Journal of Ecology and Toxicology
Open Access

Fresh water algae include a wide range of organisms which float and grow on surface of water and have ability of photosynthesis using sunlight. Freshwater algal blooms are the result of an excess of nutrients, particularly some phosphates. They may also originate from household cleaning products containing phosphorus. The nutrients can then enter watersheds through water runoff. Excess carbon and nitrogen have also been suspected as causes. Presence of residual sodium carbonate acts as catalyst for the algae to bloom by providing dissolved carbon dioxide for enhanced photosynthesis in the presence of nutrients. Blooms may be observed in freshwater aquariums when fish are overfed and excess nutrients are not absorbed by plants. These are generally harmful for fish, and the situation can be corrected by changing the water in the tank and then reducing the amount of food given.

Fresh water algal blooms