Pond Boss Forums AQUATIC VEGETATION Controlling unwanted plants Rusty Film

This is not exactly about controlling unwanted plants, but it is about something on the surface of my pond. This afternoon I noticed long bands of a rusty colored oily type substance snaking its way around my pond. It clings to my fingers but I don't detect a petroleum smell, though it looks for all the world like the oil slicks you see in a water puddle in a heavy equipment parking lot. There is lots of pollen in my woods right now, but that usually shows up a yellowish/green on the pond's surface. This is definitely rusty looking. Any idea what it might be?

bump. I have no idea.

Sounds like EUGLENA
Usually not a long-term concern, except the impact on cosmetics.

Probably some form or species of algae as Kelly indicated. Euglena can produce what you describe plus other features depending on the species. Microscopic examination of the surface material will provide acurate answers.

git, tell me about the color of your water, natural or dye as I really cant tell. In the northern areas this color in the warmer months could be from a dye with both blue and yellow acid. Just curious.

Hey Ted. The photos were mine, from another pond near Houston.

Thanks Kelly

I may have found another possibility. This from an envionmental firm that does studies in the Great Lakes area:
"First of all, have you ever seen a stream, wetland, pond or ditch with a rust-colored substance all over the bottom and sides? Commonly, if you see this substance you may also see an oily film on the surface of the water. Although this looks like pollution, it is actually not. In areas that have iron-rich water, ground water seepage, and low flow, naturally occurring bacteria called Iron Bacteria oxidize iron for energy. The by-product is ferric iron, which becomes iron oxide when it is exposed to air and water. Iron Bacteria are not known to pose any environmental or human health risk."

Normally iron oxide percipitate does not float and it accumulates on underwater surfaces. If your pond does not have underground seepages flowing into it I doubt you have iron bacteria and iron oxide. Although anything is possible. See this link for an example.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Iron_hydroxide_precipitate_in_stream.jpg