2022 April - June
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April 2022
April 2022: The confirmed toxic planktonic blue-green algae (BGA), Microcystis Aeruginosa, continues to remain in the lake as large green specular particulate in the water column and floating on surface of the water. Growing masses of those particles continue to create larger bright green visible surface "blooms" or scums that build up at shorelines via wind direction. The nutrients already present within the water continue to sustain Microcystis Aeruginosa's dominance and growth. Noticeable noxious odors continue to be present, even with little visible surface scums. Detections of these BGA odors are occurring more frequently in 2022. Despite smaller surface blooms quantities, the BGA odors can be strong and detected hundreds of feet away from the lake water. (This characteristic for 2022 is different from years' past when typically strong odors were mostly associated with very large surface scums.)
Another blue-green algae, a filamentous type (likely Lyngbya Wollei) or "black mat algae", has been documented and visible on the surface of the water. It is most prevalent at the Southern Lobe shoreline. This type of BGA or cyanobacteria can be toxic, so it should be tested for presence of toxins.
The water clarity remains poor, and consistently turbid with a greenish tint and visible BGA particulate within the water column. The City still has not implemented any improvements to the bottom aeration system running, such as adding additional diffuser heads for increased circulation which would reduce bottom water nutrients that are still fuel to the BGA (confirmed leaching from the sediment-fill as a major nutrient source). There has been no additional methods used by the City to proactively prevent these toxic blooms (and improve overall water quality) in 2021 whatsoever-- multiple suggestions since 2020 remain purposefully ignored without explanation. Such as the ones described above, and the removal of cattails which trap these toxic scums and odors and their decaying reeds also provide nutrients in the water to fuel these blooms.
For brevity, when the term "BGA" is referenced in the photo notes, it means the long-established "Microcystis Aeruginosa" type, with the bright green paint like appearance. Lyngbya is "Lyngbya Wollei".
April 18, 2022 -- DEP sampled and found again detectable Microcystin Toxin Levels. The Northwest Lobe, Southern 'Entrance' Lobe, and Southeast Lobe, were sampled and the measured Microcystin Toxin were as follows: 5.6 ppb and 6.7 ppb and 6.3 ppb. The City has made no notification to the public about these detectable Microcystin toxin levels. DEP did not document or sample Lyngbya for toxin analysis. See DEP Table for details.
19 of 30 days (63.3% of the month) noticeable toxic blue-green algae quantities were documented
April 1 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Large blue-green algae build-up, on surface, yellow line estimates distance of surface build-up out from shore
April 1 2022
Southeast Lobe
Large blue-green algae build-up on surface
April 3 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Blue-green algae build-up, submerged BGA
*Windier conditions
April 3 2022
Southeast Lobe
Blue-green algae build-up, submerged BGA
April 4 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Large blue-green algae build-up, on surface, yellow line estimates distance of surface build-up out from shore
April 4 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Close up of BGA by shoreline with black mat Lyngbya also present
April 5 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Blue-green algae scum trapped and living by cattail island, black mat Lyngbya (right)
April 6 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Blue-green algae scum trapped and living by cattail island, black mat Lyngbya (right)
April 6 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Close up of additional surface Lyngbya along shoreline, with bright green BGA streaking and particulate in water; unknown algae/detritus at bottom
April 7 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Blue-green algae scum trapped and living by cattail island, black mat Lyngbya (right)
April 8 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Blue-green algae particulate in water, greenish color tint
*Windy conditions
April 8 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Close up of black mats of Lyngbya broken up by waves
April 9 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Blue-green algae streaking and particulate , black mat clumps of Lyngbya
April 9 2022
Southeast Lobe
Large blue-green algae build-up, on surface
April 10 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Blue-green algae streaking and particulate , black mat Lyngbya turning lighter due to sun exposure
April 10 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Blue-green algae particulate, black mat Lyngbya turning lighter due to sun exposure
April 11 2022
Southeast Lobe
Blue-green algae particulate in water column, greenish tint to water
April 12 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Blue-green algae particulate in water column, and black mats of Lyngbya
April 13 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Blue-green algae particulate in water column, and black mats of Lyngbya
April 14 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Black mats of Lyngbya around shoreline of lobe; BGA in water column
April 15 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Blue-green algae surface build-up, black mats of Lyngbya
April 15 2022
Southeast Lobe
Large blue-green algae build-up, on surface
April 17 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Black mats of Lyngbya around shoreline of lobe; BGA in water column
April 18 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Blue-green algae streaking and particulate , black mat Lyngbya, (gray color streaks dying BGA?)
