EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON INLAND AND COASTAL WATER BODIES: A REVIEW OF HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS

Abstract

Climate change poses a significant threat to the occurrence of harmful algal blooms (HABs) in both inland and coastal waters. This review paper summarizes recent research into the impact of climate change on HABs, specifically examining the relationship between climate change and three lake parameters: lake temperature, precipitation and runoff, and lake ice. The paper highlights the ways in which warming temperatures and changing precipitation patterns are causing an increase in the prevalence and severity of HABs in lakes and reservoirs. The review identifies the mechanisms through which this occurs, including changes to lake stratification, and the extension of periods of hot surface water. The paper concludes that further research is necessary to achieve a better understanding of the impact of climate change on HABs and water quality, particularly with respect to predicting future changes to HABs in a warmer climate in both inland and coastal water bodies. The significance of this research lies in the importance of addressing HABs as a growing problem that threatens not only the ecology of the world's freshwater resources but also the health and well-being of humans and aquatic life.