Reducing Harmful Algal Blooms in Michigan and the Great Lakes

Abstract

Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (HABs) threaten the health of the Great Lakes and, by extension, the plants, animals, and humans who live in the region. Excess phosphorus from synthetic fertilizers that leach into water systems are the primary cause of HABs. To attempt to address the issue, the Michigan state government has focused on causal factors and tracked HABs’ locations. However, more effective solutions are available to prevent excess nutrients from entering at-risk surface water. We propose a state policy to limit the amount of phosphorus in cropland soils to 30 parts per million (ppm). This policy would greatly reduce nutrient runoff at the source, thereby mitigating the growth of HABs in Michigan waterways.