Water and Wastewater Terms Beginning A

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z

algae (AL-jee)

Microscopic plants containing chlorophyll that live floating or suspended in water. They also may be attached to structures, rocks, or other submerged surfaces. Excess algal growths can impart tastes and odors to potable water. Algae produce oxygen during sunlight hours and use oxygen during the night hours. Their biological activities appreciably affect the pH, alkalinity, and dissolved oxygen (DO) of the water.