Hot summer raises red tide alert

Scientists express concern that summer's warming weather will increase the soap-like foam substance produced by algae in the Persian Gulf. Although tourists and residents may enjoy the beach, Mother Nature is struggling to find its way out the red algal bloom; experts are keeping a watchful eye on the situation. The phenomenon known as a 'red tide' is actually the result of an algal bloom, an event in which marine or fresh water algae accumulate rapidly in the water. The latest ecological studies reveal the bloom of the microorganism Cochlodinium polykrikoides is having serious effects on the Persian Gulf environment and ecosystem. The conditions warm bodies of water provide are even more ideal for the bloom. The speed of the spread depends on factors such as wind direction and water salinity too. Spring rains have played a helpful role in controling the dangerous phenomena by cooling down the weather. Before the rains, four to five million units of algae could be found in a liter of Persian Gulf water. After the spring rains, the number decreased to 50,000 units per liter. The speed at which the algae multiply can be deceiving. Iranian researchers are racing to find ways to stop the spread of the red tide before the ocean warms in spring and summer. The effect of excessive algae on fish can be lethal. It produces oxygen radicals which can damage fish gills, possibly leading to suffocation. Last year, the little creatures were to blame for 45 tons of dead fish; the damage inflicted on the Persian Gulf is estimated to be close to 500 million dollars.