sammendicino
Pond Scum
This photo was taken on Monday, February 27 as I walked from the gym to hawks! This creek is located on the left hand side of the road if you look over the bank. Pictured is said creek, however, the thing that caught my attention was the almost frothy, orange scum floating on top of the water. After some research, I learned that this colored scum is formed from sheathed bacteria named Sphaerotilus natans. It turns out that this color scum is common in streams with a high iron concentrations. The bacteria has iron oxide accumulated within the sheath which is the reason for the orange coloring. The sheath acts as a protective layer from predators as well as allows for anchoring in flowing water to absorb the nutrients and food. This bacteria is also common in streams that receive de-icing fluids (ethylene glycol) which is toxic. If this is the case then it would be harmful to any animal trying to use the creek as a habitat or simply drinking water. It is common for water with this scum to have low levels of oxygen which would most likely not suit most animals and plants fundamental niche requirements.
Pond Scum
This photo was taken on Monday, February 27 as I walked from the gym to hawks! This creek is located on the left hand side of the road if you look over the bank. Pictured is said creek, however, the thing that caught my attention was the almost frothy, orange scum floating on top of the water. After some research, I learned that this colored scum is formed from sheathed bacteria named Sphaerotilus natans. It turns out that this color scum is common in streams with a high iron concentrations. The bacteria has iron oxide accumulated within the sheath which is the reason for the orange coloring. The sheath acts as a protective layer from predators as well as allows for anchoring in flowing water to absorb the nutrients and food. This bacteria is also common in streams that receive de-icing fluids (ethylene glycol) which is toxic. If this is the case then it would be harmful to any animal trying to use the creek as a habitat or simply drinking water. It is common for water with this scum to have low levels of oxygen which would most likely not suit most animals and plants fundamental niche requirements.