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Toxic Blue-Green Algae |
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Algae are commonly found in Indiana lakes and streams without concern,
however, the concentrated presence of blue-green algae can be
linked to some health effects.
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USGS Photo |
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USGS Photo |
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The following links contain some very useful information such as, what
algal blooms are, what causes them, and what can be done about them.
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IDEM
fact sheet for Blue-Green Algae
IUPUI
fact sheet for Blue-Green Algae
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Did
you know that . . .
- Blue-green algae occur throughout area lakes, reservoirs, and
streams and have for many years. There are numerous different
species present but recent years have seen both an increase in the
dominance of some species and the appearance of other species?
- Some blue-green algae are capable of producing toxins that have
potentially serious human, animal, and aquatic health effects; but,
not all blue-green algae produce toxins?
- In recent years, concerns regarding the production and
occurrence of blue-green algal toxins has grown in Indiana and
nationally. Reports of potentially-toxic blue-green algae in
Indiana include Geist, Morse, and Eagle Creek in Marion County,
Ball Lake in Steuben County, Lake Lemon and Monroe Reservoir in
Monroe County, and at least 20 other lakes and reservoirs statewide.
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What Causes Algal Blooms? Blue-green algae photosynthesize
the same as plants, they need:
- Sunlight
- Warm Water Temperature
- Nutrients (fertilizer!)
- Still Water Conditions
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What Can Be Done to Reduce Blooms?
- This is very difficult!
- Reduce Nutrient Fertilizer
- Algaecide Treatment
- Short-term solution
- Limited effectiveness
- Only possible before bloom is well developed
- Not advisable if toxin-producing species present
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What Can I Do if I Come in Contact with Blue-Green Algae?
- Everyone should be aware and use caution when swimming, skiing, or
participating in other recreational water activities. Avoid coming
into direct contact with the algae and try to avoid swallowing water.
- Direct contact with blue-green algae can cause skin irritations and
rashes. Drinking untreated water, intentional or accidental, may
result in gastrointestinal illness and more severe illness may occur
with the presence of microcystin toxin.
- Take a bath or shower with warm, soapy water after coming in contact
with untreated water in ponds and lakes, especially before preparing or
consuming food. Never drink, cook, or shower with untreated water
from lakes, ponds, or streams. Pets and livestock should also not
be allowed to swim in or drink untreated water from these sources.
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| For additional
information about toxic blue-green algae, visit the
State of Indiana's website the
IUPUI CEES website. |
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