By: Ezra Ashkenazi
The green substance first appeared in New Jersey’s biggest lake this past June. This green invasion ruined a usually packed season of lakeside relaxation. Then in July, the green sludge appeared across lakes in the Pacific Northwest, and it appeared across the entire Mississippi seacoast. This swarm of algae across Mississippi forced the state to close the beaches in the middle of an extremely hot summer. Now the algae has been found in lakes and ponds in three New York City parks. This has led environmental officials to warn NYC parents to keep their pets and young children as far away from the infected water as possible.
According to a New York Times article, “The blooms contain cyanobacteria, single-celled organisms that can produce toxic substances when grown densely. The growth of the bacteria is fueled by warm, sunny days and nutrients from nearby surfaces that can wash into lakes and ponds during intense rain storms.” This explains why the growing has been exclusively in the summertime. In Manhattan, the algae have been found in Turtle Pond, Harlem Meer, which is found in Central Park, and in the pond in Morningside Park.
In addition, the toxic blooms of algae have been detected in a part of the large pond in Prospect Park, however, the designated area for dog swimming, Dog Beach, has remained open. Meghan Lalor, a spokeswoman from the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, said “It is important to try to avoid contact with any algae… Keep pets on leashes and do not allow them to enter or drink from lakes and ponds, unless in areas specifically designated for such activities.”
The algae can be very harmful to pets, it can cause skin rashes and neurological problems in animals, as well as liver damage and respiratory paralysis. Dogs can collapse or die after swallowing contaminated water while swimming, or by licking in of their fur. Although small algae blooms have been found in NYC before, it has never been as large as this. Scientists have said that the intensity of recent rainfall, in addition to climate change, is what might be contributing to this year’s massive bloom. Marit Larson, the chief of natural resources in New York City’s Parks Department, said, “There is a relationship between a changing climate and increased intensity of storms.” All in all, the algae is very harmful and it is advised to dodge this green sludge as well as one can.
