Blue Green Algae
In a pond setting, blue-green algae may form as colored or tinted water, or a floating type of film or scum on the surface.
Another name for this creature is Cyanobacteria.
There are a number of species of Cyanobacteria, and each one has various traits or qualities that may make them somewhat unique.
Even though the family is classified as a form of bacteria, it
still represents a type of algae and therefore is contolled in the same
ways that all algae is.
It will thrive on high levels of organic nutrients like
phosphates and nitrates and it requires exposure to sunlight to produce
energy. For algae replication it's about as simple, and as complex as
that. This type of algae is one of the oldest forms of life on earth so
it's obviously adaptable and relatively efficient in using the resources
it needs to survive.
One common form of this species is Spirulina, which has become a
popular food supplement. In pond environments two species that are
commonly found are Oscillatoria and Anabaena.
In some varieties, the cells use air vacuoles to rise during
daylight and pick up energy from photosynthesis. At dusk, they will sink
to the bottom of the pond. It's the presence of these air bags that
allow ultrasound technology
to effectively treat some forms of blue-green algae. Vibrations
eventually rupture these bags which incapacitates the cell at the bottom
of the pond where it eventually dies off.
Even with it's many forms, blue-green algae can be controlled,
and although the methods and approaches may differ somewhat depending on
the species, there is hope for controlling pond algae if the pond owner is persistent with their efforts.