The Blob Attacks: Algae Bloom Blankets China’s Yellow Sea
Chinese children swim along the algae-filled coastline of Qingdao, in eastern China’s Shandong province on July 17, 2011. Green algae continues to spread in waters off China’s east coastline and although not poisonous, it can hinder the fishing industry and tourism in affected areas.
A massive bloom of green algae is floating towards China's east coast, state media reported Wednesday. China's Xinhua news service said that the green blob has already spread to almost 7,400 square miles and is expected to grow.
While the algea is not poisonous, it sucks oxygen from the water threatening marine life and jeopardizing the region's tourism industry.
In August 2008, a large algae bloom threatened the sailing competition of the Olympic Games in the city of Qingdao in Shandong province. Up to 10,000 soldiers and volunteers were called up to clear more than a million tonnes of the foul-smelling algae.
An algae bloom also hit Qingdao in 2009 and 2010.
Chinese coastal waters often contain high levels of nitrates caused by agricultural and industrail runoff, according to the New York Times. The buildup of nitrates often contributes to the growth of algea. Scientists, however, are still baffled as to why algae has spread so far and wide, so quickly.