Question

As the staff biologist for the public health department, you examine the pond water under the microscope and notice high levels of green algae. what do you tell the members of the community about the safety of their water?

Answer 1

I would report to the members of my community , that the naturally occurring level of green algae is very high at the moment that the pond will be cleaned and air rated in order to clean the algae out of the pond. I would suggest that a re-circulation pump be installed to help end the growth of algae.

Answer 2

As the staff biologist for the public heath department i would suggest following measures for water safety against algal growth :

1. Use of algicides: Algicides are natural or synthetic substances which can be used to kill growing algae in water body. Example of natural algicide is barley straw and example of synthetic algicide is copper sulfate.

2. Use of skimmer or algal net: Skimmer or algal net can be spread on the surface of water body and these can help in pulling out algae growing superficially on the surface of pond water.

3. Grow plants in pond: Plants like lily, cattatails, watercress takes up the all nutrients from algae and prevent them to grow again.

4. Introduce algae eating animals in the pond: Animals like frogs, aquatic snails feed on these algae and hence prevents their growth.

5. Place electric pump or water rotatory device in the pond: An electrical pump or water rotatory device will cause circulation of water in water body. As the water body will not remain static, hence it will prevent algal species to colonize in the water body.