Alert Issued for Blue-Green Algae: Select Brandenburg Lakes Affected
Blue-green algae spoiling the summer fun in Brandenburg lakes
Germany (dpa/bb) - Swimming in some Brandenburg lakes may not be as enjoyable as anticipated due to the presence of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria). Let's dive into the dos and don'ts for a safe experience in these lakes.
In the Ostprignitz-Ruppin district, two lakes have been affected, according to authorities, and swimming in one lake in the Märkisch-Oderland district was already advised against due to blue-green algae in May. The Dahme-Spreewald district has issued warnings for blue-green algae at eleven swimming spots.
Blue-green algae form blue-green, streaky formations in the water and can make it appear turbid. A common sight in lakes and rivers during hot weather, blue-green algae can cause skin irritation and nausea, making swimming an unpleasant experience.
Warm temperatures and nutrient-rich waters in Potsdam are known to increase the occurrence of algae and blue-green algae, with some algal growth already recorded in the Potsdam lakes.
Safety Measures
Several guidelines have been established for swimmers during blue-green algae blooms:
- Monitoring and Public Communication: Authorities regularly monitor lakes for the presence of harmful algae, especially toxic blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), and provide updates on water quality through official websites and public notices.
- Swimming Allowed Unless Notified: Swimming is generally permitted unless official warnings are issued due to the detection of toxic blue-green algae or unsafe levels of contamination.
- Avoid Swimming in Visible Blooms: If visible blue-green algae scums (green, blue, or reddish surface films) are present, swimming and water contact should be avoided.
Additional Recommendations
- Consult Official Information: Always check the latest updates from the local health authority or the municipality before visiting a lake.
- Special Groups: Children, pets, and individuals with sensitive skin or respiratory conditions should avoid entering water with suspected or confirmed blooms.
- Prohibited Areas: Swimming is not permitted in certain water bodies regardless of algae presence.
Stay informed and keep safe as you enjoy your summer swimming in Brandenburg lakes!
[1] Brandenburg Health Department[2] Berlin Water Quality Test Results
Here are two sentences that contain the given words and follow from the provided text:
- To maintain a healthy and welcoming environment for all, it's crucial to implement preventive measures in addressing not only blue-green algae but also climate change, as they significantly impact the quality of water in Brandenburg lakes, further affecting the practice of environmental science and health-and-wellness.
- Moreover, advancing in the realm of science, particularly environmental science, can help us gain a better understanding of climate change and its effects on the growth and spread of blue-green algae in Brandenburg lakes, leading to more efficient strategies to mitigate their harmful impacts during the hot summer months.
