Algal bloom caused greenish water in Taal Lake, DENR says

BATANGAS CITY, Philippines (The Filipino Connection) — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Calabarzon identified on Wednesday a natural phenomenon called algal bloom as the reason behind the greenish color of water that was observed in the Taal Lake in the previous days.

An algal bloom is a rapid increase or accumulation in the population of algae in freshwater or marine water systems.

Acting PENRO and current Taal protected areas supervisor Noel Recillo said that the lake’s greenish color has been observed since June 2 particularly in the areas of Balete, Mataas na Kahoy, Lipa, Cuenca, Talisay, Agoncillo, Laurel and Tanauan City.

Upload photos and videos of said greenish water in the lake went viral in social media the past days.

Recilo, however, said that the lake’s changing colors was caused by a natural phenomenon characterized by the “growth of blue green algae,” due to enrichment of nutrients.

“This does not mean nor does it indicate that the Taal Volcano ay erupt,” Recilo said in a press statement quoting the findings of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Inland Fisheries Technology Outreach Station (BFAR – IFTOS).

Meanwhile, DENR said that Taal Lake’s dissolved oxygen, remains at normal levels between 5.0 to 7.0 parts per million.

Scientists say dissolved oxygen is one of the most important indicators of water quality as it is essential for the survival of fish and other aquatic organisms. When dissolved oxygen becomes too low, fish and other aquatic organisms cannot survive.

The DENR likewise advised the general public that swimming in the lake and other related activities are temporarily prohibited due to possible health hazards which include skin irritation that it may cause.  

The Filipino Connection is a regional partner of Philstar.com.