All Resources

Cyanobacterial blooms in Alberta recreational waters

Description

Cyanobacteria (also referred to as blue-green algae) are common photosynthetic bacteria that live in surface waters. Under favorable conditions, such as warm water and high nutrient content, these... More ≫

Description

Cyanobacteria (also referred to as blue-green algae) are common photosynthetic bacteria that live in surface waters. Under favorable conditions, such as warm water and high nutrient content, these bacteria can form nuisance “blooms”. The presence of blooms in recreational water causes unpleasant aesthetics and exposure to some toxin-producing blooms may pose potential health risks. Contact with blooms can cause skin rashes and irritation, itchy eyes, and ear infections. Inhaling water may cause allergic-like reactions, runny noses or sore throats. Ingestion of toxins can cause a range of symptoms (e.g., hepatotoxic or neurotoxic effects, and even death). There has been increased public awareness as a result of research over the past 20 years, recent monitoring efforts, and increased public education on the topic. In 2009, Alberta Health and Alberta Health Services began seasonal monitoring for cyanobacterial blooms at high use recreational beaches. In 2019, beach operators took over...

Tags

Freshwater monitoring : a case study : an educational field study for Grade 8 and 9 students

Description

This is a curriculum-connected full-day study of the Elbow River with multidisciplinary preparatory and post-activity support. The intent of this program is to provide a hands-on, engaging outdoor... More ≫

Description

This is a curriculum-connected full-day study of the Elbow River with multidisciplinary preparatory and post-activity support. The intent of this program is to provide a hands-on, engaging outdoor component, which will meet the needs of grades 8, Unit E: Freshwater and Saltwater Systems and grade 9, Unit C: Environmental Chemistry. This program is also written to achieve the mandate of the Alberta Government - Tourism, Parks, and Recreation and also addresses the four program goals of preservation, outdoor recreation, heritage appreciation, and heritage tourism. The preparatory activities are designed to prepare students for an off-site visit to the Elbow River. The preparatory activities focus on introducing students to the watershed monitoring area, related vocabulary, to water testing procedures, and to the expectations of safe and appropriate student behaviour within a protected area. These activities also attempt to further students‟ ability to make predictions, and encourage...

Tags

Lower Athabasca Regional Plan : annual reporting on air quality and surface water quality

Description

Monitoring is a key component of the environmental management frameworks in our regional plans - it's how we know if we're on track to meet our environmental objectives. But it's not useful on its... More ≫

Description

Monitoring is a key component of the environmental management frameworks in our regional plans - it's how we know if we're on track to meet our environmental objectives. But it's not useful on its own - we need to know how to interpret the data. Objectives are set within the frameworks so we can know whether we are adequately managing the cumulative effects of development in the region.

Tags

Investigations of trends in select water quality variables at long-term monitoring sites on the North Saskatchewan River

Description

This report updates the analysis of trends for select variables of concern with recent data (1987-2011) for the four long-term monitoring sites. In addition to examining trends in the entire data... More ≫

Description

This report updates the analysis of trends for select variables of concern with recent data (1987-2011) for the four long-term monitoring sites. In addition to examining trends in the entire data set, trends for the ice-cover and open water periods are assessed separately. Percentiles, which can serve as a foundation to derive site-specific objectives, are provided for each site.

Tags

Cumulative effects in the industrial heartland : a regional approach to managing the ecosystem

Description

Presentation on the progress of the Cumulative Effects in the Industrial Heartland Project given at the Hydrocarbon Upgrading Task Force meeting in October 2007. The project is one of three under... More ≫

Description

Presentation on the progress of the Cumulative Effects in the Industrial Heartland Project given at the Hydrocarbon Upgrading Task Force meeting in October 2007. The project is one of three under Alberta Environment’s Cumulative Effects Management framework, which offers a comprehensive way of managing regional ecosystems.

Tags

Selected methods for the monitoring of benthic invertebrates in Alberta rivers

Description

This reports provides general guidelines for the use of benthic invertebrates in the monitoring of water quality on Alberta rivers which receive effluents from industrial or municipal sources.

Tags