Tracing Algal Blooms in a Reservoir

By XIAO DAI on Aug 13, 2025

Introduction

A 60,000 m² reservoir suffers from persistent algal blooms in its nutrient-poor tail region, threatening water quality and ecosystems. The Reservoir Algal Bloom Source Tracking Project uses high-resolution monitoring to identify the bloom’s origins.

The Issue: Unexplained Blooms

Algal blooms in this oligotrophic reservoir’s tail region are unexpected and poorly understood, complicating efforts to manage water quality and ecosystem health.

The Solution: High-Resolution Monitoring

The project employs advanced sampling to track bloom development, analyzing chlorophyll in water and sediment samples to trace the source with precision.

Findings: Rainfall-Driven Blooms

Heavy rainfall disturbs reservoir sediments, releasing chlorophyll that fuels rapid algal growth in the tail region, identifying sediment as the bloom’s primary source.

Why It Matters

This discovery enables targeted mitigation, like sediment stabilization, to reduce blooms, protect water quality, and guide management in similar reservoirs amid rising storm events.

Conclusion

The project reveals how rainfall triggers algal blooms via sediment disturbance, offering a model for managing water resources and ensuring ecosystem health.