Origin of Water Bloom
Water bloom, they are the dense aquatic population. These are microscopic photosynthetic organisms that are produced by an excess of nutrient salts in the surface water, they bloom and breed on the water surface with adequate sunlight required for photosynthesis.
Water bloom is a cause of the rapid increase in the population of the algae which is responsible for the water body to change its own colour. This change is caused by a type of bacteria known as ‘cyanobacteria’. Thus, Water bloom gets its main origin from the blue-green algae which we will be further discussed.
Water Bloom Meaning
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As previously introduced, water bloom is the thick and dense aquatic population which are microscopic photosynthetic organisms. Water bloom breeds in the surface water due to excess nutrient salts on it, conditioned with sufficient sunlight for their photosynthesis.
These microorganisms are actually toxic substances. Their release may discolour the water completely, and thus deplete its oxygen content. Further water bloom might poison the aquatic animals and the waterfowls, which are birds that swim in those water. Water bloom also irritates the skin and affects the respiratory tract of human beings.
Single species of algae, diatoms, or the dinoflagellates, reproduce every after few hours. This will result in the dominance of their growing population. Approximately the number of individuals per liter (quart) of water may be from 1,000 to 60 million.
Algal Blooms
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An algal bloom is the speedy increase of the algae population. They originate in aquatic ecosystems. Algal bloom originates in fresh as well as in marine waters, and from here the name comes as - water bloom or the marine bloom, respectively. Algal bloom breeds well in an abundance of two types of nutrients - phosphorus and nitrogen. Their growth is usually caused by the runoff of nutrients like the dumping of animal waste, fertilizers or sewage from the farmlands.
Algal bloom constituents are mainly composed of bio-toxins and they are characterized by a distinct discolouration of the water due to large growth of pigmented algae cells. The colours of algal bloom range from green, red, brown, and yellow. The major types of algal blooms are cyanobacteria, which are the blue-green algae and the red tides, which are the red algal blooms.
Algal Bloom Treatment
Algal Bloom is a dangerous type of microorganisms, their growth will increase and enter into the food cycle if adequate measures are not assured. The toxic rate of the algal blooms is justified in the above-mentioned section, here we will see what are the ideal treatments for this algal bloom. Below mentioned is the treatment which is performed by the sewage system or by the government authorities to save the water life –
Proper Sewage Installation –
In order to restrict the presence of nitrogen and the phosphorus constituent in water, firstly there is a need to treat the sewage water, as recommended by the waste treatment procedure. These are the five-step process that ensures optimal treatment of the sewage water.
To Make the Society Aware of the Pollution and Water Wastage –
To make the global environmental conservation goals a success, it should be started with individual initiatives only. Starting from minimizing the waste to reusing the waste and thus saving the environment is a big step to reduce the overall nutrient deposit into the water bodies.
Use of Correct Fertilizer –
The fertilizers which have less nutrient constituent should be used by the farmers. The farmers should be advised by the agricultural experts about the dosage of fertilizers to be used which will not lead to contaminating of the water bodies.
Treatment with Hydrogen Peroxide –
The compound which is found beneficial for the treatment of algal bloom is hydrogen peroxide which is effective for smaller water bodies.
Blue - Green Algal Blooms
'Bloom' this term is used to indicate the rise in the algal cells to such an extent where they discolour the water, form scums and produce unpleasant tastes and odours. Blue-green algal affects the fish populations and also degrades the water quality. Accumulation of algae can cause depletion of oxygen which kills fish.
The Blue-Green Algae may Breed and Excessively increase in Water When:
The nutrient levels, particularly phosphorus and nitrogen are in larger constituents to support the population growth.
The ratio of nitrogen to phosphorus is low.
It is standing water (lack of the mixing of the nutrients)
The weather patterns are also stable.
The weather is basically warm.
The Blue-green algal blooms survive for several weeks, at times months, depending mainly on the weather. Cooler and windy weather may reduce or prevent the algal blooms to breed.
FAQs on Water Bloom
1. What is a water bloom in the context of geography?
In geography, a water bloom refers to the rapid and excessive growth of microscopic algae or cyanobacteria in a body of water, such as a lake, pond, or slow-moving river. This explosive population increase often results in a visible discolouration of the water, turning it green, blue-green, red, or brown. It is a key indicator of eutrophication, which is the enrichment of water bodies with minerals and nutrients.
