News Release
| Release Number: | 08-108 |
| Dated: | 7/9/2008 |
| Contact: | Jennifer A. Sowell, 503-808-4510 |
PORTLAND, Ore. – A research project focused on preventing harmful algal blooms began this week at the Willow Creek Reservoir, near Heppner, Ore., the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced today.
Two solar-powered long distance water circulators were placed in the Balm Fork arm of the reservoir. The units draw water from specified depths and distribute that water throughout the reservoir. According to the manufacturer, this process mixes the specified layer of reservoir, disrupting blue-green algal habitat and diversifying aquatic organisms within the lake.
Unlike the aeration system used in the reservoir in the past, the long distance water circulators mix only the top portion of the reservoir, leaving the cooler, nutrient rich waters found at depth undisturbed.
The project will study the effects of an emerging technology, solar-powered long distance circulation, for preventing freshwater harmful algal blooms with the goal of gaining acceptance as a management method by the scientific community. This is the first year of a potentially multi-year study.
Researchers from Oregon State University and the University of Idaho will study the changes caused by the long distance circulator treatment in the populations of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), zooplankton, bacteria and viruses in order to understand how the technology can potentially prevent blooms. The study will involve genetic characterization of the bloom-forming organisms, using technology that will replace identification solely on the basis of microscopic observation.
The study is a collaborative effort between the two universities with long distance circulators provided by Solar Bee, Inc. and in cooperation with the Corps of Engineers.
The units float on the surface of the water and are anchored directly underneath. They are marked and have light beacons as a safety precaution. There are no anticipated recreational impacts of the study.
Harmful algal blooms caused by cyanobacteria affect many lakes and reservoirs across the US. They are fueled by excess nutrients derived from sources such as fertilizer run-off or from manure or septic system contamination.
Willow Creek Reservoir was chosen because of the presence and documentation of regular harmful algal blooms caused by the toxigenic genera, Anabaena, Aphanizomenon, Microcystis and Oscillatoria. Exposure to toxins released by these algae blooms can produce symptoms of numbness, tingling and dizziness which can lead to difficulty breathing or heart problems and require immediate medical attention. Additional symptoms of exposure to toxins include skin irritation, weakness, diarrhea, nausea, cramps and fainting.