Harmful Algae Blooms (HAB)
In general most algae is not harmful but when certan types grow faster then usual they become visible and generate toxins that can harm plants, animals and the ecosystem.Algae blooms grow really fast, depleting oxygen and blocking sunlight. The blooms can be many colours from green through to orange and when they occur in the ocean they are referred to as 'Red Tides'. The blooms can appear in freshwater or in the ocean but wherever they are found they have a negetive effect on the ecosystem. Fortunally only a few dozen types of algae out of the thousands that exist are harmful and out of those only three are dangerous to humans.
Cyano bacteria contanimates drinking water and lakes. Drinking or swimming in contanimated water might cause stomach flu, skin irratations or possibly liver damage.
The HABs which which release toxins that can harm or kill fish if inhaled can cause asthma attacks or if contanimated fish is ingested it may cause stomach flu or tingling fingers and toes.
There is a type of algae that is found in estuaries, which causes a large amount of dead fish, is called Pfiesteria piscicda. Although there is no evidence of this algae harming humans, exposure may cause headaches, rashes and skin irratations in humans.
By James Browne
Cyano bacteria contanimates drinking water and lakes. Drinking or swimming in contanimated water might cause stomach flu, skin irratations or possibly liver damage.
The HABs which which release toxins that can harm or kill fish if inhaled can cause asthma attacks or if contanimated fish is ingested it may cause stomach flu or tingling fingers and toes.
There is a type of algae that is found in estuaries, which causes a large amount of dead fish, is called Pfiesteria piscicda. Although there is no evidence of this algae harming humans, exposure may cause headaches, rashes and skin irratations in humans.
By James Browne