Algal bloom

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Definition of Algal bloom:
A rapid increase in the abundance of algae within an area.[1].
This is the common definition for Algal bloom, other definitions can be discussed in the article

Notes

An algal bloom is a rapid (close to exponential) increase in the abundance of algae in an aquatic system. Algal blooms can occur in coastal and marine waters as well as freshwater environments. Typically a single and sometimes a few species are involved. Algal blooms are often linked to eutrophication, a condition of water systems characterised by excessive concentrations of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus compounds. Algal blooms are a problem for water environments because they often lead to conditions of low oxygen concentration after the phytoplankton die and begin decomposing. Algal blooms of certain specific species are considered to be Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)

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References

  1. Lincoln R., Boxshall G. and Clark P. (1998). A Dictionary of Ecology, Evolution and Systematics (2nd Ed). Cambridge University Press: Cambridge, (England). 361pp.