Presence of large amount of nutrients in water also cause excess growth of planktonic (free-floating) algae, called ___________.
An algal bloom is a relatively rapid increase in the population of (usually) phytoplankton algae in an aquatic system. Typically only one or a few species are involved and the bloom is recognised by discoloration of the water resulting from the high density of pigmented cells. Although there is no officially recognized threshold level, algae are unlikely to be considered to be blooming unless more than 10,000 cells per millilitre occur. Algal bloom concentrations may reach millions of cells per millilitre. Colours observed are green, yellowish brown or red. Bright green blooms may also occur. These are a result of blue-green algae, which are actually bacteria (cyanobacteria). Algal bloom causes deterioration of the water quality and fish mortality.
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