Algae and water Algae are a group a simple plants, varing in size, shape, and colour, and found in all healthy water bodies. Surprisingly, algae is an important part of the aquatic ecosystem. Even algal bloom is a natural cycle in nature. Algae are photosynthetic. Microscopic algae (phytoplankton) are classified into two groups, true algae and blue-green algae. The blue-green algae is more closely related to bateria than to plants. A dense algae population is called an algal bloom. A bloom is determined by the nutrient status of the water, water temperature, light intensity and pH. Too much algae can cause a lot of problems such as: Increase of pH of the water Taste problem in the water Strong odours released into the water Increase organic content in the water Poisoning the river, which kills all other biodiversity Blooms are becoming more and more common due to the lack of attention to our waterways and the misuse of chemicals and fertilizers. In homes, when we let water from washing the car, or fertilizers from our lawns, drain into the storm drains, we increase the chance of rivers having algal blooms, since water in the storm drains go out into rivers untreated. The increased use of chemicals and fertilizers in farming will cause an excess of nutrients to be released into rivers and lakes allowing algae to bloom. Controlled use of fertilizers and chemicals is the only solution to this problem.

This picture shows different types of microscopic algae.

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