algal bloom

An algal bloom, also known as a water bloom, is a rapid increase in the population of microscopic photosynthetic organisms in surface water. This phenomenon is driven by an abundance of nutrient salts and sufficient sunlight for photosynthesis. While some blooms are natural and beneficial, forming the base of the food chain, others can be harmful.12

Harmful algal blooms can discolour water, deplete oxygen, and release toxins that poison aquatic life and pose risks to humans, causing skin and respiratory irritation. These damaging blooms are often exacerbated by agricultural runoff, which artificially boosts phytoplankton growth. Some species of algae produce toxins that can contaminate shellfish and finfish, making them unsafe for consumption and leading to various forms of shellfish poisoning. Additionally, wind-sprayed toxic cells from blooms can cause health problems for air-breathing organisms.1234