Rapid Fire
Algal Blooms in River Thames
- 03 Mar 2025
- 2 min read
A study has revealed that climate change is increasing the risk of algal blooms in the River Thames (England) despite an 80% reduction in phosphorus loads over four decades.
- An algal bloom is the overgrowth of microscopic algae or algae-like bacteria in fresh, salt, or brackish waters.
Key Findings:
- Rising river temperature is driving the growth of spring diatom blooms and summer cyanobacterial (blue-green algae) blooms, which deplete oxygen, harm aquatic life, and increase drinking water treatment costs.
- Algal blooms also restrict recreational activities like fishing and swimming.
- Despite an 80% reduction in phosphorus since 1985, its concentration remains above safe limits, sustaining algal growth.
- Excess nitrogen and phosphorus block sunlight and deplete oxygen, threatening marine ecosystems.
River Thames:
- It is 346 km long (Longest in England, second longest in the UK after River Severn).
- It originates from Thames Head, Gloucestershire, and drains into the North Sea via the Thames Estuary, with Nore sandbank at its mouth.
- London is on the bank of Thames.
- It supplies two-thirds of London’s drinking water and has been a vital trade route.
| Read More: Red Tide, Plankton Crash |
