60 Minutes - The Bloom Box (February 21, 2010)

60 Minutes - The Bloom Box (February 21, 2010)


The Dangers of Algal Bloom

The Dangers of Algal Bloom


Never take for granted the small signs of algae in your water system: algae multiply fast that they can practically swathe the whole pond or lake and, worse, destroy the pond and its inhabitants.

The Dangers of Algal Bloom

The Dangers of Algal Bloom

The Dangers of Algal Bloom


The Dangers of Algal Bloom



The Dangers of Algal Bloom

These tiny plant-like organisms grow drastically in any water features, either on fresh water or marine environment. The rapid growth of algae is popularly known as algae bloom. The existence of phytoplankton species can aggravate the growth of algae. Algae bloom can manifest anytime, particularly during summer or spring, and thrive in any places where water is copious such as wetlands and waterways.

Algae are part of the natural aquatic ecosystem. They supply food and security to fish and other marine organisms. They help the aquatic ecosystem from getting sufficient nutrients and filtering heavy metals. There are practically 3,000 species of fresh water algae found in Australia alone, but the estimate of undiscovered species is continuously rising.

Most types of algae yield blooms that can be either beneficial or toxic. Blooms produced from diatoms promote the condition of the aquatic ecosystem. However, most algae blooms are determined "detrimental" to the life of fish and water. Harmful algal bloom or Hab is the term used by scientists when referring to toxic algae.

Algal bloom is a natural phenomenon that can be a culprit for the destruction of market fisheries and natural water systems. There are 300 reported species of micro algae that yield sizable mass of algal blooms. Certain species can turn clear water into red, brown, yellow, or green, ordinarily known as red tides. Red tide happens when there is unbalanced estimate of diminutive algae Karenia brevis or at one time known as Gymnodinium breve. Experts believe that red tide is triggered by high temperatures and insufficient wind and waterfall.

Harmful algae can be very harmful for they emit toxin that sway marine organisms and the water itself. Untreated and uncontrolled algal bloom can bring gigantic problems to market fisheries, resulting to economic loss in coastal communities. Habs can paralyze aquaculture operations and sway the livelihood of fish farmers.

Otherwise, harmful algae bring much problems to marine life and humans. Some toxic species are responsible for discrete diseases such as loss of memory, stomach cramping, sickness, paralysis, and worse, fatality. Once consumed or direct caress occurred, humans and animals may get serious diseases and may also lead to death

Scientists have not traced yet the exact causes and solutions for harmful algae bloom. The threats of algae bloom to market fisheries and social water systems have spurred panic among pond and fishery owners. The notorious algae bloom has been a global problem. There have been documented cases of Hab across the world. In recent years, Habs have been found in areas that they had not thrived before; while most Habs are causing turmoil to large, dense areas. Whilst, there are rare cases wherein algae bloom tend to behave, but they suddenly became untamed and caused problems.

When small signs of algae infestation arise, you must be adequate with tools and water medicine products to preclude algae from coming.

The Dangers of Algal Bloom

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