News Microbes

New science on algae die-offs is too late for the Reflecting Pool

A chaotic process called ferroptosis could cause some algal bloom collapses

A photo taken from the perspective of the surface of the Reflecting Pool, with green algae covering the water and the Lincoln Memorial showing in the background

The algae in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool bloomed seemingly overnight. Algal blooms also collapse suddenly, and for at least one type of algae scientists have now found a clue as to why: A chemical reaction between iron and hydrogen peroxide that explodes their cells.

OLIVER CONTRERAS/AFP/Getty Images

By Bethany Brookshire

The newly painted Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C.