COMMON DUCKWEED
Duckweed is an invasive lake / pond plant unrelated to algae . From afar , it can appear algae-like , particularly when it aggregates when blown to the water ’ s edge . Closer inspection reveals that each speck is an individual flattened floating leaf that is only 2 to 5 millimeters across ! In contrast , blue-green algae have no leaves .
Although non-native , our lakes and ponds can benefit from it as the aquatic plant : 1 . Purifies the water 2 . Limits algae growth by shading the water column 3 . Provides habitat / refuge for small animals 4 . Provides fish with an excellent source of protein 5 . Reduces evaporation
Duckweed is commonly observed in Lake Anita Louise and Lake Merle but is likely present somewhere in all of Lake Linganore ’ s lakes and ponds .
ALGAE ( NON-TOXIC )
Algae are part of the natural ecosystem . Algae are essential to all lakes . At the base of the food web , algae directly or indirectly support the whole biological community in and around our lakes and ponds . Many species of algae naturally occur in lakes . The type of algae and their populations within a given lake reflect the available nutrients , water clarity , temperature , acidity , time of year , and abundance of grazers that eat algae .
Some algae are floating microscopic plants ( planktonic algae ), and these algae give our lakes their green hues . Other algae grow attached to rocks and break off in clumps that may appear brown or green and stringy ( filamentous algae ). And some algae may look like long green hairs , green clumps , yellowish clouds , or gelatinous brown balls . Algae mats resembling wet wool can rise to the surface to form pond scum . While these algae mats are good habitats for micro-and macro-invertebrates , they can adversely affect oxygen levels and fish health . These non-toxic algae generally do not form paint-like oily slicks like the potentially toxin-releasing blue green algae ( cyanobacteria ).
Connect with FoL • Facebook : Friends of the Lake * Lake Linganore at Eaglehead • Email : FriendsofLakeLinganore @ gmail . com
LakeTalk August 2022 11