As water temperatures rise, we are starting to see growth in our water bodies. One thing that may be presenting itself is algae.
Algae (singular: alga) is a diverse group of photosynthetic organisms that thrive in aquatic environments. Over 350,000 species of algae exist, ranging from single-celled microbes floating in the water to towering giant seaweeds. All algae and plants make their own food using sunlight, but algae are not considered actual plants as they lack the vein-like vascular system found in most plants.
Now that we have got that out of the way, here are some things to know about about algae!
Algae: The Good
Algae are considered the most important photosynthetic organisms on Earth. Without algae, life in our lakes and ponds would be very different than it is. First, algae produce oxygen required for life. During daylight hours, algae photosynthesize, producing oxygen, which supports fish and beneficial bacteria. Second, algae feed tiny aquatic organisms like zooplankton, which are, in turn, eaten by fish and amphibians. Next, algae absorb excess nutrients (like nitrogen and phosphorus) from the water, which can help prevent more harmful blooms or chemical imbalances. Finally, some species of algae provide shelter for small aquatic life, including fish and invertebrates. As long as our waterbodies are not overloaded with excess nutrients, algae tend to “stay in their lane” and are good for your waterbody.
Algae: The Bad
Algae become problematic when they grow out of control or the wrong types take over. Here’s how algae can be harmful for your pond.
Algae produce oxygen during the day through photosynthesis, but they consume oxygen at night. If there’s too much algae, oxygen levels can drop dangerously low overnight, stressing or killing fish. In addition, when large amounts of algae suddenly die (due to temperature changes, chemicals, or other causes), their decomposition uses oxygen, potentially leading to fish kills.
Additionally, certain types of algae, like blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), can produce toxins harmful to fish, pets, birds, and even humans. Typically referred to as Harmful Algal Blooms (HABS), these toxins can linger even after the bloom clears. It is important to note that not all cyanobacteria blooms contain toxins. Fast tests can be employed to see if a bloom is harmful.
Lastly, too much algae can choke out other life. Thick algae mats can block sunlight from reaching underwater plants, killing them. This can upset the pond’s ecosystem and reduce biodiversity.
Algae: The Ugly
Planktonic algae (free-floating) can turn water bright green or brown—like pea soup or muddy water. Surface mats (like filamentous algae) can smother plants and look gross. Filamentous algae can be skimmed off manually with a rake or machine, providing immediate visual improvement.
If excess algae is treated using EPA-approved algaecides, sections of the water body should be treated at a time. This prevents too much material decomposition at one time, which would otherwise lead to a dissolved oxygen crash.
If you think your waterbody is out of balance and has too much algae, we can help. Our experts can assess the best way to remove excess algae, so your lake or pond thrives throughout the growing season!
Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