April 19 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Black mats of Lyngbya around shoreline of lobe; BGA in water column
April 20 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Black mats of Lyngbya around shoreline of lobe; BGA in water column
April 21 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Black mats of Lyngbya around shoreline of lobe; BGA in water column
April 22 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Black mats of Lyngbya around shoreline of lobe; BGA in water column
April 24 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Blue-green algae streaking, Black mats of Lyngbya around shoreline of lobe; BGA in water column
April 25 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Lyngbya along shoreline, with BGA particulate in water; unknown algae/detritus at bottom
April 26 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Black mats of Lyngbya around shoreline of lobe; BGA in water column
April 27 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Blue-green algae streaking, Black mats of Lyngbya around shoreline of lobe; BGA in water column
April 27 2022
Southeast Lobe
Blue-green algae streaking, ; BGA in water column; Lyngbya by cattails and floating as broken surface clumps (not shown in photo)
April 28 2022
Southeast Lobe
Blue-green algae streaking, ; BGA in water column, bubbles on surface of water part of BGA photosynthesis process; black mat of Lyngbya (left) by cattails
April 28 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Blue-green algae streaking, Black mats of Lyngbya around shoreline of lobe; BGA in water column
April 29 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Black mats of Lyngbya around shoreline of lobe; turbid water, BGA in water column
May 2022
May 2022: Similar to April 2022, the confirmed toxic planktonic blue-green algae (BGA), Microcystis Aeruginosa, continues to remain in the lake as large green specular particulate in the water column and floating on surface of the water. Growing masses of those particles continue to create larger bright green visible surface "blooms" or scums that build up at shorelines via wind direction. The nutrients already present within the water continue to sustain Microcystis Aeruginosa's dominance and growth. Noticeable noxious odors continue to be present, even with little visible surface scums.
Another blue-green algae, a filamentous type (likely Lyngbya Wollei) or "black mat algae", has been documented and visible on the surface of the water. This type of BGA or cyanobacteria can be toxic, so it should be tested for presence of toxins.
In addition, later in the month a different type of blue-green algae, an unknown planktonic type (with filament strands) and a olive green color has been documented. It appears to be similar to the Aphanizomenon species, or a type with small filament strands that form into a gel-like mat. Aphanizomenon can create Cylindrospermopsin toxin. It currently remains unconfirmed or tested for toxins.
For brevity, when the term "BGA" is referenced in the photo notes, it means the long-established "Microcystis Aeruginosa" type, with the bright green paint like appearance. Lyngbya is "Lyngbya Wollei".
May 16, 2022 -- DEP sampled and found again detectable Microcystin Toxin Levels. The Northwest Lobe, Southern 'Entrance' Lobe, and Southeast Lobe, were sampled and the measured Microcystin Toxin were as follows: 0.80 ppb and 0.87 ppb and 0.79 ppb. The City has made no notification to the public about these detectable Microcystin toxin levels. DEP did not document or sample Lyngbya for toxin analysis. See DEP Table for details.
17 of 31 days (55% of the month) noticeable toxic blue-green algae quantities were documented
May 01 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Blue-green algae specs in black mats of Lyngbya around shoreline of lobe; BGA in water column
May 03 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Blue-green algae specs; black mats of Lyngbya; around shoreline of lobe; BGA in water column
May 04 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Blue-green algae specs; black mats of Lyngbya; around shoreline of lobe; BGA in water column
May 05 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Blue-green algae specs in black mats of Lyngbya around shoreline of lobe; BGA in water column; some benthic green algae? by cut cattail rhizomes
May 06 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Black mats of Lyngbya around shoreline of lobe; BGA stuck around mats? BGA in water column; some benthic green algae? by cut cattail rhizomes
May 6 2022
Southeast Lobe
Blue-green algae specs in water column and at surface; some benthic green algae? on rocks
May 8 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Blue-green algae subsurface build-up in black mats of Lyngbya around shoreline of lobe; BGA in water column
May 8 2022
Southeast Lobe
Blue-green algae specs and bubbles (from BGA photosynthesis/respiration cycle) pushed against shore
May 9 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Blue-green algae specs in black mats of Lyngbya around shoreline of lobe; BGA in water column; some benthic green algae? by cut cattail rhizomes
May 10 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Blue-green algae in black mats of Lyngbya around shoreline of lobe; BGA in water column; some benthic green algae? by cut cattail rhizomes
May 10 2022
Northwest Lobe
Blue-green algae present and stuck in cattails; noticeable odor
May 11 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Blue-green algae in black mats of Lyngbya around shoreline of lobe; BGA in water column; some benthic green algae? by cut cattail rhizomes
May 12 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Blue-green algae and its streaking with bubbles (from BGA photosynthesis/respiration cycle); Lyngbya chunks around shoreline of lobe; BGA in water column; some benthic green algae? by cut cattail rhizomes
May 12 2022
Southeast Lobe
Blue-green algae and its streaking with bubbles (from BGA photosynthesis/respiration cycle); Lyngbya present; BGA in water column;
May 13 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Blue-green algae; dark Lyngbya chunks around shoreline of lobe; BGA in water column; some benthic green algae?
