How do algal blooms disrupt the mayfly life cycle?

Algal blooms disrupt the aquatic nymph stage of the mayfly life cycle primarily by degrading the quality of their freshwater habitats.

These blooms, which are often fueled by agricultural fertilizer runoff, create dense surface layers that block sunlight, preventing the light penetration necessary for underwater life. More critically, as these blooms decompose or flourish, they can rapidly deplete the water's oxygen levels, leading to hypoxia—a condition where oxygen concentrations fall below the threshold required for many biological processes. Because mayfly nymphs are aquatic and rely on these environments for their development, which can last from two weeks to two years, such environmental degradation significantly threatens their survival and has been linked to major population declines. Additionally, some blooms may release toxins that further poison the aquatic ecosystem.1234