Algae survive, grow and reproduce by feeding off of the nutrients – nitrogen potassium and phosphorous– in the water. There are a variety of algae that differ in make-up and size.
Unmonitored growth of these species can degrade water quality – low oxygen levels and sunlight unable to penetrate the algae scum on the surface. This poses threats to other organisms in the water like fish, plants and other aquatic life. In addition, algae growth makes it increasingly difficult for treatment plants to meet effluent permit limits.
