Algae to blame for murky water in Patong Bay

[rooster59]

Algae to blame for murky water in Patong Bay

Sukawin Tanthavanich

PHUKET: The cloudy green-colored surf off Patong Beach is a normal occurrence caused by an annual algae bloom, not pollution, officials confirmed today.

Vice Governor Kajornkiet Rakpanitmanee made the reassurances today after members of the public became concerned that untreated wastewater was to blame for the usually clear water in Patong Bay turning a muddy green-brown color in recent weeks.

“The water should be back to normal in the next two or three days,” said the vice governor after inspecting Patong’s wastewater treatment plant.

Engineering consultant for the Patong wastewater treatment plant, Phanuphong Wasasiri, confirmed that all the water being treated at the water works was safe and clean.

Full story: http://www.phuketgazette.net/phuket-news/Algae-blame-murky-water-Patong-Bay/63705?desktopversion#ad-image-0

-- Phuket Gazette 2016-04-17

[daoyai]

Algae bloom needs nitrogen... where does the nitrogen come from? ...never mind.

[Somtamnication]

Those two big sewer pipes from Kalim bay? These people are in so much self denial.

Edited April 16, 2016 by Somtamnication

[bassman]

Deny, deny and lie. As Daoyai says algae needs a food source to grow, sewage is a good source. And if it is a natural annual occurrence how would the v. governor know that it would be over in two or three days? Can't control nature...but could fix a raw sewage problem in that time.

[impulse]

Regardless of what's causing it, I doubt many people will travel 20-40 hours in hopes of sitting on the beach and frolicking in the muddy green brown water. At least not twice.

Lots of that closer to home. Cheaper, and don't have to burn up precious vacation days, either.

I wish computer monitors would come out with scratch and sniff capabilities so we can get a true sense of the debacle. Sounds like a $$$ market for Apple...

[Reigntax]

Ill be back in 5 to post a comment. Ive just learnt a new Thai phrase and am off to drop an algae bloom.

[cumgranosalum]

""Not pollution"???? - this is a case of only following the argument halfway. They identify what the color is but fail to follow up and answer WHY the algae are there.

algal blooms can be caused by changes in water quality/temperature etc - often these changes are man-made, especially by run-off from industry or on Phuket the tourist industry

Algae can be very damaging as they can block out clear sunlight that coral rely on on, they can poison or suffocate other marine life...or even land animals....so to say its just algae is NOT a proper answer but it IS a way to sweep it under the proverbial carpet.

[johnatong]

Here are some Facts !

https://www.water.wa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/3150/10085.pdf

[fester the benevolent]

Algae bloom needs nitrogen... where does the nitrogen come from? ...never mind.

Ooh, I know this one: Nitrogen comes from Burma!

What do I win?

[Tapster]

From johnatong's useful link:

In the long term, reducing nutrient inputs is the best preventive measure.

Catchment management to reduce soil loss and cut down the input of fertilisers and other pollutants is the key to reducing the incidence of algal blooms.

It's simple, really!

[cumgranosalum]

Here are some Facts !

https://www.water.wa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/3150/10085.pdf

the page seems primarily concerned with freshwater algal blooms but this paragraph is of interest to all..

"In waters that are used for recreation, even non-toxic cyanobacterial blooms can cause allergic skin reactions or contact dermatitis in sensitive people. Accidentally swallowing small volumes of water contaminated by toxic Cyanobacteria can cause headaches, stomach cramps, nausea and diarrhoea. " govt W.A.

forgot to mention run-off from agriculture as well

Edited April 17, 2016 by cumgranosalum

[trogers]

? Would see a similar bloom when I leave my swimming pool untreated for a few weeks...

[GAZZPA]

Deny, deny and lie. As Daoyai says algae needs a food source to grow, sewage is a good source. And if it is a natural annual occurrence how would the v. governor know that it would be over in two or three days? Can't control nature...but could fix a raw sewage problem in that time.

You read my mind, how would he know indeed.