The St. John's River has had problems with blue-green algae in the past few years. Blue-green algae forms in water (saltwater, freshwater, and brackish water) when it gets warm enough and there are enough nutrients for them to bloom. Another way that they grow is when there is too much phosphorus or nitrogen in the water. This problems stems from a plethora of things, including fossil fuel burning, excess soap use, and wastewater management. This has a very great effect on the communities within Duval County, including myself.

Blue-green algae is dangerous for humans and many other animals. When there is a prominent amount of blue-green algae in the water, it makes water and everyday tasks that involve water unsafe. For example, doing the dishes and bathing. Since this is a big issue in Duval County, this would affect most people in the areas of the county, such as Mandarin.

One way these problems can be taken care of include reducing the amount of fertilizer used for plants. Fertilizer contains a lot of phosphorus and nitrogen in it so reducing it would overall reduce these elements making their way into bodies of water. Another way this issue can be solved is taking better care of human and pet waste. When these wastes end up in bodies of water, they release a lot of nutrients that causes large amounts of algae to form. A third way this issue could be solved is by reducing the use of fossil fuel burning. When fossil fuels are burned, they release nitrogen oxides in the air and those inevitably make their way into the water, growing an excess amount of blue-green algae. 

One of the best things the community can do is urge the people and governments within Florida and Jacksonville to take action. This can be writing a petition, sending a message to the governor or mayor, protesting, or encouraging family and friends to do their part in being more environmentally friendly. While we as a general public may not have as much power as the government does to help solve this issue, we can still try our best in encouraging change!