Leaf litter found to be critical in tackling toxic algal blooms

Organic liquid from leaves can limit negative impacts on aquatic ecosystems, study shows

Trees can play a critical role in preventing toxic algal blooms in Australia’s rivers and lakes, according to research by Griffith University in Queensland.

A study led by freshwater ecologist Michele Burford at the Australian rivers institute looked at how organic compounds in leaf litter can interact with soil to suppress the growth of blue-green algal blooms.