|
|
Blue-green algae are bacteria that grow in shallow, warm, slow moving or still water such as fresh water lakes, ponds and wetlands. Their scientific name is cyanobacteria but they are more commonly known as pond scum. They are photosynthetic bacteria, which means they need light to survive. The first known species were blue-green in colour, which is how the algae got their name. The bacteria can range in colour from olive-green to red.
 |
When the conditions are favourable (hot, calm weather), most often in July and August, the numbers of algae can increase dramatically. This can create large numbers of blue-green algae called blooms. When the blooms rise to the surface of the water, they cover the surface of the water and can look like thick pea soup, often blue-green in colour. Although these blooms occur naturally, water bodies enriched with plant nutrients from municipal, industrial or agricultural sources are more likely to have these growths. |
Some blue-green algal blooms can be toxic or poisonous if swallowed by wildlife, livestock or people.
There are two types of toxins or poisons in some blue-green algae:
People are at risk from the toxic effects of some blue-green algae in untreated drinking water.
During a blue-green algal bloom, water looks and smells bad. Adults or older children will not likely drink this water. However, younger children may be less careful, or unaware of the dangers of drinking water with blue-green algal blooms.
If you drink water with toxic blue-green algae, you may have symptoms such as fever, sore throat, dizziness, stomach cramps, diarrhea or vomiting. These symptoms may last for several days. If you swim in contaminated water you may get itchy and irritated eyes and skin.
If you might have come in contact with blue-green algae toxins and have any of these symptoms, rinse any scum off your body and see your doctor right away.
If livestock or other domestic animals have no other source of drinking water, they may be poisoned by drinking water from open water bodies, such as lakes or ponds, contaminated with toxic strains of blue-green algae.
The most common poisonings occur among cattle. In some cases, wind may blow the algae floating on the surface towards the shoreline. Some livestock may wade out into the lake beyond the bloom before they drink, and they may not be affected. Young livestock usually drink closer to the shore and are more likely to be poisoned.
Most blooms are short-lived. An affected area will be safe again likely in a few days or a week or two. If you are uncertain about the quality of the water, contact your local Ministry of Environment regional office.
Some blue-green algal blooms are more toxic than others so all blooms should be treated with caution.
One of the first signs of toxic blue-green algae in a body of water is the presence of stressed, sick or dead wildlife, waterfowl or livestock along the shoreline. If you see any dead or distressed animals along a shoreline, especially with an algal bloom, contact the nearest public health unit and the nearest Ministry of Environment regional office.
English