TORONTO – The combination of changing weather patterns and farming practices were the cause of a massive, toxic algae bloom on Lake Erie in 2011 – something that experts say may be a sign of the new normal.
Heavy spring rainstorms in May 2011 led to a record amount of phosphorus washing
into Lake Erie.
Phosphorus is a common nutrient found in crop fertilizers, as well as a fuel source for algae growth.
By October 2011 thick, bright green algae covered over 3200 square kilometres of Lake Erie. It was the largest harmful algae bloom in the lake’s recorded history. The bloom was made up primarily of toxic blue-green algae.

-HEATHER LONEY – GLOBAL NEWS