Algae found in the Mississippi River
Thursday, August 1, 2013, 2:54 PM -
Crews in Illinois have described a dark green sheen recently spotted floating along part of the Mississippi River a "John Deer" algae.
Some believe the company may have polluted the waterway, leading to the algal bloom.
John Deere sent scientists to run tests on the substance.
The company, which is known for its farming equipment, released a statement saying it has its own water waste treatment process, and it doesn't lead into the Mississippi river.
Meanwhile, scientists have found a dead zone the size of Connecticut in the Gulf of Mexico.
According to NOAA the oxygen deficiency, or hypoxia, is spurred by runoff from human activity and agriculture. This creates an abundance of algae that sinks and depletes oxygen as it decomposes.
The size of dead zones - and algal blooms - fluctuate each year, depending on weather conditions and the amount of runoff.
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