Caption: Algae collects on the surface water along the south shoreline of Lake Mendota near the University of Wisconsin-Madison on June 23, 2008. The algae blooms that occur in surface waters such as lakes and streams are fueled primarily by excess phosphorous, which runs off farm fields and suburban lawns. A new study by UW-Madison limnologist Stephen Carpenter recalculates global use of phosphorous and shows that the element's overuse is the primary cause of the pollution of fresh surface water.
Photo: Bryce Richter
Date: 2008
High-resolution JPEG

Caption: A concentrated sample of algae and zooplankton taken from Wisconsin's Lake Mendota is pictured on July 15, 2009. The algae blooms that occur in surface waters such as lakes and streams are fueled primarily by excess phosphorous, which runs off farm fields and suburban lawns. A new study by University of Wisconsin-Madison limnologist Stephen Carpenter recalculates global use of phosphorous and shows that the element's overuse is the primary cause of the pollution of fresh surface water.
Photo: Jeff Miller
Date: 2009
High-resolution JPEG