Unknown species of green algae in a lake near Kongiganak.
Observation: A bright green substance was observed in a lake 50-75 feet, south of the dumpsite. Substance hasn't changed in size, color, and location since it was first observed. Does anyone know what this is?
LEO Says: This looks like some kind of algae, perhaps resulting from a change in the lake conditions such as temperature of nutrient levels. An expert consult is pending. General identification of algae type from an from a image is possible. For an online aquatic plant identification tool see Aqua Plant Diagnostic tool from Texas A&M. Using the Aquaplant tool, we think this is likely a planktonic algae. According the the site: "Planktonic algae are floating microscope plants that are normal and essential inhabitants of sunlit surface waters. There are literally millions of floating planktonic algae and these color pond water shades of green, blue-green, brown or variations in between. Planktonic algae that color the water is often called a “bloom” or “algae bloom”. Many species of algae are involved in algae blooms and these species change over time based on temperature, light, nutrients, and other factors. Planktonic algae blooms are considered desirable as the beginning of the pond food chain. In fact, fertilization programs are often used to promote algae blooms and thereby support a larger fish population. Planktonic algae is desirable for shading the pond bottom (in areas over 2 feet deep). This shading suppresses the establishment of rooted aquatic plants. However, to much planktonic algae can cause oxygen depletion and fish kills."