2. What are the main causes that lead to the formation of a water bloom?
Water blooms are primarily caused by an oversupply of nutrients, a process known as nutrient enrichment or eutrophication. Key contributing factors include:
- Agricultural Runoff: Rainwater washes excess fertilisers containing nitrates and phosphates from farms into nearby water bodies.
- Urban Sewage: Discharge of untreated or partially treated sewage from cities and towns adds a high load of nutrients.
- Industrial Effluents: Waste from certain industries can be rich in nutrients that fuel algal growth.
- Favourable Conditions: Warm, slow-moving, or stagnant water with ample sunlight creates the perfect environment for these microorganisms to multiply rapidly.
3. Which types of microorganisms are primarily responsible for creating water blooms?
The most common microorganisms responsible for water blooms in freshwater environments (like lakes and ponds) are cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae. Despite their name, they are technically a type of bacteria capable of photosynthesis. In marine or saltwater environments, blooms are often caused by microscopic algae called dinoflagellates, which can lead to phenomena known as 'red tides'.
4. What are the harmful effects of a water bloom on the environment and human health?
Water blooms can have severe negative impacts. For the environment, they cause oxygen depletion (hypoxia) when the large mass of algae dies and decomposes, leading to the death of fish and other aquatic animals. They also block sunlight from reaching underwater plants. For human health, certain species of cyanobacteria produce potent toxins (cyanotoxins) that can contaminate drinking water and cause illnesses, skin irritation, and respiratory problems if ingested or touched.
5. How does a water bloom reduce the oxygen in the water, leading to fish kills?
The process of oxygen depletion, or hypoxia, happens in a few key stages. First, the dense layer of the bloom on the surface dies off. This massive amount of dead organic material sinks to the bottom. Here, aerobic bacteria begin the process of decomposition. These bacteria consume vast amounts of dissolved oxygen from the water to break down the dead algae. This rapid consumption of oxygen causes its levels to plummet, suffocating fish and other aquatic organisms that need it to survive.
6. Is a 'water bloom' the same as an 'algal bloom'?
The terms are often used interchangeably, but there is a slight technical difference. 'Algal bloom' is a broad term for the rapid increase of any type of algae. 'Water bloom' is more specifically used, especially in freshwater science, to describe a bloom of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae). The key distinction is that cyanobacteria are prokaryotic bacteria, whereas true algae are eukaryotic organisms. However, in general conversation and many geographical contexts, both terms refer to the same visible phenomenon.
7. Why are water blooms often seen in different colours like green, blue-green, or even red?
The colour of a water bloom is determined by the specific photosynthetic pigments present in the dominant microorganism.
- Blue-green or bright green blooms are typically caused by cyanobacteria, which contain chlorophyll and other blue-green pigments.
- Red or brown blooms, often called 'red tides' in the ocean, are usually caused by a type of algae known as dinoflagellates, which contain reddish-brown pigments.
The colour is a direct visual clue to the type of organism causing the bloom.
8. Why are water blooms becoming more frequent near agricultural fields and urban areas?
This trend is a direct result of human-environment interaction. Agricultural areas contribute to nutrient runoff, where fertilisers rich in nitrates and phosphates are washed into water systems. Similarly, urban areas produce large volumes of wastewater and sewage, which, if not properly treated, release high concentrations of the same nutrients. These human-sourced nutrients act as a super-fertiliser for algae and cyanobacteria, creating ideal conditions for blooms to form more frequently and intensely.
9. What are some effective methods to control and prevent the occurrence of water blooms?
Preventing water blooms involves managing the root cause: excess nutrients. Effective strategies include:
- Improving wastewater treatment processes in cities to remove nitrogen and phosphorus before discharge.
- Promoting sustainable farming practices to reduce fertiliser use and prevent nutrient runoff.
- Creating natural buffer zones with native plants around lakes and rivers to absorb nutrients before they enter the water.
- In smaller, contained water bodies, methods like aeration to increase oxygen or the controlled application of algaecides can be used for immediate control.
