A "white blob" of discolored water lingering off the south coast of Sanibel Island since Sunday spurred local conservationists into action, with water quality scientists from the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation collecting samples Tuesday to determine the makeup of the milky green-white water.
Water quality experts theorized the cloudy water could be possible algal or phytoplankton bloom, a potential accumulation of calcium carbonate after a possible whiting event, or even especially turbid water.
Algal or plankton blooms could pose threats to marine wildlife, beaches, and swimmers. The Calusa Waterkeeper has reported the blob to state Department of Environmental Protection officials for investigation.
Water quality scientist Rick Bartleson with the SCCF joins Gulf Coast Live to share the what they found in the water samples taken from the "white blob," if the event is connected to other water quality issues in Southwest Florida, and how he and other water quality watchdogs will continue tracking the blob in the coming days.
