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Amid the scorching summer heat, green algae overly thrives in reservoirs in the western region of the island.
The reservoir in (용수리) Yongsu-ri had to be stopped from irrigating farms due to algae contamination.
Joseph Kim reports.

Report


This is one of the rare reservoirs in Jeju.
It is frequently visited by locals and tourists for its picturesque view.
But the water looks like spilled green paint because of the green algae.


Along the edge of the reservoir, green algae blooms form clusters and are attached to rocks.
Green algae has been observed in this reservoir for the first time in two years.


Algae consumes nutrients that include nitrogen or phosphorus along with dissolved oxygen.
Therefore, excessive inflow of nutrients into water causes negative effects on the ecosystem and turns the water color to green.

The chlorophyll content of the reservoir in (수산리) Susan-ri implies that the algal cell count is currently right under 70 mg/㎥. The alert level is at “caution.”
However, the content of nitrogen and other nutrients that support the growth of algae is recorded at more than double the limit.



The conditions of reservoirs in the (한림) Hallim area are more serious.


Algal blooms have been observed at a reservoir in (용수리) Yongsu-ri from May.
The reservoir stopped irrigating nearby parched farms as its water is contaminated with green algae.


Algal blooms are observed almost every year, but tiny organisms have won the war against them.


The Korea Rural Community Corporation which manages water quality for reservoirs hasn’t achieved the desired results from spraying algaecide and installing aquatic plants for algae control.


Green algae blooms are quickly invading local reservoirs amid the scorching summer heat.
Investigation on livestock manure discharged from nearby animal farms and wastewater discharging facilities are needed along with regular water quality monitoring.
Joseph Kim, KCTV