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Anthropogenic nutrients and harmful algae in coastal waters
Keith Davidson1, Richard J Gowen2, Paul J Harrison3
1Scottish Association for Marine Science, Scottish Marine Institute, Oban, Argyll PA37 1QA, UK.
Journal of Environmental Management
|September 1, 2014
Summary
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are not universally linked to human-caused nutrient pollution. When a connection exists, it often involves high-biomass blooms, with limited evidence for widespread health impacts or clear economic evaluations.
Area of Science:
- Marine Ecology
- Environmental Science
- Oceanography
Background:
- Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are increasing globally in coastal waters.
- Anthropogenic nutrient enrichment is a suspected driver of HAB proliferation.
- Nutrient loading alters concentrations and ratios, potentially influencing bloom dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the understanding of the link between anthropogenic nutrients and HABs.
- To evaluate evidence connecting nutrient-driven HABs to human health impacts.
- To examine the economic implications of nutrient-HAB interactions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research.
- Analysis of studies on nutrient forms, concentrations, and ratios.
- Evaluation of reported human health and economic impacts.
Main Results:
- The link between anthropogenic nutrients and HABs is not universal; it's often site-specific.
- Nutrient-HAB links are more frequently associated with high-biomass blooms than low-biomass, toxin-producing blooms.
- Evidence for widespread adverse human health impacts and comprehensive economic analyses is limited.
Conclusions:
- Hydrodynamic processes play a significant role in HAB occurrence, often overriding nutrient effects.
- The specific role of organic nutrients in promoting harmful vs. benign species requires further investigation.
- More integrated monitoring of human/animal health and HABs is needed to clarify impacts and inform economic assessments.
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