What causes blue-green algae bloom in water sources?

The occurrence of blue-green algae blooms in water sources is primarily driven by eutrophication, which results from excessive nutrients in the water, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus. These nutrients often originate from agricultural runoff, wastewater discharge, and stormwater runoff. When nutrient levels are elevated, they promote rapid growth of algae, which includes blue-green algae, in a process referred to as algal blooming.

As these algae grow in abundance, they can deplete oxygen levels in the water and produce toxins that are harmful to aquatic life and humans. Eutrophication can lead to ecological imbalances in the water body, altering species composition and affecting overall water quality. This phenomenon is a significant environmental concern, as it can lead to the deterioration of water sources and associated habitats.

Factors such as high levels of bacteria, low water temperatures, and contamination from chemicals do not directly cause the initial proliferation of blue-green algae but might affect the water quality and ecosystems in other ways. High bacteria levels could indicate poor water quality, but they do not contribute to the blooms themselves. Low water temperatures generally would not favor the growth of blue-green algae, which tend to thrive in warmer conditions. Chemical contamination might affect algae growth but is not a primary driver of the nutrient overload leading to eut