Unusual observations any sensible answers?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the unusual appearance of a uniform blue/violet film on the copper components of a domestic pond pump. Participants explore potential causes for this phenomenon, considering factors such as environmental changes, biological influences, and the properties of copper compounds.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that copper compounds are typically blue/green, questioning the unusual color observed and asking about the timeline of its development.
  • Another participant mentions the pump's long operational history and regular maintenance, suggesting that the color change might be linked to recent environmental conditions, such as a 5% drop in water level due to drought.
  • Some participants propose that new types of algae or bacteria could have been introduced to the pond, although they express skepticism about their presence on copper surfaces.
  • A participant inquires about the texture of the film, asking if it feels slimy or if it is merely a coloration, with the original poster confirming it is a deposit that can be easily rubbed off.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the cause of the blue/violet film, with multiple competing hypotheses presented and no definitive answers established.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights uncertainties regarding the introduction of new biological materials into the pond and the specific nature of the observed film, with no clear resolution on the underlying processes involved.

Caniche
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Any ideas what process/material could be responsible for a uniform blue/violet film deposited on the copper components of a domestic pond pump. (never occurred before, no new ;fauna/flora: food :treatments introduced ,rainwater fed )Just wondering what could have changed and how ,any thoughts much appreciated .
 
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Copper compounds are blue/green in general, so the color is not that surprising (although if it is in a pond I would expect something closer to green).

How long did it take for a color to develop? And how long was the pump in contact with water?

Not that I have any ideas, I am just poking with questions.
 
Cheers Borek. Not the colour of any copper compound I've ever come across ,indeed strikingly different hence the question.
The pump has been operating for 9 years and requires regular cleaning to remove organic debris from impeller blades. Roughly two weeks from the last clean prompted as usual by around two days of reduced flow so some heat build up but neither significant or unusual.
Water level has dropped in the last two weeks by around 5% due to drought but again this is not an irregular event.Any thoughts?
 
No idea.

The only thing I can think of is that perhaps new kinds of algae/bacteria can be transported into the pool by whatever means (birds, dust, whatever), I seem to recall similar case that I read about few years ago. Even then it would be rather surprising to see them on the copper.

Have you touched it? Is it slimy, or does it feel like just a coloration of the copper itself?
 
Borek said:
No idea.

The only thing I can think of is that perhaps new kinds of algae/bacteria can be transported into the pool by whatever means (birds, dust, whatever), I seem to recall similar case that I read about few years ago. Even then it would be rather surprising to see them on the copper.

Have you touched it? Is it slimy, or does it feel like just a coloration of the copper itself?

Everything in the pond is a tad slimy :smile:But just a deposit ,easily rubbed off with a thumb.
Considered the bird foot introduction possibility ,but no physical evidence of new mollusc population.
 

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