May 15 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Blue-green algae build-up; dark Lyngbya around shoreline of lobe; BGA in water column; some benthic green algae?
May 15 2022
Southeast Lobe
Blue-green algae; small amount of Lyngbya present nearest rocks; white oleander flowers floating debris; BGA in water column
May 16 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Dark Lyngbya around shoreline of lobe
May 17 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Dark Lyngbya around shoreline of lobe
May 17 2022
Southeast Lobe
Unknown type of Blue-green algae olive green-gray filaments; BGA bubbles; small amount of Lyngbya present nearest rocks; white oleander flowers floating debris
May 18 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Dark Lyngbya around shoreline of lobe
May 19 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Dark Lyngbya around shoreline of lobe, some patches becoming green from sun bleaching
May 19 2022
Southeast Lobe
Small amount of Lyngbya present nearest rocks; turbid water
May 20 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Ruppia (aquatic plant) present
May 20 2022
Southeast Lobe
Blue-green algae specs in right corner; Small amount of Lyngbya present nearest rocks; turbid water
May 22 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Dark Lyngbya around shoreline of lobe becoming green from sun bleaching; turbid water; some benthic green algae?
May 22 2022
Southeast Lobe
Dark Lyngbya becoming green from sun bleaching; turbid water; greenish turbid water tint; BGA in water column; some benthic green algae on rocks
May 23 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Lyngbya around shoreline of lobe becoming green from sun bleaching; turbid water; some benthic green algae?
May 24 2022
Southeast Lobe
Blue-green algae bubbles streaking (from BGA photosynthesis/respiration cycle); Lyngbya present, patches turning green due to sun bleaching
May 27 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Dark Lyngbya around shoreline of lobe becoming green from sun bleaching; turbid water; some benthic green algae?
May 28 2022
Southeast Lobe
Blue-green algae build-up with bubbles (from BGA photosynthesis/respiration cycle); Black Lyngbya mat present
May 29 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Blue-green algae (olive green unknown filament type?) streaking and bubbles; yellow-green clumpy patches of sun bleached Lyngbya; Ruppia present and cattail reed debris
May 29 2022
1) Southeast Lobe 6:52 AM
Sticky bubbles on surface of still water, early morning. These bubbles are produced during the BGA photosynthesis/respiration cycle, and this phenomenon (since 2019) precedes the growth of larger visible green surface blooms.
May 29 2022
2) Southeast Lobe 9:11 AM
Blue-green algae (olive green unknown filament type?) streaking and bubbles; yellow-green clumpy patches of sun bleached Lyngbya on right in darker overall mat
May 29 2022
3) Southeast Lobe 7:23 PM
Blue-green algae (olive green gray unknown filament type?) sticky bubbles (from BGA photosynthesis/respiration cycle) build-up against shore from wind; clumps of black Lyngbya floating in water and pushed to shore
May 30 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Blue-green algae (olive green gray unknown filament type?) streaking; small sun bleached patches of Lyngbya; Ruppia present; cattail reed debris
May 30 2022
Southeast Lobe
Blue-green algae (olive greengray unknown filament type?) sticky bubbles (from BGA photosynthesis/respiration cycle) build-up against shore from wind; small black Lyngbya mat (on right side)
May 31 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Blue-green algae (olive green gray unknown filament type?) streaking; Ruppia present; cattail reed debris
June 2022
June 2022: The June photo documentation, showed the appearance of stagnant bubbles on the surface of the water and blown to shorelines with wind direction (similar to May). These bubbles are associated with the growth of BGA (during a step in its photosynthesis stage) and this phenomenon is a precursor to larger visible green surface BGA blooms.
