In the Hildesheim Forest near Sibbesse, Lower Saxony, a pond has turned purple. The reason for this is purple bacteria.
A pond in Sibbesse, Germany, is currently causing question marks. Because it’s purple. In general, there are various reasons for the discoloration of a body of water. In this case, it is assumed that the reason for this is bacteria that have spread in the pond, as reported by ntv.
The Lower Saxony State Agency for Water Management, Coastal Defense and Nature Conservation (NLWKN) explains: “Such typical discolorations often have the background that microorganisms, small creatures, are active there, and these are very likely purple bacteria here.”
This type of bacteria mostly occurs when the condition of the water body is not optimal. It often only affects small bodies of water. But it can also occur in deep lakes if there is too little oxygen in certain layers.
Bathing not recommended
The discoloration caused by the bacteria is caused by the natural coloring agent carotenoids. This supports photosynthesis, whereby inorganic substances, such as bacteria, produce organic substances such as oxygen.
Although the bacterium is not as toxic as blue-green algae, for example, experts still advise against using the pond for swimming at the moment. (lrc)