How does the decomposition of dead algae affect water quality?

The decomposition of dead algae plays a significant role in water quality, particularly concerning oxygen levels in aquatic environments. When algae die, they undergo a breakdown process facilitated by bacteria. This bacterial activity requires oxygen, which is consumed during decomposition. As bacterial populations increase to process the biomass, they deplete the dissolved oxygen levels in the water, leading to hypoxic conditions. Reduced oxygen levels can harm aquatic life, particularly fish and invertebrates, which depend on sufficient oxygen for survival.

This process also highlights how interactions in an ecosystem can have cascading effects, illustrating the importance of maintaining balanced nutrient levels to prevent excessive algal growth in the first place.