Analysis of samples has established that a blue glow witnessed recently in and around the city's coastline was due to blooming of sea sparkle species, a National Centre for Coastal Research scientist said on Sunday.
After a blue glow, known as bioluminescence was witnessed here, samples were collected by the NCCR to establish various parameters and scientifically confirm the species behind it.
"We have confirmed that it is Noctiluca scintillans (sea sparkle) of dinoflagellate (unicellular organism)," an NCCR scientist told PTI.
The species grew in size in a matter of few days and were also seen in places including Akkarai, Tiruvanmiyur and Elliot's beaches, he said.
Tamil Nadu Dr J Jayalalitha Fisheries University Vice Chancellor S Felix had on August 20 said the blue glow may be due to the blooming of "non-toxic marine dinoflagellate species, called Noctiluca scintillans."
It is slimy in nature during heavy bloom since it contained "endosymbiotic (organism that lives in the cells of another organism) green algae species Pedinomonas sp."
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content