (HABs). When CyanoHABs occur, they can produce a toxic byproduct, most notably microcystin in freshwater, which can be harmful to humans and animals. Previous research has indicated these blooms are driven by increased eutrophication of water bodies, the excess loading of nutrients. In Iowa, the main driver of CyanoHABs in most watersheds is agricultural runoff, which …