Algae and Dead Duckling Found in Reflecting Pool During Cleanup

Visitors at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on Sunday afternoon observed a layer of yellow material on the pool floor and a dead duckling floating near the southeastern corner. An expert on algae who was in town for a water treatment conference described the conditions that promote algal growth and noted the presence of the duckling raised concerns about possible toxins.

Parks staff used suction hoses and nanobubble equipment to remove the algae while generators operated nearby. The treatment process involved applying an oxidant to burst algal cells. The same expert said the algae resulted from excess nutrients in the water rather than the pool's new lining.

She added that killing the cells without removing the nutrients could lead to renewed growth within a week.

The American Water Works Association's annual conference brought specialists in water purification and treatment to the city. Their presence coincided with the observed conditions at the pool. Initial reports indicated the algae were harmless, though further testing was recommended to check for cyanobacteria.