Blue Green Algae In Ponds

While similar in appearance algae and blue green algae are completely different organisms.

Blue green algae in ponds.

Below you will find information about different types of pond algae including blue green algae green algae filamentous algae horsehair algae brown algae string algae toxic algae algae diatoms pond moss and pond scum. Non herbicide management options 1. Green algae belonging to the family chlorophyta is the most diverse group of algae encompassing over 7 000 species. Planktonic blue green algae is the most noxious form of aquatic growth that we deal with here in north texas.

The worst type of algae. Blue green algae is the common name of a group of cyanobacteria commonly found in many lakes and ponds. The term actually refers to cyanobacteria being that cyan refers to a blue green color and cyanobacteria very much resembles common algae the name blue green algae is the commonly used term. More info photos of blue green algae.

Exchange of water from a well or other source that does not have an algae bloom will dilute the algae in the pond. Cyanobacteria fossils date back 3 5 billion years making these prokaryotic cells the oldest known fossils in the world. It is important to note that algae problems usually occur due to ponds being neglected. Previously called blue green algae it shares many traits with algae eukaryotic cells including appearance.

Floating blue green algae cannot be mechanically or physically controlled except by replacing the pond water. While many types of pond algae are unwanted because they look unsightly our experts agree that blue green algae bga is the worst type of algae to have in your pond because of its ability to cause harmful algae blooms habs toxic algae incidents around the world. Its growth is first recognized as a pea soup green appearance to the water. At least eight dogs have died after swimming in ponds.

Ironically blue green algae isn t even technically algae at all. Likely liver failure was brought on by ingesting water contaminated with toxic blue green algae. As its lifecycle progresses the density of the. Blue green algae generally grow in lakes ponds and slow moving streams when the water is warm and enriched with nutrients like phosphorus or nitrogen.

Their chloroplasts contain both chlorophyll a and b accounting for their typical bright green coloration though they may also be various hues of yellow. These algae are present in most healthy pond and lake ecosystems as they are at the base of the food web.