What influence do algae have on dissolved oxygen at night?

During the night, algae undergo a process known as respiration, where they consume oxygen rather than producing it through photosynthesis, which only occurs during daylight when sunlight is available. This respiration process can lead to a decrease in dissolved oxygen levels in the water. As algae utilize the available dissolved oxygen for their metabolic processes, it can create a deficit, especially in water bodies with high algae populations. This dynamic is particularly concerning for aquatic life, as lower dissolved oxygen levels can create stress for fish and other organisms that rely on adequate oxygen for survival. Thus, the influence of algae at night is characterized by a decrease in dissolved oxygen.