Marine scientists have reported an unprecedented plankton bloom in parts of the Gulf of Thailand, where plankton levels are more than 10 times the normal amount. This bloom has turned the water a striking green hue and is causing extensive harm to marine ecosystems. Plankton, comprising phytoplankton and zooplankton, form the base of the marine food web. Phytoplankton, tiny plant organisms use photosynthesis to convert sunlight into energy and produce oxygen. Zooplankton, including various small animals, feed on phytoplankton. Plankton blooms occur when sunlight and nutrients are abundant, leading to a rapid increase in plankton density and a change in water color.
Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims
- Phytoplankton: Microscopic plant organisms in the plankton community that perform photosynthesis, converting sunlight into energy and producing oxygen. They are essential for marine ecosystems.
- Zooplankton: Microscopic animals found in plankton, including krill, sea snails, and jellyfish. They form a vital part of the marine food chain, primarily feeding on phytoplankton.
- Plankton Bloom: A rapid increase in the population of phytoplankton due to abundant sunlight and nutrients, leading to a visible change in the color of the water. These blooms can have profound ecological impacts.
- Gulf of Thailand: A shallow inlet of the South China Sea bordered by Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. It receives freshwater and sediments from several significant rivers, making it ecologically diverse but vulnerable to environmental changes.
- Chao Phraya River: A major river discharging freshwater and sediments into the Gulf of Thailand. It plays a crucial role in shaping the gulf’s ecosystem and is vital for agriculture and transportation in Thailand.
