What is Algal Bloom?
Algal bloom occurs when algae in water bodies grow excessively forming a thick layer of visible discolouration on the surface. An Algal bloom is a type of algae that reproduces at a high rate. This phenomenon is often due to excess nutrients from sources like agriculture or urban runoff, along with warm temperatures and calm conditions. The term ‘algae‘ refer to a group of aquatic photosynthetic organisms that can be microscopic or macroscopic in size. Algal blooms are microscopic algae that grow quickly and are unicellular in nature, and the kelp forest is one of the most prevalent macroscopic algae.
While algae are essential for ecosystems, excessive growth can lead to problems. Some blooms produce toxins harmful to aquatic life and humans, while others deplete oxygen levels, suffocating marine organisms. For instance, Lake Erie on the border of US and Canada experiences annual blooms due to nutrient runoff, impacting water quality and endangering wildlife.
Phytoplankton will die if there is little or no food available in the water. When there is plenty of food, however, plankton cells can develop a huge number of flagella and reproduce quickly, far outnumbering the capacity of the surrounding water to absorb them. They eventually settle to the bottom and generate visible concentrations of organisms known as ‘red tides’ as they mature.
Also Read: Ecological Importance of Algae
Algal Bloom
Algal Bloom is a rapid increase in the algal population in waterbodies, often leading to visible discolouration of the water. Algal bloom causes include various factors including nutrient enrichment that help in excessive algal growth. Algae play crucial roles in aquatic ecosystems, serving as primary producers and oxygen suppliers. While essential for ecosystem health, unchecked algal growth can lead to disruptive blooms which deplete oxygen levels which is dangerous for marine life. In this article, we will cover algal bloom, its causes, and more.
Table of Content
- What is Algal Bloom?
- Causes of Algal Bloom
- Effects of Algal Bloom on Water
- Effects of Algal Bloom on Aquatic Life
- Examples of Algal Bloom
- Types of Algal Bloom
- Conclusion – Algal Bloom
- FAQs on Algal Bloom