Problems Caused by Overgrowth of Algae
Many water sources today are affected by algae growth. Whether this growth is a positive or a negative depends on whether algae growth has become excessive and overgrown. Does this Spark an idea?
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Algae Types
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Generally, three common types of algae are found in water bodies: planktonic algae, filamentous algae and attached-erect algae. Another potentially harmful aquatic plant is blue-green algae. Although blue-green algae has been found to be more bacteria than algae in the way it evolves, it is still commonly grouped with other algae types. Unbalanced levels of phosphorus and nitrogen cause the growth of harmful algae types.
Noticeable Effects
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Harmful algae and plant growth that becomes excessive can essentially rob the water source of the oxygen levels needed to maintain life. This causes the creation of dead zones -- areas in lakes and water bodies that cannot maintain life because of low oxygen levels. Ultimately, the life cycle of the body of water will gradually shut down, causing plants, animals and fish to slowly die as a result.
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Why It's Bad for Water Sources
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Water sources such as ponds, rivers and lakes, and other wetland areas, require a careful balance of nutrients to survive. Keeping that balance means time spent monitoring sources of harmful growth, such as excessive algae, that can occur in wetland and water sources. Algae serves a great purpose in filtering water, and it also serves as a food source to water inhabitants. Without the correct balance of nutrients, a lake or river can't maintain the ecosystem needed for water and plant life that depends on it.
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