Phosphates and Algal Blooms

Our Gray Area investigators were hot on a new trail today as they conducted various tests to determine if phosphate from fertilizer or manure might be causing an algal bloom in James Pond. With their eyes on the cattle ranch, small town, and golf course, they discovered algal blooms result from excessive algae growth and as the overabundant algae rots away it causes bacteria to use up all the oxygen in the water and causes negative effects on fish populations.  Ask your student who we discovered our new leading suspect to be!