Cyanobacteria Bloom Ponds often develop surface films often develop in warmer months. Environmental conditions promoting film formation include warm weather, low flows, and sunlight promoting algae blooms. While a slight film may cause no problems it can promote conditions for odor complaints (H2S & volatile organic acids) and be a precursor to an algae bloom. In this post I will cover what compromises the film and how it arises in the pond.
While algae is important for normal pond activity. Excessive nutrients and summer temperatures can lead to a cyanobacteria bloom. These "algae" are actually a photosynthetic bacteria. They tend to form a bright green, blue-green surface scum and increase suspended solids in the pond. Besides causing problems with effluent TSS, cyanobacteria produce chemicals that contribute to odors and off-flavors in ponds. If the bloom is substantial, cyanobacteria can also prove deadly to wildlife. In 2013, an elk herd in New Mexico drank from a pond with a cyanobacteria bloom and was found dead in the immediate vicinity.
While algae is important for normal pond activity. Excessive nutrients and summer temperatures can lead to a cyanobacteria bloom. These "algae" are actually a photosynthetic bacteria. They tend to form a bright green, blue-green surface scum and increase suspended solids in the pond. Besides causing problems with effluent TSS, cyanobacteria produce chemicals that contribute to odors and off-flavors in ponds. If the bloom is substantial, cyanobacteria can also prove deadly to wildlife. In 2013, an elk herd in New Mexico drank from a pond with a cyanobacteria bloom and was found dead in the immediate vicinity.
Note foam & slight film on surface The second source of film is less obvious from cursory visual clues. In a quiescent lagoon with anaerobic activity often forms a film containing fatty acids. Since the fatty acids are naturally hydrophobic, we get in effect a "soap scum" on the surface. This film layer prevents normal oxygen transfer which further increases the size of the anaerobic zone. As a result, the pond often produces H2S and other malodorous compounds.
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