Algal blooms can cause disturbances for the many services reliant upon a reliable source of freshwater, threatening water security. Investigation into the underlying causes of eutrophication and related algal blooms can be done through the use of ICTs including remote sensing, GIS, and highly underutilized data portals. Potential agricultural-related causes of eutrophication in the Tsimlyansk Reservoir in Southern Russia were investigated with the intention of conducting the preliminary groundwork for future research to be done in the area. The other primary aims of this research included developing a set of deliverables to be made available for interested stakeholders and exploring how these ICTs can be used in a practical application for the region. Eutrophication in the reservoir was investigated through the development of a detailed land use classification, identification and assessment of algal blooms through satellite imagery, and exploration into the causal relationship between these two elements through precipitation. A relationship was found between precipitation and algal blooms, indicating a potential link between eutrophication and land use in the region around the reservoir. Further research can build upon this study to conclude on the set of underlying causes of harmful algal blooms in the reservoir, upon which policies can be based to mitigate the effects of future occurrences. The full text can be found at the CEU Electronic Thesis Database.

Algal blooms, like this one shown below, were identified through satellite imagery. Image from the USGS Global Visualization Viewer (http://glovis.usgs.gov/). See the entire list of identified algal blooms at the Azov Center website.