Black algae microbial community analysis from swimming pools

Despite the widespread recognition of black algae as a persistent issue for swimming pool operators, primarily due to its significant aesthetic impact, there is surprisingly little scientific research on the biological characterization of its causative agents. Here we present the microbial community analysis (16S rRNA amplicon sequencing) from biofilms obtained from 15 swimming pools in Mallorca, Spain. Our analysis identifies filamentous cyanobacteria, primarily from the order Leptolyngbyales and, to a lesser extent, Phormidesmiales, as the main contributors to this issue.