Impact of Environmental Factors on the Algae Overgrowth in Pond Water

Abstract

Algae overgrowth and ecosystem deterioration at the pond located at the Estate of Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania was noticed and potential factors were studied to understand the cause. The environmental factors such as air temperature, sunlight, bacteria, and human activities were considered to be associated with the algae growth. Algae density was monitored through visual observations and water samples were collected and tested for the analysis of bacteria counts and pH of the water according to EPA methods. At the time of each water sample collection, the weather temperature and condition were recorded. The water samples were also observed under a microscope to study the types of algae present. The major species of algae found included Cyanobateria and Chromerida. Algae presence was seasonal and related to temperature and bacteria counts. Bacteria counts drastically increased with the increase of temperature which can be explained because algae and bacteria formed a complex ecosystem. The pH of the water was greater than the EPA water limit of 8.5 when Algae abundance is high during summer. Commonly used nutrients containing T-phosphates and/or O-phosphorous in fertilizers were detected in the water samples which also affected the water pH. In this study, important factors associated with algae overgrowth were identified. Global warming would exacerbate to the pond water and ecosystem deterioration. Human activities such as the long-term application of lawn fertilizers and pesticides that were washed into the pond by rainfall promoted the growth of microorganisms which resulted in the pond water and ecosystem deterioration.