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Crews Battle Algae Bloom in Washington's Newly Repainted Reflecting Pool
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia /Environment & Climate

Crews Battle Algae Bloom in Washington's Newly Repainted Reflecting Pool

From Asharq Al-Awsat · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Crews are treating an algae bloom in Washington's Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool with hydrogen peroxide and nanobubble ozone technology.
  • The treatment follows a recent repainting of the pool as part of a renovation project directed by President Trump.
  • Experts note hydrogen peroxide is a common, short-term algae fix but may not prevent future blooms.

Crews are battling an algae bloom in the newly repainted Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, a week after its surfaces were refreshed as part of a renovation project initiated by President Donald Trump. Workers were observed adding hydrogen peroxide to the visibly green water of the historic basin on the National Mall.

It's most harmful to animals that are 100% in the water.

— Christopher GoblerChristopher Gobler, a professor at Stony Brook University, discusses the potential effects of hydrogen peroxide on the pool's wildlife.

The Interior Department stated that the pool is undergoing treatment with "high-tech nanobubble ozone technology" designed to eliminate algae, E. coli, and other contaminants. Hydrogen peroxide, described as a "milder treatment than chlorine," is also being used, according to the department. This chemical is commonly found in spas and natural swimming pools.

There's always going to be a rebound of the algae.

— Christopher GoblerChristopher Gobler expresses skepticism about the long-term effectiveness of the algae treatment.

Christopher Gobler, a professor at Stony Brook University specializing in harmful algal blooms, confirmed that hydrogen peroxide is a standard, short-term solution for algae. He noted it poses minimal health risks to the pool's waterfowl but could create low-oxygen conditions harmful to fish. Gobler cautioned that it might not be a permanent fix, predicting that the algae will likely rebound.

a milder treatment than chlorine

— Interior Department spokespersonThe Interior Department describes the use of hydrogen peroxide in treating the reflecting pool.

The reflecting pool was refilled earlier in June after being drained, cleaned, and resurfaced. The bottom of the pool was repainted in a shade President Trump refers to as "American flag blue."

American flag blue

— Donald TrumpThe color chosen by President Trump for the repainted bottom of the reflecting pool.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Asharq Al-Awsat. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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