The Effects of Nutrient Loading on Microcystis Harmful Algal Blooms in a Eutrophic Lake

Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) are a growing problem, and nitrogen and phosphorus are the key nutrients that control their growth. Human activities, such as agricultural runoff and climate change, contribute to HABs. High-nutrient lakes favor cyanobacteria--the root cause of HABs; in this study, we investigate the growth of Microcystis, a cyanobacterium species responsible for creating HABs in Lake Fayetteville. The study aims to examine the effects of nutrient loading on Microcystis growth and microcystin concentrations, with a hypothesis that internal nutrient loading plays an important role in addition to external nutrient loading. The results may aid in developing effective management strategies for controlling cyanobacteria growth and mitigating public health risks.