June showed shifting BGA species--- another olive green gray unknown filament type BGA was documented as shoreline buildups in the Southern, Northwest, and Southeast lobes. Upon closer inspection, it appeared to be similar to the Aphanizomenon species, or a type with small filament strands that form into a gel-like mat. Aphanizomenon can create Cylindrospermopsin toxin. (Important Note: This toxin was already detected in the Harbor Isle Lake in February 2020 by the Florida DEP. This unknown species was not tested for identification and toxin production despite requests to the City and DEP.)
The typically benthic Lyngbya Wollei BGA remains floating as mats and broken up pieces on the surface of the lake, in its living stage (deep black color) or dying stage (green to brown color from sun bleaching). Wind pushes the mats around the water surface and to shore. It still remains untested for producing toxins, despite requests to the City and DEP.
Later in the month, around June 20th, known toxic Microcystis Aeruginosa BGA became visible again as small surface dime sized clumps and small shoreline build up amounts, alongside its known particulate being present in the water column again. It increased turbidity (reduced clarity) and the water gained back a greenish tint. Odors from this BGA type were again detectable despite small visible quantities.
The FL-DEP still measured detectable Microcystin toxin (on 6/13), despite noting no visual algal bloom being present in the water. No methods as described previously for nutrient reduction and in turn, BGA control, have been implemented by the City. The City has taken no action in 2022 to control or eliminate BGA whatsoever.
For brevity, when the term "BGA" is referenced in the photo notes, it means the long-established "Microcystis Aeruginosa" type, with the bright green paint like appearance. Lyngbya is "Lyngbya Wollei".
13 of 30 days (43.3% of the month) noticeable toxic blue-green algae quantities were documented
June 1 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Blue-green algae (olive green gray unknown filament type?) streaking; Ruppia present; cattail reed debris
June 1 2022
Southeast Lobe
Blue-green algae (olive green gray unknown filament type?) streaking with stagnant bubbles (white)
June 2 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Blue-green algae (olive green gray unknown filament type?) streaking; Ruppia present; cattail reed debris
June 2 2022
Southeast Lobe
Blue-green algae (olive green gray unknown filament type?) streaking
June 5 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Blue-green algae (olive green unknown filament type?) streaking; bubbles
Ruppia present; cattail reed debris
June 5 2022
Northwest Lobe
Blue-green algae (olive green unknown filament type?) streaking; bubbles
June 5 2022
1) Southeast Lobe 7:19 AM
Sticky bubbles on surface of still water, early morning. These bubbles are produced during the BGA photosynthesis/respiration cycle, and this phenomenon (since 2019) precedes the growth of larger visible green surface blooms.
June 5 2022
2) Southeast Lobe - later in day
Close up of blue-green algae (olive green unknown filament type?); looks like hair strands; bubbles
June 6 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Blue-green algae (olive green unknown filament type?) streaking; Ruppia present; cattail reed debris
June 7 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Blue-green algae (olive green unknown filament type?) streaking; Ruppia present; cattail reed debris
June 8 2022
Southeast Lobe 7:12 AM
Sticky stagnant bubbles
June 9 2022
Southeast Lobe
Blue-green algae (olive green gray unknown filament type?) streaking
June 13 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Green Lyngbya? stuck in floating cattail island's brown reeds, Ruppia present
June 14 2002
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Blue-green algae (olive green unknown filament type?) streaking; Ruppia present; cattail reed debris
June 20 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Green Lyngbya stuck in Ruppia; turbidity increase; greenish tint to water, particulate in water column
June 22 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Small specs of bright green BGA on surface of water and stuck in Ruppia
June 23 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Larger specs of bright green BGA on surface of water and stuck in Ruppia
June 23 2022
Southeast Lobe
Specs of bright green BGA and grey Lyngbya chunks; green-brown water
June 24 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Larger specs of bright green BGA on surface of water and stuck in Ruppia
June 26 2022
Southeast Lobe
Bright green blue-green algae; increased turbidity due to particulate in water column; known BGA odor present
June 26 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Larger specs of bright green BGA on surface of water and stuck in Ruppia; known BGA odor present
June 27 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Larger specs of bright green BGA on surface of water and stuck in Ruppia; (left side) Lyngbya mats, and some green filamentous algae?
June 30 2022
Southern (Entrance) Lobe
Black chunks of Lyngbya; Ruppia present; (right side) some BGA stuck in Ruppia; increased turbidity; greenish water