Artificial Lighting Encourages Growth of Blue-Green Algae in Lakes

Posted in

April 16, 2025

Artificial Lighting Encourages Growth of Blue-Green Algae in Lakes

A recent study by the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries reveals that light pollution significantly promotes the growth of cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, in freshwater ecosystems. Conducted in the institute’s unique LakeLab, the research, noted as the largest field experiment of its kind, demonstrated that even minimal artificial light levels—akin to those found in urban skyglow—can enhance the proliferation of these potentially toxic organisms. Through careful comparisons of lit and unlit enclosures, researchers observed that illuminated conditions markedly increased the abundance of specific bacteria and altered the metabolic processes within the lake environment. These findings suggest that rising levels of light pollution could trigger harmful algal blooms, thereby posing a substantial risk to water quality and ecosystem health.

Original source:

https://www.labonline.com.au/content/research-development/article/light-pollution-promotes-blue-green-algae-growth-in-lakes-288541891

Artificial Lighting Encourages Growth of Blue-Green Algae in Lakes

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