During which season does blue-green algae dominate in a pond treatment system?

Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, typically dominate pond treatment systems during the summer months. This is primarily due to favorable environmental conditions such as increased sunlight, warmer temperatures, and nutrient availability, which encourage their growth.

In the summer, the temperature of the water rises, promoting ideal conditions for these algae to flourish. The increased sunlight enhances photosynthesis, allowing blue-green algae to outcompete other types of algae and phytoplankton in the water. Additionally, the potential for nutrient runoff from surrounding land into the pond often peaks in late spring or early summer, providing further sustenance for blue-green algae.

Other seasons present different conditions: spring may see initial growth of various algal species as temperatures rise, fall typically brings cooler temperatures and reduced sunlight, while winter generally results in lower metabolic activity in aquatic ecosystems, limiting algal growth overall. Thus, the summer months provide the most conducive environment for blue-green algae to dominate.