What is all that foam that accumulates in streams.?

Question

I have noticed this mostly in streams near human development, like when walking in a park or something.

Answer 1

There's a number of possibilities - in general, anything that alters the properties of water enough to result in easier foam formation is a candidate, but this includes a broad range of substances, both natural and man-made. Plant oils & silt or clay are two common possibilities; turbulence in the body of water (waves or rapid flow over rough terrain) will increase the formation of foam. Some industrial pollutants will also produce foam, but it's hard to tell whether it's the result of pollution or if it's natural just via inspection.

Answer 2

Foam suds happen when the elments of soap are present. These can be natural and can be a sign of pollution.

The water near my home has a naturally high pH and an algae that has some vegetable fat in it's makeup.

Fat + alkaline = soap.

Answer 3

Like packaging foam or foam on the water?

Answer 4

Usually its just minerals loosened or eroded from the rocks and soil, you will find the same deep in the woods.

Answer 5

Most are naturally occurring proteins and impurities in the water.

Answer 6

its either only bubbles, but if the bubbles are in groups and is yellow or a orangish looking, its from a dead animal that decomposed

please choose me as best answer

Answer 7

yea thats high bacteria levels you'll see at the beach near the ocean to you should eat it and see if you trip

Answer 8

it can be anything from fat (dead animal fats) to detergant foam.

Answer 9

its called pollution