9798888365205
Randall Wilkins
Larsen and Keller Education
English
2025
Environmental Sciences - Ecology and Ecosystems
$ 160
An algal bloom or algae bloom is a rapid increase or accumulation in the population of algae in freshwater or marine water systems. It occurs when colonies of algae grow out of control in aquatic environments, often due to an excess of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. In coastal waters, these blooms can lead to harmful algal blooms (HABs), which pose significant threats to marine ecosystems and human health. HABs can produce toxins that contaminate shellfish and fish, causing poisoning in humans and animals. They also deplete oxygen in the water as they decay, creating "dead zones" where marine life cannot survive. Effective management strategies, such as reducing nutrient inputs and monitoring water quality, are crucial in mitigating the impacts of algal blooms and protecting coastal ecosystems. This book provides comprehensive insights into the field of coastal waters. This book presents the complex subject of harmful algal blooms in coastal waters in the most comprehensible and easy to understand language. It will serve as a valuable source of reference for graduate and post-graduate students.