Algae that wash up on shorelines and start turning black aren\u2019t just a smelly eyesore \u2014 they could also be the source of a dangerous chemical compound that contaminates the surrounding environment and endangers public health.<\/p>\n
Brock University Assistant Professor of Chemistry Vaughn Mangal and his team are studying a type of algae found in Lake Erie, called Cladophora, to better understand if and how it produces methylmercury, a compound derived from mercury.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen mercury converts to methylmercury, that creates a neurotoxin dangerous to human health,\u201d says Mangal. \u201cPrevious research has shown that this can happen, but nobody has looked at whether or not this is actively happening in Lake Erie.\u201d<\/p>\n
Supporting his team\u2019s work in analyzing Cladophora blooms collected from Lake Erie<\/a> is a two-year, $149,180 grant from the federal government\u2019s Great Lakes Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative, announced Sept. 30<\/a>.<\/p>\n The growth of Cladophora algae, which typically blooms in the summer, is fuelled primarily by warmer temperatures, sunlight and nutrients entering the lake through surface run-off.<\/p>\n While Cladophora itself isn\u2019t toxic, it blocks sunlight hitting the water, stunting the growth of other plants and fish in the water.<\/p>\n After the algae blooms die, waves transport the material onto land where it decomposes, creating an oxygen-free environment in which bacteria thrive.<\/p>\n These bacteria contain genes that can convert inorganic mercury \u2013 produced by pollution from fossil fuel emissions, mining and industrial practices \u2013 into methylmercury, which is highly toxic to human and animal health.<\/p>\n \u201cAt this point, we don\u2019t know if methylmercury is being produced and where the methylmercury goes. Is it staying on the beach or are seagulls eating it and then getting methylmercury into their systems?\u201d says Mangal. \u201cIf it goes back into the water, which it probably will with high and low tides, does it get consumed by fish or other organisms? We don’t know the endpoints of methylmercury, so that’s part of this study; it’s never really been looked at.\u201d<\/p>\n Part of the research also involves working with local community partners and conservation authorities to improve their monitoring and remediation strategies at Lake Erie during peak bloom periods.<\/p>\n At the federal level, Mangal says the Canadian government has identified inorganic mercury as a global pollutant that is an emerging contaminant of interest in the country\u2019s Great Lakes.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Government of Canada is committed to preserving the integrity of our natural environment, including our Great Lakes,\u201d says Chris Bittle, Member of Parliament for St. Catharines.<\/p>\n \u201cDr. Mangal\u2019s research on Lake Erie\u2019s water quality will guide local community partners and conservation authorities in protecting the area against emerging contaminants,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n \u201cProtecting the health of our Great Lakes is crucial for the environment, our communities, and future generations,\u201d says Vance Badawey, Member of Parliament for Niagara Centre.<\/p>\n \u201cThis research will not only provide critical insights but will also strengthen ongoing monitoring and remediation efforts in collaboration with local partners,\u201d he says. \u201cTogether, we are keeping the great in the Great Lakes by taking important steps to preserve the ecological balance of our freshwater resources.\u201d<\/p>\n