Pink Algae Alert: Health Warning Issued for Meads Quarry Lake in Tennessee

The Ijams Nature Center, collaborating with Tennessee health and environment departments, warns of toxic Planktothrix rubescens algae in Meads Quarry Lake. They caution against swimming or ingesting water due to potential health risks posed by the bloom. Visitors are advised to avoid contact with lake water, foam, or algae to mitigate exposure to harmful bacteria.

Algae Alert: Collaborative Efforts and Precautions Amid Climate Change Challenges

The warning issued by the center advises against swimming or consuming water from the lake, citing the discovery of the pink-colored algae by UTK students. Upon further investigation by the nature center and TDEC, heightened levels of microcystins were confirmed in the lake, prompting continued efforts to address the situation.

With microcystin concentrations exceeding the Health Advisory level, individuals and pets are strongly cautioned to refrain from any contact with the water to mitigate potential health risks. Exposure to microcystins can result in gastrointestinal discomfort and more severe illnesses, underlining the urgency of the advisory.

Furthermore, animals are also at risk from the presence of this algae, accentuating the need for vigilance and precautionary measures. Algae blooms in lakes are not an uncommon occurrence, but their increased frequency is cause for concern, especially amid worsening climate change conditions.

The rapid fluctuations in temperature experienced this year have accelerated transitions in the lake, which, despite its depth, has facilitated the growth of the cyanobacteria. It is anticipated that blooms of this particular cyanobacteria may become more frequent occurrences as climate change exacerbates environmental conditions.

The collaborative efforts between the center, UTK faculty, and state experts have enabled swift action to ensure public safety in response to this environmental challenge. The proactive approach to monitoring and addressing such incidents underscores the significance of scientific expertise and cooperation in managing emerging threats.

While the current bloom is expected to resolve before the swimming season begins, the event serves as a reminder of the pressing need for continued vigilance and adaptation in the face of changing environmental dynamics. Through ongoing collaboration and informed decision-making, communities can better mitigate the impacts of climate change on their ecosystems and public health.

Bacterial Dynamics: Planktothrix rubescens and Climate Change Impacts

Planktothrix rubescens is a type of bacteria found in freshwater habitats and is thriving in Central European lakes, which are essential for local ecosystems. However, these lakes are vulnerable to climate change, especially with rising air temperature and solar radiation, leading to increased surface water temperatures and altered seasonal mixing patterns.

This warming trend favors the growth of cyanobacteria like P. rubescens, which benefit from the changing conditions and compete effectively with other organisms in the ecosystem. Despite being harmful to many consumers due to its filamentous morphology and toxic metabolites, P. rubescens can regulate its position in the water column and flourish, particularly in the metalimnetic zone during thermal stratification.

Studies in Lake Zurich have shown how P. rubescens populations have increased over decades, partly due to climate-related changes impacting the lake's mixing patterns.