There has been a dramatic increase in blue green algae blooms in Ontario in recent years. As a result many lakefront property owners are very concerned when they see blooms or floating masses which they think could be a bloom.
Where is blue-green algae found in Ontario?
In the Great Lakes, particularly in Lake Erie, Microcystis (also known as Cyanobacteria) blooms commonly occur in late summer and early fall.
What is the green stuff in Lake Ontario?
blue-green algae
Dense blue-green algae blooms may make the water look bluish-green, or like green pea soup or turquoise paint. Very dense blooms may form solid-looking clumps. Fresh blooms often smell like newly mown grass, while older blooms may smell like rotting garbage.
Are there algae blooms in Lake Ontario?
Even though Lake Ontario algal blooms may not be as large or consistent as those on Lake Erie, there are unique challenges to reducing the size of algal blooms and their frequency of occurrence in many bays along Lake Ontario’s coast.
How do I know if my lake has blue algae?
If the algae have formed a green ring at the top of the water, there is a strong possibility that your lake does have a blue- green algae community. If your lake or pond has a mat of green material floating on the surface, the stick test can help determine what it is.
What happens if you swim in a lake with blue-green algae?
Getting blue-green algae/microcystin on the skin may produce a rash, hives, or skin blisters (especially on the lips and under swimsuits). Swallowing water containing blue-green algae/microcystin may cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, severe headaches, and fever.
How long does it take for blue-green algae to make you sick?
Ingestion: Gastrointestinal (GI) effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and mild liver enzyme elevations. The time to onset of GI symptoms after oral exposure is usually 3–5 hours and symptoms can last 1–2 days. Exposure can cause conjunctivitis, rhinitis, earache, sore throat, and swollen lips.
Why is Lake Ontario so blue?
Lake Ontario is a dark shade of blue at its deepest points. The shallower water near the shoreline is lighter, and more brilliant the shades of blue and green become visible. Suspended and dissolved particles colour the water as well. Suspended particles are things like sediment and algae.
Is blue-green algae harmful to humans?
In their toxic form, blue-green algae can cause illness in humans, pets, waterfowl, and other animals that come in contact with the algae. Toxic blooms can kill livestock and pets that drink the water. Signs of a toxic bloom may include: Dead fish, waterfowl, or other animals.
How long does blue-green algae last in lakes?
A bloom may be present in one cove of a lake and not visible the next day. If the whole lake or pond has a bloom, they typically last for several weeks until conditions in the lake change and the algae die and decompose.
What happens if you swim in a lake with algae?
This includes vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, weakness, cramping and headaches. Symptoms can develop within a few hours of exposure. Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect you or your child has been exposed to a harmful algal bloom.
Which lakes have blue-green algae?
Three different locations on Windermere as well as one part of Bassenthwaite Lake have all confirmed the presence of blue-green algal blooms. Blue-Green Algae is a naturally occurring environmental phenomenon which becomes more likely during periods of warm, dry weather.
What time of year is blue-green algae?
Their appearance is sometimes described as a blue-green scum or foam and often accumulates at the edges of non-flowing fresh water such as ponds, lakes and reservoirs. They are most abundant during periods of hot, sunny weather and low rainfall in the mid-to-late summer months.
What naturally gets rid of blue-green algae?
Floating, Blue-Green algae cannot be mechanically or physically controlled, except by replacing the pond water. Exchange of water from a well or other source that does not have an algae bloom will dilute the algae in the pond.
What kills blue-green algae in lakes?
Copper sulfate
Copper sulfate can be used to kill the blue-green algae. This chemical, however, will also kill competing organisms such as green algae, which help keep blue-green algae in check. Copper does not break down, but remains in pond sediment, where it can affect pond ecology for many years.
Can you fish in a lake with blue-green algae?
These algae blooms are dangerous!
Blue-green algae blooms that occur in freshwater lakes and ponds can be directly toxic to fish and wildlife. The blooms produce a toxin that can kill fish and even mammals if ingested in large amounts. These toxins are released from the blue-green cells when they die and rupture.
What temperature kills blue-green algae?
When incubated in the light under 100% oxygen, wild-type blue-green algae (Anacystis nidulans, Synechococcus cedrorum) die out rapidly at temperatures of 4 to 15 C, and at 35 C (or at 26 C in the case of S. cedrorum) in the absence of CO(2). Photosynthesis is impaired in these cells long before they die.
What are the symptoms of blue algae poisoning?
Exposure to high levels of blue-green algae and their toxins can cause diarrhea, nausea or vomiting; skin, eye or throat irritation; and allergic reactions or breathing difficulties. Pet and livestock illness/deaths can happen if animals consume large amounts of water containing blooms, scums or benthic mats.
How do you test for blue-green algae in a lake?
A simple test you can do is the “stick test.” Find a sturdy stick; long enough to thrust into the surface mat without letting you fall in, and see what comes back out on it. If the stick comes out looking like you thrust it in a can of paint, the mat on your lake is likely to be a blue-green algae scum.
What happens if you touch blue-green algae?
Some species of blue-green algae produce harmful toxins which take effect when eaten, inhaled or skin contact is made. Contact with affected water can cause skin irritation, mild respiratory effects and hayfever-like symptoms.
What should I do if I drank algae in water?
Drinking or consuming harmful algae
If you are concerned for your health, see your GP immediately. Pets and livestock can also be affected by harmful algae. If you think that your animals are unwell, see your vet.