Beachgoers frolicking in swathes of green algae on the beach in Qingdao in the eastern Shandong province.
Around 20,000 tonnes of the green algae has already been removed from the beach in the last few days with the coast swamped in green since early last month.But the algae is likely to do no harm to those swimming in it – it is non poisonous Enteromorpha prolifera, an edible seaweed which is even praised for its health benefits.
The form of algae, known as sea lettuce, is said to be rich in magnesium and many other nutrients, a vitamin-rich food source that can help improve skin and lower blood pressure.
This particular type of seaweed can grow up to 50cm in length, typically growing near the shore, on rocks or other algae, on open coasts or in estuaries and harbours.
Officials have blamed warm seas for bringing in the algae in the past, but many scientists blame pollution for the phenomenon.
Some experts say that the algae blooms in water with high levels of nutrients blaming farmers using too much fertiliser on their crops and cities falling to treat sewage properly.
I – Word Understanding
Frolicking in swathes – to have fun in a row line of grass.
Enteromorpha prolifera – a substantial amount of algae.
Estuaries – a harbor unique plant because their waters are mixed of salty and fresh water.
Phenomenon – a fact or situation that is observed to exist or happen.
II – Have your say
1. Green algae as many Asian believed has lots of nutrients to make the skin younger.
The algae grew on human sewage and industrial wastes and alike. Wouldn’t you be terrified to soak in your body in about 20, tonnes of green algae?
2. A few years ago, the human created runoff from the rivers at Shanghai, China, caused billions of huge “Echizen” jellyfish to bloom and float with the ocean currents towards Japan, seriously endangering the Japanese ocean aqua-farming industry.
3. As American enviromentalists say, Chinese central government has too little control over pollution reduction.However, most of the manufacturing companies in China are American owned. Isn’t Americans are leading the world in a fog?
