Thread: Question for the Biologists

Originally Posted by NIMROD

Hey guys , what is this turquoise colored algae that is on the water up here. Water is clearing up but has this green film.

Nimrod et al.,

While you didn't ask the question of what caused this, I am putting it out there as you already answered it in another post. Excessive nutrients from nearby fertilizer applications or failing septic systems.

To provide more clarification on Matt's comment, blue-green algae is native to Arkansas waters, but in rather small percentages. It is only when conditions are exacerbated from excessive nutrients, low flows, high temperatures, etc. that a bloom occurs. Further, 'real high' concentrations is very misleading Matt. A blue-green bloom, even at low concentrations, still produce microcystin ( a toxin) that can result in skin irritation or fish kills. These blooms are classified as HABs or Harmful Algal Blooms and are relatively rare in Arkansas, but I would expect for these to start becoming more of an issue in the coming years/decade.