Lake Okeechobee Cyanobacteria
Cyanobacteria are a natural "bacteria" that have the ability to undergo photosynthesis. Hundreds of known species are in the cyanobacteria phylum, and are believed to be some of the oldest recorded fossils; up to 3.5 billion years. These species are the only "bacteria" known to scientists that can photosynthesize. Various amounts of these bacteria are found regularly in groundwater, and are not uncommon or bad for the environment. That being said, these extensive blooms, (CyanoHAB) caused by excessive levels of nitrogen and phosphorous in the water, can have lasting effects on the ecosystems which relys on the water supply. (Including Humans) The toxic blooms (in Florida) occur at the most concentrated levels during the heat of the summer, when water is "nutrient" rich from runoff and wastewater. The number of agricultural businesses, and mills that use the water from the lake, and eventually the runoff returns to, is rather large. (list is at the bottom)
Lake Okeechobee 6/7/2016 Toxic Algae Bloom
CyanoHAB are a serious issue to every ecosystem the large blooms take hold. The nitrite and nitrate rich water, not only dilutes some of the oxygen and creates an ideal environment for CyanoHABs. The Cyanobacteria dilute the water as well and give off plumes of gasses which can be very toxic. Ideal conditions will lead to different species of these bacteria to reproduce rapidly, causing massive blooms. Extensive blooms will cause water discoloration, strange odors and tastes in the air, large fish kills (suffocation due to lack of oxygen), can cause respiratory problems, sickness, and even death for mammals, birds, and even insects of all kinds, including humans. This Issue can be dealt with through vigorous research and brainstorming. The obvious answer to the Army Corp of Engineers, is to raise the Hoover Dyke and dilute the water. I thought we were past the whole, "The solution to polution is dillution" thing? Maybe I was wrong... The obvious solution (to me) is to take the excess nutrients from the lake water, and prevent such excess levels from ever getting back into the groundwater. A very plausible goal that could be met by monitoring our actions when it comes to irrigation, fertilizers, and pesticides; etc. Raising the water levels is the equivallent to patching a nuclear reactor leak with ductape. Restoring natural flow back to the everglades is on the top of the list for most environmental groups involved with lake Okeechobee and the Everglades. This is a goal that should be met with full support from all parties. In order to have a strong and balanced ecosystem, we need to make sure our contaminates are dealt with accordingly.
I am a biophysics major at USF (building my biology credits at USFSM before finishing my degree at USF in Tampa for physics. In 2 more years, i will have a dual degree in physics and biology with a large phocus on calc based physics and biophysics. My main goal here, is to find scientists; new, experienced, maybe even just interested in helping keep our water clean, to aid in my research. My goal of $25,000 is a "slightly" under "realistic" number for the cost of doing research. I am interested in building a lab to do the testing I need, document it all, (I have a TomTom bandit, awesome little action camera) and try to find something that will not bond to water, but will bond with the nitrogen and phosphorous (or any other pollutants we need to remove for that matter) and will float to the sruface allowing for easy removal. This is just one of the ideas that seems the most logical. Our chemistry is causing these excess CyanoHAB, our chemistry (or biochemistry really) can find a way to remove the excess amounts without hurting the ecosystems.
I am in desperate need of any lab equipment, scientists, volunteers (local or regional) who are interested in helping gather data, lending professional knowledge, or have the funds to help along my way. Every little bit will help get me closer to my goal for clean water. I know I am not the only one who cares about having safe water in the future.
"They who control water, control life"
Let us come together and make sure we have safe water, and not let anyone control our lives.
Any money raised will be used strictly for research purchases, lab equipment, and travel to various locations in Florida to collect water samples and run tests. Video updates of any lab work will be done regularly once I start testing. A blog will be posted and updated on YouTube and a facebook page for live streaming once I get started.
Thank you very much for reading! Whether you donate or not, I want everyone to be informed and sharing knowlegde, please pass this along!!!!!
My name is Nicholas Ionta, my passion is for the sciences, and love is for the arts.
This is my way of trying to spark a fire in the fight for cleaner water. It is time for the entire country to start cleaning up the waterways. It can be accomplished, one person, one step, one stream at a time. This is the our life, let's make it count.
Farms which rely on the lake: Lykes Brothers Inc., Erickson Farm, Robert C Hatton Inc, Don Themm Enterprises Inc, Hato Potrero Farm Inc, Shawnee Farms, Camayen Cattle Co, Oasis Tree Farm, Graham Farm, Okeechobee Farms at Gray's & Danny's, Disston Island Farms, Swindle Farms, Rouge Rivers Farms, J-Seven Ranch Inc, 2 Gators Farm, Guines Ranch Corporation, J&J AG Products Inc, TKM Farms Inc, Jem Farms, Roth Farms, Closter Farms, Duda Belle Glade Farm, Osceola Farms Co, TreeTown USA- Sandcut Farm, Fresh Shrimp USA, Wayne Douglas Cattle Co, Corbin Farm & Ranch Supply Inc, Varri Green Farm, Burnham Farms Inc, Southern Accent Farm Inc, Davie Dairy Farm, 710 U-Pick Florida Organic Farms International, Oak Lake Cattle Co Inc, Larson Dairy Inc, Queen Bee Farms Inc.