Ko Lan Waters Turn Bright Green as Plankton Bloom Hits Popular Thai Island
Waters around Thailand’s popular Ko Lan island near Pattaya turned bright green as a Noctiluca plankton bloom spread along parts of the coastline. Researchers say recent heavy rain and flooding may have increased nutrient-rich runoff into the Gulf, while warmer waters can intensify blooms and reduce dissolved oxygen levels.
Scientists warn that when dense plankton blooms die, decomposition consumes oxygen and can create hypoxic “dead zones” unable to support some marine life. Researchers say low-oxygen conditions in the inner Gulf of Thailand have become more severe, while discoloured water is also discouraging tourists from swimming.
Researchers from Burapha University are collecting water samples and monitoring oxygen levels around Ko Lan. Blooms normally last two to three days, but scientists will watch for worsening hypoxia and impacts on marine ecosystems as runoff from recent flooding reaches the Gulf.
Late Sept: Severe flooding affects Bangkok and central Thailand
Freshwater and runoff flow toward Gulf
Early Oct: Ko Lan waters turn green
Researchers identify Noctiluca bloom
Next: Monitoring for plankton die-off and low-oxygen conditions.
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1. freemalaysiatoday.comView Original
