Learn the effects of cyanobacteria in 6 minutes

What do dog deaths  in Fredericton, a State of Emergency  in Salem, Oregon, and vacuuming lakes  in Florida all have in common?

All of these events over the past year have been triggered by microscopic organisms called cyanobacteria.

Knowing how to spot cyanobacteria in water can help you and your pets avoid serious health effects when swimming.

"Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, are photosynthetic bacteria naturally present in surface waters in low or moderate numbers."

• Cyanobacteria can occur as single cells or in groups, such as colonies (bunches) or filaments (long threads).

• Buoyant cyanobacteria, such as anabaena and microcystis, may float upward when mixing is weak and accumulate in dense areas, which we call surface blooms.

Environmental factors that cause the growth of cyanobacteria include:

• High concentrations of phosphorus (> 25–50 µg total phosphorus per litre): fertilizers from farms are washed into lakes and streams.

• High water temperature (> 25 °C): the ocean naturally absorbs heat but the build-up of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere increases the amount.

• Temperature gradient: as lakes melt in the spring, water near the surface warms faster than deep water.

Breathing in or swallowing cyanobacteria can cause negative health effects in humans:

Brain

• headaches

• drowsiness

• loss of coordination

• speech difficulties

Body

• fever

• muscle aches & weakness

• mouth blisters, skin rash, irritation in the eyes, nose & throat

Respiratory

• shortness of breath

• dry cough

• pneumonia

• sore throat

Digestive

• abdominal pain & cramps

• nausea

• vomiting

• diarrhea

Organs

• kidney damage or disfunction

• liver inflammation

Nervous System

• sensations of tingling, burning, or numbness

It can also harm your pets — leading to liver failure, respiratory paralysis, or death — so keep an eye out for these symptoms:

• coughing, shortness of breath, or other breathing difficulties

• fatigue

• convulsions

Help your local authorities spot cyanobacteria so they can treat it and keep your local water supply safe for swimming and drinking!

If you see cyanobacteria on the surface of a body of water in your area: