Lakes Environmental Association of Bridgton, Maine, Adds New Focus to Water Quality Testing

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Lakes Environmental Association of Bridgton, Maine, Adds New Focus to Water Quality Testing

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Lakes Environmental Association’s (LEA) Executive Director Peter Lowell recently announced the latest research they are conducting on the lakes they test in the Sebago Lakes Region of Maine: Iron and Aluminum in lake sediments; and Gloeotrichia.

Iron and Aluminum in Lake Sediments

What is it?
Iron and aluminum occur naturally in the bottom sediments of lakes. Both metals bind chemically with phosphorus, making it unavailable for algal growth. Aluminum bonds permanently with phosphorus. But, if there is a lack of oxygen at the lake bottom, as happens in some of our lakes during the summer, the iron-phosphorus bond will be broken, releasing phosphorus into the water column to potentially trigger an algal bloom.

Why are we testing for it?
Research suggests that the ratio of aluminum to iron in lake sediments can predict whether or not a lake will experience the phosphorus loading that leads to algal blooms. Knowing this ratio will tell us which lakes are most vulnerable.

What’s the next step?
LEA will use the knowledge gained from this research to focus  water quality protection initiatives on those lakes that are most at risk for phosphorus loading from the sediments.


Gloeotrichia and Our Lakes

What is it?
Gloeotrichia, or “Gloeo,” (glee-oh) for short, is a species of blue-green algae that looks like a tiny, fuzzy ball. Unlike many other algae, Gloeo grows primarily on the bottom sediments of lakes. It uses the phosphorus in the sediment to grow and then floats into the upper, sunlit waters. The Gloeo die after 2-4 weeks, releasing their stored phosphorus, which could increase overall algae growth and contribute to algal blooms.

Why are we testing for it?
Gloeo produce toxins that can be harmful to humans and pets. Their presence in the Northeast has increased in the past few decades, and blooms have been seen on a number of Maine lakes. We need to know which of our lakes are affected by gloeo and if it exists in high enough numbers to be a concern.

What’s the next step?
Knowing which lakes are vulnerable to Gloeo blooms lets LEA promote upgraded development standards and prevention efforts for the watersheds of those lakes.
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To learn more about the Waterford area, check out the blog links below.

Keoka Lake in Waterford, Maine is One Family’s Retreat, Accessible to All

Summer Visitors Enjoy Historic Waterford Flat and Keoka Lake

Waterford, Maine, the Quintessential New England Town in the Sebago Lakes Region

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