Student Scientists Investigate Lake Menomin Algal Blooms

A group of student researchers from colleges and universities across the United States are working this summer near Menomonie, Wisc. as part of a lake science program looking at algal blooms in the area’s waters, according to The Chippewa Herald.

Led by the University of Wisconsin – Stout and supported by the National Science Foundation, the LAKES REU program (Linking Applied Knowledge in Environmental Sustainability Research Experience for Undergraduates) is fostering several different investigations.

Lake Menomin algal bloom. (Credit: Flickr User Aaron Carlson via Creative Commons)

Much of the work involves sampling Lake Menomin and analyzing its sediment, groundwater and hydrological dynamics to determine what roles they play in encouraging algal blooms. Student researchers are also interviewing farmers and learning about their fertilizer application practices to see if they are interested in adopting less phosphorus-intensive farming measures. Local citizens are also being surveyed in order to see what fees they would be willing to pay if it fixed the algal bloom problem.

Mary Marchiafava and Peng Vang, participants in LAKES Research Experience for Undergraduates, collect water samples and data from Tainter Lake in Dunn County to better understand root causes of phosphorus pollution and to propose solutions. (Credit: University of Wisconsin – Stout)

With the teaching and research responsibilities they have, professors at UW-Stout who are overseeing the project say the student researchers are accomplishing in two months what might take them years to get done. Results of the work will be released at a public forum, set for Aug. 6 at The Raw Deal eatery in Menomonie.