Phenomenon of water blooming: a review of international scientific literature

This article presents a comprehensive review of international scientific research on the phenomenon of water blooms in freshwater bodies. Water blooming, primarily caused by the excessive proliferation of cyanobacteria, is recognized as a major ecological issue that affects aquatic ecosystems globally. The study synthesizes findings from peer-reviewed literature across diverse climatic regions including temperate, subtropical, tropical, and polar zones. Special attention is given to hydrological and climatic factors influencing the development and persistence of harmful algal blooms (HABs), with a focus on their seasonal dynamics, biological composition, and environmental drivers. In temperate and subtropical regions, nutrient enrichment—particularly phosphorus and nitrogen—and elevated water temperatures have been identified as key contributors to bloom events. However, in tropical regions, the interplay between these factors is still under active investigation, with many studies highlighting the importance of additional variables such as zooplankton dynamics and thermal stratification. Research from South America, India, and China indicates that phosphorus availability remains a primary limiting factor, while thermal conditions can either amplify or suppress cyanobacterial dominance depending on morphotype and lake trophic status. The article further highlights the role of freeze–thaw cycles in high-latitude ecosystems, where spring algal blooms are often initiated by biogeochemical changes during the ice melt period. Studies from China suggest that phosphorus release from sediments during thawing may be more critical to bloom initiation than nitrogen concentrations. In contrast, European research emphasizes the importance of water level fluctuations, with submerged macrophytes playing a regulatory role in nutrient competition. Meanwhile, South Korean studies utilizing 3D hydrodynamic modeling show that internal hydraulic structures can significantly alter the spatial distribution and biomass of cyanobacteria, sometimes with unintended negative consequences. Across the reviewed studies, there is consensus on the urgent need for high-frequency monitoring of water quality, particularly in artificial reservoirs, where flow regulation and anthropogenic pressure exacerbate bloom risks. Effective management strategies include controlling external nutrient loads, manipulating aquatic vegetation, and applying localized circulation technologies. The comparative analysis reveals that the patterns and drivers of water blooming observed in international studies largely correspond to those documented in Ukraine. This similarity underscores the global nature of eutrophication processes and the need for integrated, multidisciplinary approaches to understanding and mitigating harmful algal blooms. Collaboration between Ukrainian and international scientific communities is vital for advancing research methodologies and implementing effective environmental policies to address water bloom phenomena under changing climatic conditions.