The source of troublesome lake algae is not always clear, but an interdisciplinary research project with two Michigan State University researchers found an answer may include colder groundwater that feeds some inland lakes. This finding could help predict the formation of harmful algal blooms to mitigate their impact on drinking water, tourism, fishing and fish toxicity.
Lakes fed with groundwater that cools deep lake temperatures during summer months that may inhibit bloom formation. However, groundwater levels are declining worldwide. This could mean more frequent algae outbreaks in lakes around the world when groundwater is depleted.